Meet the Republican: Steve Kalkowski

"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 Planning and Zoning candidates.

Name: Steve Kalkowski
Age: 56
Party, Board Seeking: Planning & Zoning Commission
Family information: I have lived in Southington for 26 years with my wife Debra and sons Ryan and Aaron and grew up right next door in Kensington.  My Mother's family grew up here in Southington on West Center Street and my Mother and Aunt both worked at Peck Stow & Wilcox.  My uncle, Thomas Galick, was the last First Selectman before Southington moved to a Town Manager form of government.
Occupation, if applicable: AVP – Enterprise Data Management at The Hartford

Political Experience: I was first appointed as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in 2004, then as a regular member and Secretary from 2005 to 2007. This time on the ZBA really provided me with an excellent learning experience of the zoning regulations here in Southington. I was first appointed as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) in 2007, was appointed as a full member in 2010, re-elected to the PZC in November 2011 and voted in as Secretary by the Commission in 2011. In 2011, I was also asked by the PZC Chairman to lead the PZC Continuous Improvement Sub-Committee which is responsible for several new and updated regulations such as being the first municipality in Connecticut to adopt Medical Marijuana zoning regulations for production and dispensing which supports and protects our citizens, the creation of new Temporary Sign regulations in partnership with the Southington Chamber of Commerce and the update of the Adult Oriented Business regulations to further protect our citizens.

Other Experience: I bring a strong professional background in information technology, large complex program management and process management.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Finance from Central Connecticut State University. I was a coach, Board member and President of Southington North Little League from 1995 to 2007 and have coached youth teams for the YMCA and Southington Youth Basketball League.

Why did you run for office? 
Community service is important to me and I have been involved in several youth athletic organizations over the past eighteen years. I have deep roots in our community and feel very passionate about preserving the character of our town and protecting our citizens while also supporting intelligent commercial and industrial growth.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus? 
My first concern is the preservation of open space in Southington. This can be accomplished in several ways such as supporting the town in its purchase of open space or influencing the use of open space subdivisions with future residential development applications. My second concern is getting the balance right between preserving the rights and quality of life for our citizens and supporting commercial and industrial growth to enhance our tax base. While I pledge to be Business Friendly, I always put the safety and quality of life of our citizens first.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today? 
Like most municipalities, Southington is being stretched to do more with a flat to somewhat declining revenue stream. The financial condition of the State of Connecticut is further challenging our town. We must continue to look for ways to grow commercial and industrial business in order to ensure sustainable revenue and not put the burden on the backs of our citizens, especially those on fixed incomes.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community? 
I have strong analytical, problem solving, critical thinking, influencing and decision making skills which have served me well in my career and public service. I continue to look for ways in which I can help the town move forward and improve year over year. I am committed to doing whatever I can to make Southington a better place for all of us.

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