Patch Candidate Profile: Colleen Germain-Ezzo For Derby Board Of Apportionment And Taxation

DERBY, 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:

Colleen Germain Ezzo

What office are you seeking?

Board of Appointment and Taxation

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Family:

I have three children, Joshua Ezzo, a firefighter who lives in Derby, Danielle Konarski, a senior marketing analyst who was recently married and lives in Northford, and Matthew Ezzo, a State Trooper who lives in Derby.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Board of Apportionment and Taxation- Chair, Board of Assessment and Appeals-Chair, Capital Planning Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to make a difference in the community that I live in and love. Over the last two years, this Administration has operated with total transparency, making tough but necessary decisions to support financial solvency. We have achieved this, and are better positioned to revitalize our downtown with economic growth, bringing business back to improve our tax base and lessen the tax burden to our residents, especially our seniors.

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

Derby has a lack of businesses necessary to strengthen and grow our tax base, resulting in high taxes for our most vulnerable residents. I will press elected leaders to seek developers willing to invest in our City’s revitalization efforts, especially in our downtown areas and our Main Street. With the Main Street paving project nearly complete, now is the time to procure new business, and improve our walkways and downtown areas to generate new businesses and increase foot traffic to revitalize our City and build our tax base.

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

I am not afraid of hard work, and doing what it takes to get the job done. Having served the last two years, I know something about the challenges that Derby faces, and am better positioned to hit the ground running to make a difference in this community.

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

Derby has many properties that are unoccupied, which have been largely unkept by the owners. I will work with our Aldermen and City Blight Committee to continue efforts in bringing blighted properties to code, which will allow for consideration of new business opportunities by those seeking such- in properties that have been long forgotten and neglected- for continued economic growth and revitalization of our great City.

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

I am a Labor Representative, and have negotiated contracts for the better part of the last 25 years. I put the work and effort in, and find ways to secure better than average results.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be the change you wish to see.

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

I love this city, and know how great it could be! If elected, I will work tirelessly to move Derby in the right direction, to restore hope and sense of community through our cities revitalization!