Patch Candidate Profile: Mike Smith, Milford Board of Education

MILFORD, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Milford, there are plenty of races with candidates 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.

Mike Smith is running for a seat on the Board of Education to represent the 5th District in Milford as a democratic candidate.

Smith, a graduate of Foran High School, holds a BA and MPA from Clark University and has been working in government relations for 12 years. Smith’s daughter is in second grade at Calf Pen Meadow.

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

I currently serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Why are you seeking this office?

To help ensure Milford's educational policies and priorities prepare students for the jobs and careers of the future.

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

The ever-changing economic environment. Provide high-quality education, creating the foundation needed for students / young adults to be resilient to market disruptions and changing market conditions - regardless if those changes come from globalization or technology (AI, robotics, etc.).

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

I am a strong believer in the public school system. I’m proud to have attended and graduated from Meadowside, Orange Ave, Harborside, and Foran High. I’m proud of what our community has done to provide a quality education for our students. I look forward to continuing the work of providing the world-class policies and facilities needed to ensure our students are equipped to succeed in today's and tomorrow’s world.

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

As a candidate for the Board of Education, the primary focus is education policies and funding. Always happy to listen and learn beyond those core issues.

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

In the dozen years since getting my Master's in Public Administration, I have served on multiple Boards of non-profit and community organizations while being involved in even more.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work hard, learn from your mistakes, and don't be a jerk.

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

The skills learned in the classroom and in the pool at Foran have been foundational to my success thus far in life. I wish to pay it forward and ensure that students continue to have the high-quality educational experience needed to pursue their dreams and live a great life - whatever their definition of that may be.