Patch Candidate Profile: Mitchell Goldblatt, Orange Board of Selectmen

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

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

Mitchell R. Goldblatt, 66, is seeking reelection for the Orange Board of Selectmen as a Democratic candidate.

Goldblatt has an MBA in Management from the University of New Haven and a B.A. in Political Science from Muhlenberg College. Goldblatt is the director of Human Resources for the Town of Guilford.

Goldblatt’s family includes his wife Abby of 32 years, his son Carl and his daughter Shayna.

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

• Selectman, 2005-Present, 1993-1999
• First Selectman, 1999-2005
• Town Plan and Zoning Commission, 1981-1993
• Inland Wetlands Commission, 1983-1993
• Constable, 1979-1981

Why are you seeking this office?

I am hoping to continue my service on the Board of Selectmen so that I can ensure that we protect our natural resources, enhance our recreation facilities, provide housing for our seniors, make our community more sustainable, and support our educational system, all while keeping our taxes reasonable.

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

The pressures of inflation and the resulting taxes. I would look to stop the overtaxing that is being done to run up our fund balance to an exorbitant levels and potentially look to phase in the effects of the upcoming revaluation that will have an adverse impact on our tax structure.

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

I look out for the average citizen and try to be the voice of reason, not automatically voting with one party.

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

• Monitoring the results of the Fred Wolfe Park study committee.
• Helping to publicize the new Food Scraps collection at the Transfer Station
• Looking to use our excess fund balance to fix more roads in town.

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

• 30 years experience on the Board of Selectmen including 6 serving as First Selectman.
• Chair of the Orange Recycling Committee.
• Membership on the Orange Pension Board.
• Membership on the Bond Oversight Committee.
• Chair of the Library Building Committee.
• Chair of the Fire House Building Committee.
• Volunteer at many town events.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Right or wrong-Make a Decision!

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

I will put the best interests of the Town of Orange ahead of politics.

Does your campaign have a website?

https://www.orangectdems.org/.