Patch Candidate Profile: Mike Duncan For Shelton Alderman

SHELTON, 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:

Mike Duncan

What office are you seeking?

Alderman

What town do you live in?

Shelton, CT

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Director of Sales Strategy, 17 years.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I have had the privilege of holding public office through an appointment by Mayor Mark Lauretti and the Shelton Board of Aldermen to serve as a Commissioner on the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) for the City of Shelton. I have proudly served in this role for several years, contributing to the City’s efforts to maintain, upgrade, and oversee its wastewater treatment and sewer infrastructure.

In this capacity, my responsibilities include reviewing and approving annual budgets, monitoring and guiding capital improvement projects, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, and making policy decisions that safeguard public health while supporting Shelton’s continued growth. The position also requires working closely with city officials, engineers, and residents to balance environmental protection with community development needs.

Serving on the WPCA has been both an honor and a serious responsibility, as the decisions made directly affect the quality of life for residents and the long-term sustainability of our city.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking office as an Alderman in the City of Shelton because I believe deeply in public service and in the importance of giving back to the community. My passion for mentoring and developing our youth has shown me the importance of strong role models in public service, and I am committed to doing what is right for the future of our city.

Shelton is a community with tremendous potential, and I believe it is time for fresh leadership that challenges the status quo and embraces term limits as a way to bring in new voices and new ideas. While I support growth and development, I am equally committed to ensuring that we keep Shelton’s small-town charm and character, the very qualities that make our city such a special place to call home.

Key priorities of my platform include:

Affordable Living Starts with Low Taxes – Keeping Shelton affordable for families, seniors, and working people.

Grow Smart, Build Right – Supporting thoughtful economic development that balances growth with community character.

Properly Fund Schools and Special Needs Programs – Ensuring every child has the resources to succeed, including those with unique challenges.

Revive Downtown, Fix Parking – Breathing new life into Shelton’s downtown while solving the parking issues that hold it back.

At its core, my candidacy is about service, stewardship, and inspiring the next generation to get involved in shaping their community. I want to ensure that Shelton continues to thrive while preserving the charm and quality of life that make it unique, not just today, but for generations to come.

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

The most pressing issues facing Shelton residents today are overdevelopment without sufficient affordable housing and inadequate traffic safety measures. These challenges affect the quality of life, strain our infrastructure, and risk altering the character of our community.

Overdevelopment and Affordable Housing

Shelton has experienced significant development in recent years. While these initiatives aim to address housing needs, they have raised concerns about increased traffic, density, and strain on existing infrastructure. Increased traffic is a direct result of overdevelopment, highlighting the challenge of balancing growth with the city's capacity to support it.

Traffic Safety Concerns

Traffic safety is a significant concern along several key roads in Shelton, including Howe Avenue, River Road, Long Hill Avenue, and Bridgeport Avenue. These corridors experience high traffic volumes, congestion, and a history of accidents, creating hazards for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The city’s main arteries are routinely congested, leading to calls for road safety audits and infrastructure improvements.

Recommended Solutions

Create Development Districts & Collaborate with Connecticut Department of Housing : Collaborate with the Department to secure resources, guidance, and technical support to empower the Planning and Zoning Commission in evaluating development proposals, particularly in navigating 8-30g affordable housing mandates. At the same time, establish development districts to designate specific areas for responsible growth, preventing overdevelopment in residential neighborhoods and protecting residents’ peace, safety, and quality of life.

Add a City Planner and Implement Comprehensive Planning: Establish a dedicated city planner role to manage growth effectively, coordinate infrastructure projects, and guide developers toward responsible and sustainable development. Combine this with a balanced approach to planning that considers infrastructure capacity, environmental impact, and community needs, ensuring new projects are integrated without overwhelming the city’s resources.

Mandate 100% Affordable Housing Developments: Require that any new affordable housing projects guarantee affordability for at least 40 years. Affordable housing is defined as housing available to households earning at or below 80% of the area median income, ensuring that residents with modest incomes have access to safe, stable, and reasonably priced housing.

Enhance Traffic Safety Measures: Conduct thorough traffic studies and implement infrastructure improvements along key roads, including Howe Avenue, River Road, Long Hill Avenue, and Bridgeport Avenue. Improvements could include road safety audits, signal enhancements, crosswalks, and pedestrian safety initiatives to protect residents and improve daily commutes.

By addressing these issues proactively, Shelton can foster smart growth, preserve its unique charm, provide long-term housing solutions, ensure safe streets, and maintain the quality of life that residents value.

