Patch Candidate Profile: Buddy Prete, Milford Board of Aldermen

MILFORD, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Milford, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Milford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Buddy Prete, 51, is running for a seat on the Board of Aldermen in Milford to represent the 1st District as a Republican Candidate.

Education.

B.S. Finance - Minor Marketing

What is your occupation?

Owner of Ultimate Interiors, Inc. for 31 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Wife - Christina

Kids - Makenna and Matthew

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have a deep commitment to the betterment and economic development of Milford.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Public safety - The continued rise in crime will require our attention on day 1. I plan on working with our Police and Fire to make sure they are adequately funded and retaining their staff.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I pride myself on my willingness and ability to work with all parties for the common good. My many years of community involvement as a member of Milford civic and professional organizations gives me the edge when dealing with the different leaders throughout our city.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Not proactively addressing issues in the 1st district.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Stabilizing our budget, supporting our education system, and preserving and protecting Milford's historic charm.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

• Running a successful business
• Jonathan Law Key Club member
• Annual Milford Oyster Festival site leader for 6 years
• Milford Rotary member since 1997
• Milford Rotary Lobster Bake site leader for 10 years.
• Milford Columbus Committee President
• Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Milford
• Member of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Member and Advisor to the Downtown Milford Business Association (DMBA)
• Past Treasurer for Milford Progress Inc.
• Past liaison for Milford Progress to the Chamber of Commerce
• 2012 member of the Downtown Plan of Conservation and Development
• Graduate of Milford’s Citizens Police Academy
• 2012 United Way “Spirit of Milford” Award winner
• 2012 Connecticut Magazine’s “40 under 40”
• Milford Little League coach

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I deeply care about Milford and its future.

Does your campaign have a website?

www.milfordctgop.com.