Wallingford Election 2025: Michael Votto Running For Board Of Education

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council and Board of Education.

Wallingford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Michael Votto is running for re-election to the Wallingford Board of Education as a Democrat.

Occupation:
Retired teacher and administrator

Family:
I have been married for 54 years to my wife Ann. We have three children. Ariana who is a Latin teacher, Michael Jr. who is an elementary school principal, and Gena who is our special needs daughter and attends the Kuhn Agency. We are the proud grandparents of 5 grandchildren. Our daughter Ariana and her husband, David, have triplet children David, Michael, and Oliva who are in their second year of college. My son Michael and his wife Nina have two daughters. Ava is also in her second year of college and Anna who is a junior in high school. They have all been active in many sports such as soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Board of Education in Wallingford for 24 years.

Why are you seeking this office?
My career has been spent in education. I have taught primarily at the middle school level for 36 years followed by a stint as a K-8 principal for 10 years. My main reason for running for this position is to be able to use my experience in education for the benefit of the children in my town. I feel I can offer a genuine perspective on those issues that come before the Board in a knowledgeable and professional manner. I have served in many capacities during my tenure on the Board of Education. My input on curriculum, improvement plans, and Board policies have been of special interest to me in my tenure. In order to be elected to this position I have learned and experienced the basics of politics in a real way other than teaching the subject. As a result of teaching U.S. History for many years I have always had a keen interest not only in politics by also in our Constitution and its effects on government.

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 my constituents is keeping the school system moving forward academically. The Board has reviewed programs that assist in achieving this goal and is kept abreast in this area with School Improvement plans three times a year. We receive curriculum that has been revised or created to meet the needs of our students. This process gives us the plan to achieve that goal.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I think my experience in education, my years of service on the Board, the many committees I have served on as a regular member or have chaired, and my professionalism. I also bring my experiences as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board which allows me to understand and carry out Board protocol and its importance in the community. Additionally, I feel I am a vocal member of the Board who is confident to share my views publicly on important issues.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I intend to address issues on equity, discipline, social behaviors and how it affects academics, Special Education, etc.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My positive evaluations as a teacher, my experiences as an administrator, my ability to work with other members of the Board, and my experiences and ability to work with other town officials in a positive way, and my professionalism.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Be yourself but be your best self.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have an extreme dedication to educating our youth and to always put children first in an education in my role as a member of the Board of Education.