Meet the Democrat: Christopher Palmieri

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Southington Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate. 

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 5, 2013.

This week, we are looking at the Southington Town Council candidates.

Name: Chris Palmieri
Age: 39
Party, Board Seeking: Democrat, Town Council
Occupation, if applicable: Assistant Principal, DePaolo Middle School
Political Experience: I am currently a member of the Southington Democratic Town Committee and was elected as a member of the Southington Library Board of Directors in 1999, Southington's Board of Water Commissioners in 2001, and the Southington Town Council in 2003.  I am currently serving as the minority leader on the Town Council.  I am also the vice chairman of the Public Building Committee for Kennedy and DePaolo Middle Schools.  In addition I currently serve on the Sewer Infrastructure Committee, the Public Works Committee, and the Ordinance Review Committee.
Other Experience: I am the chairman of the Apple Harvest Festival Supervisory Committee.   I have also previously served on the Southington Public Library Long Range Committee, the Senior Citizen Tax Relief Committee, and the Southington Enterprise Zone & Economic Development (S.E.E.D.) Committee.

Why did you run for office?
We have faced many serious issues and accomplished many important things during my tenure on the Council, but I feel there are still things that need to be improved. I am a lifelong Southington resident and product of our schools. I know how fortunate I am for what this town has given me and feel that public service is a great way to express my gratitude and give back to my community.  

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
Quality town services must be maintained while making them affordable for our residents. We must actively plan for the best way to sustain or improve our infrastructure. I would like to continue to focus on economic development and explore additional sources of revenue in order to ease the burden on taxpayers.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
As I mentioned above, maintaining quality town services and making certain that Southington schools are among the best in the state, despite budget limitations, are important issues. It is essential to balance the needs of all Southington’s citizens while ensuring appropriate financial support for the town. One way to do this is by adhering to our comprehensive fiscal policy.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
I am an independent thinker who is open and honest, responsible, and hard working. I know the importance of collaboration and cooperation. We should all work together in the best interest of the Town, not a political party. I believe a compromise is better than gridlock. My strong commitment to the community is evident by my participation in volunteer organizations in town. In addition to my previous experience on the Town Council and working for the Board of Education, I also have served on numerous other Boards and committees.

Anything else you would like to share?
I am humbled and honored by the privilege to serve as a member of the Southington Town Council. I am proud of my contributions to better our Town and, if re-elected, promise to continue to serve the residents of Southington to the best of my ability.

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