Patch Candidate Profile: Bill Mecca For Trumbull Town Council

TRUMBULL, 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:

Bill Mecca

What office are you seeking?

Town Council District 2

What town do you live in?

Trumbull

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Social Worker-32 years

Family:

Lauren 21; Andrew 19

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes. I was first elected to Town Council District 1 in 2015.

Why are you seeking this office?

I want serve two more years to ensure that the progress made with re-investing in our infrastructure, revitalizing our mall, keeping our town desirable, our school system exceptional and our community peaceful.

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

Taxes are pressing because cost of living and residential property values have escalated. Other than reviewing each Town Department budget for efficiency, we need to support the Office of Economic Development in its aggressive effort to remake and revitalize the Trumbull Mall and it Main Street corridor. Even in better retail times, the property never maximized its potential as the vision was limited to its existing footprint. Go on the Town's Website to see the Market Study's vision in more detail. With the ongoing expansion of nearby universities and access to the Merritt Parkway, the area is ripe for redevelopment that includes a better streetscape, pedestrian and facade for its surrounding neighborhoods.

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

I can only speak for my experience and qualifications as a dedicated volunteer prior to elected office. As the former President of the Nichols Improvement Association and member of the Board of Trustees, I ensured that traditions were maintained while new activities and program were created. I also made sure that funding increased and finances protected. The result was new energy that resulted in increased membership, participation, community engagement and family memories. My track record is commitment to community, the greater good and leaving a lasting positive contribution.

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

As a member of the Hillcrest Middle School building committee, I want to ensure that not only is it completed on time and within budget, but that it satisfies the needs of the staff and students for decades to come. This requires a commitment to ongoing involvement, collaboration with other committee members and an ongoing dialogue with staff, parents and other town Boards.

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

On Town Council, I successfully advocated for the return to 7 smaller districts which increased the equity and representation of the minority party (regardless of affiliation). I voted to restore the Police pension, less expensive the the original pension, and more effective at attracting and retaining officers with the former defined contribution plan. I also have often voted with my Republican colleagues on the annual budget and resolutions that maintain and improve services as well as addressing critical infrastructure needs. The result is a town that has a a very high bond rating, a school system that performs ranks among the very best in CT on multiple surveys and indicators, and one of the most robust real estate markets in the country.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father often said, "Seek first to understand before expecting to be understood." In other words, "read the room" before you say anything and expect others to be listening to what you have to say.

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

I only care about what's best for the town and the community. Being involved has never been about ego, resume, perks for family and friends, or power. Thus, my position is always guided by listening to others, being informed, following through and achieving a rational, reasonable perspective on the issues.