Meet the Democrat: John T. Strillacci

"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. 8.

This week, we begin looking at the Board of Finance candidates. Be sure to look back at the Town Council, which we featured last week, and stay informed.

Name: John T. Strillacci
Age: 46
Party, Position Seeking: Democrat, Southington Board of Finance.

Family information: My wife Heidi and I chose this town because of its excellent school system, middle-class values and natural beauty. My three children, two girls and a boy, attend the local schools.

Occupation: For 24 years, I have worked full-time as a firefighter/EMT for the City of Meriden. My job has been a blessing; helping people through emergencies, large and small, every day is something I’m honored and humbled to do. I am presently assigned to an engine company near the Southington border.

Political Experience: I was the chair of the Southington Board of Ethics, serving over the last six years. I’ve enjoyed my opportunity to volunteer in my community. I have worked alongside Democrats, Republicans and independents alike to uphold our town’s code of ethics.

Other Experience: I volunteer with the State of Connecticut as a fishing instructor for children. When off-duty I enjoy fishing and the outdoors. I’ve been lucky to be able to pass along my love of nature to others, and it’s been a lot of fun, too.

Why did you run for office?
I wanted to continue to be involved in the community in which I live. My term on the Board of Ethics had ended, and I believed that the Board of Finance was a good opportunity to continue to serve the interests of Southington residents. During the past two years we’ve had over $6 million in new spending; I believe expenditures have to be reined in. Our residents want prudence in their town financial dealings.

I am looking forward to the challenge of the budget process. Our duty on the Board of Finance demands that we strike a balance between controlling costs and keeping Southington affordable, and maintaining the excellence that we expect in our school system and other public services. As a Board of Finance member I will listen to all sides and make the best decisions for all Southington residents.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
My immediate primary area of focus will be the 2012-13 Board of Education and town budgets. I believe this will start the day after the election at the first meeting.

The Board of Finance will need to move quickly to get all boards on the same financial page prior to the official budget season, which begins in January. Another area of focus as a Board of Finance member will be to work with the Town Council to set up an investment policy so we can get a better rate of return on our cash reserves totaling over $13 million. This will bring extra money into the town that can be used to offset the Board of Education and town expenses. I will review the needs of our town versus the wants in order to keep Southington on a progressive path. I will work hard to maintain the town’s services especially the Library, Community Services and Calendar House in these very difficult financial times.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
The biggest issue facing Southington today is that of funding local services. Fiscal challenges at the federal and state levels are now Southington’s challenges because the money that came to Southington through these sources is dwindling. We have seen the grants on the Board of Education as well as those on the town government reduced during the last four years. Locally, a big issue the Board of Education and town faces is coming up with a plan to minimize the impact of the $1.16 million deficit from the 2011-12 American Resource and Recovery Act grant. We must all work together and not place this additional burden on the Southington taxpayers.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
As a member of the Board of Ethics during the last six years I listened to both sides and get to the facts. There are many issues that our town faces and I will listen to all residents and put the work into making the best decisions for the Town of Southington based on facts.

Anything else you would like to share?
I’m eager to get to work making Southington a better place to live, work, and learn. I hope you come out on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and support Team Southington with your vote.