Meet the Republican: John J. Leary

"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 Leary
Age: 44
Party, Position Seeking: Republican, Southington Board of Finance

Family information: Married to Karen Matthews Leary, have a daughter, Lauren, who is a 16-year-old junior at St. Paul Catholic High School, and son, Matthew, 13, in eighth grade at the St. Thomas School in Southington.

Occupation: Director of Global Consolidations Accounting at Chemtura Corporation, a global producer of specialty chemicals.

Political Experience: Completed one two-year term on the Southington Board of Finance, currently serving as chairman.

Other Experience: Serving the Boy Scouts of America, 33 years active service; Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 3; active parishioner at St Dominic Church, currently serving on the finance committee.

Why did you run for office?
To fulfill a "duty to country" instilled in me as a Boy Scout; to share my accounting, leadership and business skills with the people of Southington; to act as their voice in town government.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
To handle every issue that arises in a non-political business manner that has at its core common sense and fair play.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today? The unhealthy financial condition of the federal government and our state government is and will be putting tremendous financial pressure on Southington. We are called upon to do so much with a limited amount of money. The challenge is to focus on developing and understanding town priorities and getting the greatest value for taxpayer dollars.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
I am an Eagle Scout, and take great pride in living my life by the Scout Oath and Law. I have run many programs in scouting, church and community. I worked in a family Plumbing and Heating Business while growing up, through college and beyond. I graduated from college and have degrees in Management, Marketing and a Masters Degree in Professional Accounting. I work with people all over the world, on a daily basis, where I have to listen, understand, influence, build relationships, make decisions and ultimately improve processes.

Anything else you would like to share?
My wife and I moved to Southington when we got married in 1992. I grew up in the east end of Waterbury, not far from the top of Southington Mountain. My wife Karen grew up in Bristol. Since moving to Southington and having children we have become very involved in St. Dominic Church/School and met so many good friends from raising our children in town. We love Southington and are proud to call Southington our home.