CT Patch Candidate Profile: Mike Smith For Milford Board Of Aldermen

MILFORD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Mike Smith, a Democrat, is a Milford resident running for Board of Aldermen.

Occupation:

Government Relations

Family:
I have a 9 year old daughter who is attending Calf Pen Elementary School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
While there are a lot of "Smiths" on the ballot this year the only one I am related to is Pete Smith who is the City Clerk and my father.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Currently Serving on the Milford Board of Education since 2023, prior to that I served on the Milford Zoning Board of Appeals.

Why are you seeking this office?
To help make our community an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Taxes. I will work hard to ensure our residents continue to receive services from the city that they have come to expect while minimizing tax increases. That can be achieved through careful oversight of city operations as well as increasing growth to expand the tax base - especially on the commercial side of the ledger.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Everyone has different life experiences. I am lucky to have grown up in Milford and proud to be raising my daughter here. My work on the Board of Education has been focused on making our school system stronger. My focus is on continuing to work hard to make Milford a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family.

As a 17 year cancer survivor when I'm not working I spent a lot volunteering and raising money for cancer non-profits. I do what I can to help make the fight easier for those currently going through cancer treatment.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Beyond taxes and driving efficiencies into government, I spend time hearing and discussing school development and planning, smart growth and development, recreation (beaches, parks etc), as well as other topics.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Since finishing graduate school 15 years ago, I have been involved in numerous community organizations and non profits, from general membership all the way through serving on the Boards of some.

The past two years on the Board of Education has been an honor. It was moving to hear the concerns of parents and residents. To see the interest in the long range planning work that Board has begun. This is an exciting opportunity for Milford to chart the path for the next several decades as it pertains to the school system.

It has been an honor to be a part of that process. I now hope to earn the privilege of serving on the Board of Alderman and helping solve problems for the city in that capacity.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Work hard, don't be a jerk

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am lucky to have grown up in Milford and proud to call it my home. I'm always happy to listen and discuss anything on your mind. I hope to earn the privilege of serving on the Board of Aldermen. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will work hard to serve our community and make it stronger and an even better place to live, work and raise a family.