Patch Candidate Profile: Rocky Vitale For Naugatuck Board Of Mayor And Burgesses

NAUGATUCK, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:

Rocky Vitale

What office are you seeking?

Burgess

What town do you live in?

Naugatuck

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Retired outside claim representative for The Hartford

Family:

Married. Three adult children. All educated in Naugy schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Board of Finance 2 years; Board of Education 16 years; Burgess six terms. Many subcommittees.

Why are you seeking this office?

I enjoy and get great satisfaction by being involved and hoping I can make decisions that benefit everyone. I believe, as a burgess, you must make informed decisions in the best interest of Naugatuck. I firmly believe that you cannot legislate from behind a desk at a meeting. You must be involved and seek out information. Priorities are set by the citizens, balanced with any knowledge a burgess may have that isn’t available to the public. As burgess, I actively seek out people’s opinions and ideas and integrate these into my thought process. I have served the borough in one capacity or another for 30 years. This is my home. I, along with many others, want to see it flourish. I raised three wonderful children here. They had success in school and now have moved on to success in the working world. That is what this borough is all about: helping everyone achieve success as much as possible. As a resident for 40 years, I am committed to Naugatuck.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

Tax relief. The first order of business is planned, controlled growth. Any municipality must be welcoming to new businesses, support existing ones and encourage a mix of both large corporations and mom-and-pop stores. This is the only way to alleviate the tax burden. Exciting things are being done. Businesses are expanding, Rubber Avenue is being refurbished. Amazon will be a game changer and lead to a lower mill rate. Planned development of the third industrial park already has attracted a number of businesses. Economic development starts with a welcoming attitude for all. More funds are being spent this year for road reconstruction than ever before. The current construction is a big headache, I get it. But it was vitally necessary.

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

I believe we all want to do the best for Naugatuck. While it's good to introduce new blood, it's also important to support those with experience who know the history of former decisions and ideas, have established relationships with all stakeholders, know the right contacts to communicate issues and get results and who have shown they are firmly committed to the citizens.

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

The past few years have been quite challenging. Turmoil with the state budget, disappearing federal and state grants. While we lowered the mill rate this year, more needs to be and will be done. Taxes are high. But there also is a responsibility to protect the borough as a whole and act appropriately to ensure that the infrastructure is not deteriorating as it has been in past years due to lack of investment. Line-by-line review is the responsible way to separate wants from needs. The town has taken over taking care of the exterior and grounds of the schools. Small repairs must be consistently accomplished before they turn into more expensive repairs. We must continue to attract businesses, both large and small, to alleviate the burden on the homeowners.

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

Resurrecting the failing Naugatuck Emergency Medical Services and turning it into a top-rated service in the state as a Board of Directors member. Working in conjunction with the Board members, the staff and the town through diligent teamwork was rewarding. I have authored a number of ordinances based on residents' concerns including the noise ordinance, litter ordinance, livestock ordinance and others. As a 40-year resident, I am committed to do much more.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Former mayor Joan Taf once told me. Remember who you serve. Never forget you have a responsibility to serve, not be served. I was proud to call her a friend and miss her wisdom.

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

I want to hear from the voters. Whether or not they agree with my voting decisions, they need to have a voice. I ignore the Democrat vs. Republican. We’re all in this together. Good discussion leads to answers to the issues. I’m just a normal guy that wants to do what’s best for the borough. I'm a taxpayer also and feel the burden. Make no mistake, great things are on the way to alleviate the tax burden. I'm proud to be part of that. Mayor Hess has a vision that I share. I will continue my commitment, and I’m honored to have a voice that can be heard in important decisions. Tell me your concerns and I’ll do my best to resolve any issue.