Patch Candidate Profile: Arcangelo A. DiStefano For Region 9 Board of Education

EASTON, 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:
Arcangelo A. DiStefano

What office are you seeking?
Region 9 Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Easton, CT

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Retired Primary Care Physician

Family:
I have been married to my wife, Angelina, since 1993. We have a 25 year old daughter, Teresa, and a 23 year old son, Nicholas.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
I recently retired as a Primary Care Physician in Fairfield County. During my free time in retirement, I would like to put my efforts into assisting our students, focusing on improving student academic achievements, and supporting our teachers and administrative staff at Joel Barlow High School.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
We need to focus on strengthening overall academic excellence, through support for staff and students. Listening and answering to concerns will maintain high student achievement.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I would say that my 38 years as a Primary Care Physician helped form my character, so although I have not held political office previously, I would do the best I can, as I have done for my patients throughout my career. Although these are not political positions, I have held many offices/positions and have received numerous awards/commendations. This reflects my ability to make the best decisions for the students of Easton, the administration, and the teachers at Joel Barlow High School.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I would like to review and assist in options to improve student performance, continue to fund special education, and focus on capital improvements needed to improve overall academic achievement. Being transparent with Easton residents is very important to show families the decisions made by the Board of Education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I worked for 38 years in Primary Care in Fairfield County, having been on various governing boards. These include hospitals (St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital), nursing homes, nursing agencies, and insurance companies. Throughout this time, I received multiple awards/commendations. These reflect the dedication I gave to my role in Primary Care, a quality I would like to extend to this current position.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My parents immigrated to America from Italy, both of them not having gone to school and having to learn the English language to communicate here. They struggled for my family so that we could have a better life. What I learned from them is that I should follow my dreams and stand up for what I believe in. This can be done daily by respecting others and their opinions at all times, taught to our children today as the ‘Golden Rule’. These tenets have guided me my whole life.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have lived in Easton for over 30 years with my wife (Angelina) and two children (Teresa and Nicholas), both of whom attended Easton public schools. Currently, my daughter works in a forensics lab in New York City and my son is a tax accountant working for Ernst and Young in Stamford. If elected, I will do my best for the residents of Easton, to maintain overall academic excellence in the Easton Board of Education.