Community Corner

Meet the Republican: Al Natelli Jr.

A look at Al Natelli Jr., Republican candidate for Southington Town Council.

"Meet the Candidates" is a new 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.

Name: Dr. Al Natelli Jr.
Age: 49
Party, Position Seeking:
Republican, Southington Town Council

Family information: Married to Carmel Forte Natelli for 15 years, 4 children (three currently in the Southington school system, one in college).  Born and raised in New Jersey.  Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University (Ohio); D.D.S. Case Western Reserve University.  I have been living and practicing dentistry in Southington for 16 years.

Occupation: Dentist (Southington Dental Associates, P.C.), Volunteer Faculty Member at the University of Connecticut, School of Dental Medicine, Lecturer for a national dental implant company.

Political Experience: Currently a sitting Town Councilor, Chairman Rails to Trails Phase II Over-site Construction Committee, Member of the Self Insurance Committee, Member of the Public Works Committee, Member of the Emergency Medical Services Committee (also known as the Ambulance Over-site Committee).

Other Experience: Past Chairman of the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce, active with our state dental association.

Why did you run for office?
I am running for office to continue to make the changes necessary so our town can move forward and continue to be a leading community in the Connecticut for the 21st century; to continue to make a positive difference for my community. Our team has found innovative ways to save monies for the taxpayer while keeping the same or better level of services.

I have used 21st century thought processes and ideas to be creative so the town my keep moving forward. Examples include the north center school and planning for the future for a sports complex on Spring Street. Being proactive rather than reactive by, having the sewer line ready to go for future business built on Queen Street. Being proactive, rather than reactive, will increase our tax base now and have us ready for tomorrow. Republicans are proactive and my friends on the other side are reactive.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
My primary area of focus would be public works and the development of an infrastructure plan to fix the roads and upgrade the town. I am also looking forward to continuing to serve on the self-insurance committee where we manage a $20 million+ budget. On the Self Insurance Committee, I add the user side of the insurance and ask questions as a doctor regarding utilization of the insurance. I would also like to review our ordinances to see which ones are antiquated and need to be dropped, which ones are outdated and need updating and then anything else that comes up during that task. Lastly I would like to review all the parks and see what updates they need.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
Infrastructure. Southington did not keep up with its capital improvement plan so it must now play catch up from the past.  We must also be respectful that in this economy, we need to continue to find innovative ways to bring in new business and keep old ones here as well.  The continuation of attracting new business to our town will aid in keeping the mill rate low for the homeowner. In addition we need to continue to find solutions to keep spending flat or at a minimal increase. By working on these things at the same time, by them being intermingled we will keep taxes low, continue to provide the level of services that we do, and attract more of the right business to our community, so that we may grow and provide the high standard of education and living that our residents have come to expect.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
I bring my small business owner skills; my skills as an employer and experiences as an employee will help to continue to move our town forward. In addition I have the listening skills, critical thinking skills and speaking skills to draw rational conclusions and explain these decisions to you. It is these skills that are so important to bring our town into the 21st century.

Anything else you would like to share?
I am also a college, high school and youth ice hockey official. I have considered it an honor to serve our community in the capacity I have and I am hopeful that the members of our great town will allow me the privilege to sever them again in a second term.


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