Democrats Endorse Chris Jones for Mayor

The Democratic Town Committee held their caucus at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the to submit nominations for municipal department leaders in the upcoming November elections.

With about 30 people in attendance, the main focus of the evening was on Chris Jones, who received the party's endorsement to run for Mayor of Shelton.

This is the second time Jones will challenge current mayor Mark A. Lauretti, who is likely to be endorsed at the Republican caucus next week. Lauretti first took office in 1991 and has been re-elected since.

Committee Chairman David Gioiello introduced Jones, saying:

"Now is the time for a leader with vision, one that puts the safety of our fellow citizens first [...] We need a leader who understands service to the country and to the community in which he lives [...] It is my honor to nominate as the Democratic candidate for mayor a man that is a military veteran, a volunteer fireman, a husband and a father of two. A person who always puts the interests of Shelton first."

Jones then took the podium, with his three-year-old daughter Gabriella and one-year-old son Brady vocally enthusiastic, to address his supporters. His full 11-minute speech can be viewed in the accompanying video. Jones outlined his campaign platforms, which include:

• Overhauling the city's ethics code by creating a five-member committee consisting of republicans, democrats and independents to ensure any elected/appointed official is not allowed to receive any donations or gifts.
• Adequate support for public safety forces; police, fire and EMS departments will get funding for the tools and supplies they need. Also, an increase in police presence, as the city's population and crime rate have increased while the number of police officers has decreased.
• Appointing a fire chief, which Shelton has not had since November 2010, and requiring annual inspections of they city's schools and buildings to make sure they are up to fire safety code.
• Focusing on public education programs that have measurable outcomes such as science, math and technology.
• Lowering the tax rate through honest budgeting, thorough review of department spending and using any surplus to bring stability.
• Creating a long-range plan for roadwork instead of repairing roads "complaint by complaint." This plan will also improve snow removal service.

Candidates for the following boards and committees are:

Board of Aldermen, 1st Ward:

• Faith B. Hack
• John "Jack" Finn

Board of Aldermen, 2nd Ward:

• Ralph J. Matto
• Elizabeth A. Ogden

Board of Aldermen, 3rd Ward:

• Remy Kocurek
• Randy Jennings

Board of Aldermen, 4th Ward:

• Robert Lallt
• David M. Gioiello, Jr.

Library Board:

• Joan Feeley
• Harriett Finn

Board of Apportionment & Taxation:

• Judson Crawford
• Jimmy Tickey
• Wayne Bragg

Planning & Zoning Commission:

• Joan Flannery
• Lud Spinelli
• Jay Zikaras
• Elaine Mutto
• Nancy Dickal (alternate)

Board of Education:

• Tim Walsh
• Arlene Liscinsky
• Kate Kutash
• Mike Pacouta
• Joe Knapick
• James Orazietti

Treasurer:

• Jim Caulkins