Patch Candidate Profile: Wayne Bragg For Shelton Board Of Apportionment And Taxation

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:

Wayne Bragg

What office are you seeking?

Board of Apportionment and Taxation

What town do you live in?

Shelton

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Adjunct Faculty UConn

Family:

Spouse: Kate. 5 Children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Board of Apportionment and Taxation, 3 terms.

Why are you seeking this office?

With a background as a former member of A&T, Controller at Sikorsky Aircraft, and faculty member at UConn, I bring extensive experience in leadership, team-based budgeting, and financial oversight. I have not only managed complex budgeting processes in both the public and private sectors but have also taught best practices in budgeting and fiscal responsibility. I’m running for office to bring this expertise to the city’s budget process—working collaboratively with A&T and the Board of Aldermen to promote transparency, accountability, and the strategic use of city resources to better serve our community.

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

The single most pressing issue facing constituents is Taxes. That’s why my focus is on improving transparency and accountability—not raising taxes. We need a budget process that ensures our existing resources are aligned with the city’s most pressing needs, including infrastructure, education, and essential public services. By ensuring that department workshops and monthly budget meetings increase oversight, we can work collaboratively to ensure that resources are being spent effectively. We must give citizens confidence that their tax dollars are being used responsibly, efficiently, and for the greatest community impact.

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

I have over forty years of leadership experience in finance and accounting from both corporate and academic perspectives. At Sikorsky, I reorganized the budgeting, planning, and operating systems
to evaluate and control production costs and increase profitability. In teaching "Financial Controls" in both UConn's MBA programs and executive education, I taught students and executives how to apply accounting and finance best practices in budgeting and performance measurement to improve cost control, pricing, and profitability at their companies. My background aligns with the Board of Apportionment and Taxation's needed experience.

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

I want to bring a more strategic approach and perspective to the budget setting process with the Board of Education. The foundation must start with a collaboration between the BOA, BOE, and A&T that results in a more effective alignment of resources that meet the school system’s needs and the attainment of student achievement goals and outcomes. The process must make the connection, by effectively analyzing and explaining how education spending decisions effect and impact the academic success of all students and the system overall.

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

Budgeting requires teamwork. Over the past 40 years, I have successfully led numerous departments, teams, and students in implementing and understanding the ins and outs of finance and accounting decisions and systems. In those roles, at Sikorsky and UConn, I was the recipient of several awards for Outstanding Management Achievement and excellence in teaching.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Plan your work and work your plan.

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

I view budgeting practices through a business lens not a political one.