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

The biggest differences between me and the current incumbents are rooted in transparency, commitment to education, and a strong record of community service.

I believe in full transparency in local government. Residents deserve clear and timely information about city finances, development proposals, and decision making processes. We have a duty to the people of Shelton to communicate openly, hold regular updates, and ensure that community voices are heard before critical decisions are made.

I am also committed to properly funding our schools. Unlike past aldermen who have voted against educational initiatives, leading to the elimination of positions, overcrowded classrooms, and challenging working conditions for teachers and staff, I will advocate for budgets that provide the resources necessary for a high-quality learning environment. Every child, including those with special needs, deserves access to safe, supportive, and effective education.

Finally, my extensive record of community service sets me apart. I have served on several boards and organizations that support Shelton and the broader community, including Griffin Hospital, Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way, CT United Way, CT Cancer Foundation, Shelton High School Advisory Board, and the Shelton Economic Development Corporation. Through these roles, I have gained a deep understanding of our community’s needs and have a proven ability to bring people and resources together to make a meaningful impact.

By focusing on these priorities, I aim to bring responsible leadership, accountability, and a commitment to the well-being of every Shelton resident, ensuring our city continues to grow while preserving its unique charm and character.

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

As a candidate for Alderman, I will represent Ward 3 while ensuring that ALL Shelton residents have strong, effective representation. My platform is focused on improving the quality of life in our city through smart policies, thoughtful development, and a commitment to our community. Key priorities of my platform include:

Affordable Living Starts with Low Taxes – I am committed to keeping Shelton affordable for families, seniors, and working people. Responsible budgeting, careful oversight of city spending, and protecting residents from unnecessary tax increases are essential to ensuring that Shelton remains a place where everyone can thrive.

Grow Smart, Build Right – Economic development is important, but it must be balanced with the character and charm of our city. I support thoughtful development that considers infrastructure, traffic, environmental impact, and community input. By promoting smart growth, we can create opportunities while preserving Shelton’s unique identity.

Properly Fund Schools and Special Needs Programs – Every child deserves the tools to succeed. I will advocate for school budgets that provide sufficient resources for teachers, staff, and programs, including special needs education. Proper funding ensures safe classrooms, manageable class sizes, and a supportive environment for all students.

Revive Downtown, Fix Parking – Shelton’s downtown is the heart of our community, and it deserves attention and investment. I will work to attract businesses, improve streetscapes, and solve longstanding parking challenges. Revitalizing our downtown will strengthen our local economy and create a vibrant, welcoming hub for residents and visitors alike.

By focusing on these priorities, I will bring responsible leadership, transparency, and a commitment to the well-being of every Shelton resident, ensuring our city grows thoughtfully while maintaining the charm and character that make Shelton a great place to live.

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

Relationships are key to working collaboratively to accomplish things for the people. I have built strong connections from Corporate Park down to Howe Avenue, from Long Hill Avenue to River Road, from the Chamber of Commerce to City Hall, and across all neighborhoods in Shelton, allowing me to work effectively with residents, businesses, and local leaders. Regardless of party affiliation, Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I will represent you.

I bring experience, leadership, and a proven record of delivering results. I currently serve on several boards and organizations that impact Shelton and the broader community, including Griffin Hospital, Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way, CT United Way, CT Cancer Foundation, Shelton High School Advisory Board, Shelton Economic Development Corporation, and as Commissioner of the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA). Through this community service, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges residents face and the daily issues families encounter, from access to quality healthcare and education to economic stability and safe neighborhoods. This perspective informs my approach to city governance, ensuring policies and decisions reflect real community needs.

As a business executive and financial advisor, I have managed operations and budgets exceeding $500M, providing experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and operational management. My work ensures resources are used efficiently and effectively, skills that are directly transferable to city governance.

I also bring practical experience as a landlord and real estate investor, giving me firsthand knowledge of housing markets, zoning, and development issues, which are key factors for balanced growth in Ward 3.

These accomplishments demonstrate my ability to understand complex issues, manage resources responsibly, and advocate effectively for residents, making me prepared to serve Ward 3 and ensure every Shelton resident has strong representation.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is the guiding principle behind the best advice I have ever received. I have learned that building and maintaining strong relationships is essential, because how you treat people and the connections you create determine your ability to lead and make an impact. We have more in common than we are different, and we must learn to find common ground once again to preserve our democracy. Whether in business, community service, or public life, fostering respect, understanding, and collaboration is key to creating meaningful change and strengthening our communities!

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

Real change begins when we listen, act, and work together to build a community that reflects the best of all of us.