Patch Candidate Profile: Matt Arciuolo II, 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.

Matt Arciuolo II, 34, is running for a seat on the Board of Aldermen in Milford to represent the 1st District as a Democratic candidate.

Education.

Bachelor's in Small Business Management from WCSU

What is your occupation?

Fourth Generation owner of Arciuolo's Shoes. Started at the company 18 years ago. I've been the owner since 2017.

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

Longtime Partner Fernanda Franco and her son Donivan.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My late grandfather was a Milford Alderman representing the 3rd district.

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

I am currently an Alderman representing Milford's 1st District running for re-election.

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm a lifelong Milford resident. My family has called Milford home since my grandfather immigrated here in 1921. My family business has been a fixture in town for over 100 years. I am so proud of my city and the people who make it a wonderful place to live. I'm also proud of the amazing work I've accomplished on the board over the past 2 years and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Milford and its residents.

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

I feel that the most pressing issue facing Milford is affordable housing. Connecticut is one of the most expensive states to live in in the nation, inflation and living expenses have increased dramatically and Milford is unfortunately acutely affected by this. I want to make this amazing city accessible to middle and lower income residents. I want to continue working closely with the Planning and Zoning board, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the mayor's office to ease the strain put on young families, senior citizens and renters trying to afford Milford.

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

I don't let politics and partisan fervor dictate how I serve Milford. I have focused solely on the needs of Milford residents and I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we meet the needs of our thriving city.

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

I am the incumbent.

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

Our police station is incredibly dated and does not meet the needs of our police department. As an alderman, I proposed an increase to the amount allocated in our Capital Improvement Plan to build a new station. My goal is for the city to break ground on a new station by the end of my next term.

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

I made the proposal during the city's budget deliberations that funded Harborside Middle School, hired additional police officers for the city, and increased resources for the fire department. I also allocated more money to fund a new police station. I also run a successful business that partners with Milford's amazing charity organizations such as Bridge's Healthcare and the Beth-El Center.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Run your own race.

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

My partner Fernanda and I are both avid musicians, I'm a Green Bay Packers fan and I used to do stand-up comedy.