Patch Candidate Profile: Marc Garofalo For Derby Town, City 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:

Marc J. Garofalo

What office are you seeking?

Town/City Clerk

What town do you live in?

Derby

Party Affiliation:

Democratic

Occupation:

Town/City Clerk - 12 years

Family:

Five generations of my family have called Derby home since the beginning of the twentieth century. I live with my life partner Sarah Widomski, who serves, with integrity, on the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Town/City Clerk - 12 years
Mayor - 8 years
Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen - Member and Past President - 4 years
Board of Apportionment and Taxation - Member and Past Chair - 6 years
Justice of the Peace - 33 years

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for re-election as your Town Clerk to continue the work I started. For 12 years, I’ve led the office that’s at the heart of our city—helping residents with birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, business registrations, absentee ballots, and more. Our team is here to serve, online and in person, whenever you need us.

I’ve been your eyes and ears, speaking up for issues that matter, advocating for those in need, and offering honest, bi-partisan guidance. I’ve raised concerns when the city’s interests were at stake, always putting residents first.

This year, as Chair of the Derby 350th Anniversary Committee, I’ve been reminded how proud I am of our city—its history, its people, and its spirit. Serving you as Town/City Clerk requires discretion, judgment, and deep knowledge of our city—and I am honored to continue in this position.

I respectfully ask for your vote for another term as your Town Clerk. Let’s keep Derby moving forward, together.

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

I have noticed that it’s harder than ever to stay connected in our town. There isn’t a singular place to find out what’s happening, making it tough for residents and organizations to share important information.

Fewer of us are getting involved in civic and community life, and when participation drops, it weakens the bonds that make a community strong. National politics creeping into local conversations can be a distraction, pulling our focus away from what truly matters here in Derby.

I believe in our city. By staying connected, engaged, and focused on local solutions, we can make Derby an even better place to live, work, and raise our families.

I love serving the people of Derby, and I’m committed to keeping our city government accessible, fair, and effective. At the state level, I’ll continue speaking up for policies that support working families like ours. Here at home, I’ll keep expanding online services, improving communication, and making it easier for residents to stay informed and engaged.

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

Integrity guides everything I do. That means protecting the confidentiality of vital records, ensuring fair and free elections, and treating every citizen with fairness and respect. I will always speak up when I see practices that fall short of these standards.

I also bring experience and steady judgment to every decision. For three administrations, I’ve advised city leaders of all political stripes with one goal in mind: what’s best for Derby. I will keep doing that—always putting our city, and our residents, first.

Receiving the highest certification from the State of Connecticut - Connecticut Master Town Clerk and the highest certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerk - Master Municipal Clerk are examples of my dedication to continued learning and demonstrate a deep understanding of the various responsibilites of municipal clerks . My studies have led me to earn a BS in Finance from Quinnipiac University and a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven. This formal education is critical in my daily responsibilities serving the people of Derby.

Experience, education, training, certifications, and job performance are clear differences between me and the other candidate.

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

Since COVID, our lives have changed and we need to engage the next generation of contributors to our community. It is great to meet residents at their homes and to encourage them to become involved in the community. We need a greater number of capable people involved in civic activities.

I also encourage continued communication with the public about issues facing the city. I will continue to do so through the city's website, social media, and our Code Red notification system.

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

During my twelve years as Town Clerk, we have transformed the office from a paper based operation to offering digital access to services. Now our citizens can transact their business at their own convenience. We have scanned and digitized access to our land records back to 1675, we have a secure online portal to obtain vital records, we have reintroduced the sale of hunting and fishing licenses for the public convenience, we post our records to the city's website for ease of access, and we maintain a regular social media presence to keep the public updated as to the happening in the city.

As an active member of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association, I am able to give input to legislators and state officials on new laws and regulations related to the Town Clerk's office and elections.

I have served CTCA as liaison to the Department of Public Health in helping to implement the state wide electronic death registry and on the special committee for the implementation of the state wide electronic Trade Name registry. I previously served as the Vice President for New Haven County and as State 2nd Executive Vice President for CTCA as well as serving three terms as the Vendor Chair for the semi-annual conferences. Currently, I am the 1st Executive Vice President of the CTCA.

I hold the highest certifications in both the State of Connecticut and in the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. I served as a board member of the New England Association of City and Town Clerks and have accumulated numerous continuing education credits in the profession.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father always said "Don't forget where you come from." and I never will.

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

I have dedicated my adult life to serving our community. As I stated after my re-election four years ago, I will be your eyes and ears in city government for all residents, regardless of political affiliation. As an independently elected official, I will speak up on matters of importance when it is necessary. I hope I have earned your confidence and I pledge to earn it going forward. Thank you for your consideration.