Vote For Michael A. Riccio for Town Council on November 5, 2013

MICHAEL A. RICCIO

Why are you running for office? 

I see political office as an opportunity to give back to the community. In local politics, there are so many opportunities to affect positive change within the community and have a direct impact on our future. I enjoy working with individuals to tackle issues and reach a positive and productive outcome. My specific focus has been and will continue to be strong economic development and land preservation.

What are your qualifications? 

I have served on the Town Council, in the past, for 4 terms (8 years), the Planning and Zoning Commission for 2 terms (8 years), I currently serve on the Parking Authority as Chairman. I have been past Chairman of the Open Space Committee and the Downtown Revitalization Committee. I am also a founding member of the Southington Drive In Theater Committee and currently the Chairman of that group. I currently sit on the Board of Activate Southington and I am a past member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce.

What do you consider the two most important local issues and, if elected, how do you propose to address them?

1. PLANNED Economic Growth - I think that Southington is ripe for strong economic growth because of its location and resources. We have an abundant amount of industrial land in the northern and north western quadrants of town. I think that our focus should be in and around ESPN and Lake Compounce, specifically related to tourism. I believe we need to have totally new, creative incentives to bring technology firms and tourism.

2. Land Preservation - Southington's population continues to grow and will continue for the foreseeable future. We need to plan for land preservation in the areas of Parks, woodlands and outdoor recreation (golf, skiing, biking, etc….)