Patch Candidate Profile: Gino DiGiovanni For Derby Town Clerk

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:

Gino DiGiovanni

What office are you seeking?

Town Clerk

What town do you live in?

Derby

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Occupation:

Construction Management 25 years

Family:

Wife- Heidi DiGiovanni

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes:

21-23 Board of Aldermen
21-23 Community Relations and Blight Committee Chairman
Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman
Sterling Opera House Commission
CT GOP 17th District Representative

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe in the power of local leadership to preserve community values, ensure transparency, and improve the everyday lives of All residence. As chairman of Derby‘s planning and zoning commission and building liaison for the Sterling Opera House I’ve shown deep respect for Derby‘s history and future. Running for Town Clerk allows me to protect the integrity of public records, and ensure that Derby‘s legacy is accurately preserved. With my experience in construction and development, I understand the importance of clear documentation, timely permitting, and accessible public service. I want to modernize the clerks office to better serve all residents and all businesses. My leadership roles have earned me the trust of all our neighbors. As Town Clerk, I’ll bring that same reliability to managing elections, vital records, and public information ensuring every process is fair, secure, and accountable. I will be the people’s voice, so they can have a direct impact on how local government serves them, the people.

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

Financial management challenges.

Modernize record systems to ensure timely and accurate documentation of budgets, contracts, and meeting minutes. Create a public facing portal for residence to easily access financial records, ordinances, and resolutions. Implement a records audit calendar to keep department accountable for submitting materials on time. Collaborate with the finance department to streamline document flow and reduce bottlenecks

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

I come from the private sector.

I’ve managed and operated a construction company for 25 years.

I bring a fresh perspective rooted in development, planning, and civic leadership.

Modernization, transparency, and responsiveness is what our community needs.

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

Modernization and upgrading of the City website, introducing Ai software to generate all of our City government meeting minutes, Create a public feedback loop that will generate quarterly surveys to gather input on office performance and priorities.

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

As a business owner, I’ve managed complex documentation, coordinated with city departments, and insured compliance with local regulations, skills that directly translate to the Clerk’s responsibilities. I’ve chaired meetings, certified decisions, and insured Public access to zoning records. I know how to keep government accountable and organized. Being part of the Sterling Opera House Commission I’ve worked to preserve Derby‘s cultural legacy, coordinating between City officials and preservationists to document and protect our history. I’ve represented our district at the state level advocating for fair elections, and transparent governance. I’ll bring that same integrity to Derby’s Clerk’s office. I believe Derby deserves a Clerk’s office that’s modern, efficient and accessible. My record shows I don’t just talk about reform - I deliver it.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father always told me “Don’t worry about what others think of you” because you can’t be responsible for other's actions; you’re only responsible for yourself. With this advice I’ve learned never to take anything personal and once you can understand this life is truly the greatest journey you’ll ever be on.

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

For too long, Derby has been held back by outdated systems, stagnant leadership, and a reluctance to embrace change. But our community deserves better. It’s time we stop living in the past and start building the future, A future defined by transparency, innovation, and accountability. Let’s modernize our government streamline our records, and make City Hall work for the people again. The opportunity is here and the time is now.