Why I'm Running For Re-Election
Six years ago, as a 26-year-old, I was searching for a way to be involved in the Milford community at-large: to contribute to civil society and help shape the soul and spirit of our ‘Small City with a Big Heart’ for years to come.
Then, coincidentally, my dad told me about an opportunity to run for the Milford Board of Education. It was a quick ‘yes’ — because it presented the chance to humbly serve, and to patriotically follow in the footsteps of my ideological and political heroes: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, to name a few. It was a way of giving back to the city and country that has blessed me beyond words.
Every time the votes have been tallied since, and I have been elected, it is thrilling, but this fleeting feeling pales in comparison to the awesome responsibility the good people of Milford have entrusted to me. After all, any local position is your seat — I simply want to be a good steward and servant leader until my successor takes this place.
Certainly, elected office has had its challenges over the years. And these roles as a member of the Board of Education and Board of Aldermen have often felt like a cross — but it’s one I try to joyfully carry as much as possible. Ultimately, you — my family, friends, and neighbors — believe in me; and that realization not only moves me to tears, but spurs me on.
This role has been one of the greatest honors of my life. And every vote has been cast with you in my mind and heart. And I’m running again because, after talking with loved ones, friends, and much prayer, there is still more to do.
Today, now a 32-year-old, I am asking, once again, to serve as your representative on the Board of Aldermen. So what are my top priorities?
Affordability & Fiscal Responsibility
Connecticut is a beautiful state — but it is a hard to afford. We have one of the highest property taxes in the nation. We have one of the highest electricity rates in the United States. And we are one of the worst states to start a business. Between the state government skirting our fiscal guardrails and my Democratic colleagues voting to raise taxes to hurt the incumbent mayor, Anthony Giannatassio, I have seen and heard what our high cost-of-living has done to hurt you — and how that stress ripples into nearly every facet of your life. (It hurts me too). You deserve to keep the money you rightfully earned to spend on your family, friends, a house, an apartment, a new appliance, or something else to help improve your quality of life; and you deserve a government that prioritizes making your life more affordable, and not one that plays political games.
Preserving Milford’s Character
Milford has become increasingly over-developed, with limited open space, especially downtown. This is a concern plenty of Milford residents have shared with me over the years. And I firmly believe people desire to live near and by beautiful places — instead of a cluttered city. My goal, then, is to preserve this city’s charm: the beaches, historical downtown, and small-town feel; but also with plenty of amenities and economic opportunities. That is what attracts people and families to Milford, and why they want to stay.
A Student-and-Teacher Focused Education
More than likely, there will be school closures in the upcoming years, and I hope to help shepherd Milford’s educational system for the future. But too often, the Milford Board of Education has not done its due diligence in reconciling its budget requests with taxpayers in mind, thereby compounding our government spending. The reality is more money does not necessarily equate to better academic results. Improving student achievement is — and must be — the ultimate goal, and I intend to keep that as my primary concern, as well as letting teachers teach their subject matters without bureaucratic meddling from the state.
Transparency
It has been my duty to be transparent with you and the community — such as posting on social media my notes and observations about the goings on in town. My mindset is this: the seat on the Board of Aldermen you gracefully entrusted to me has never belonged to me — but to you! And you deserve to know what is happening and the rationale behind my votes.
Ultimately, I am dedicated to Milford’s future. This city has been my home for more than 30 years — almost as long as I’ve been graced to be on this earth.
Most of my family lives here, like my parents Jack and Sharon, and so do many of my siblings who you may know: Jim, Mary (school nurse at Orange Ave.), Elizabeth and John. To put it plainly, this is home — and I want Milford to succeed, to grow, and to make sure that its best days are ahead.
If elected, I intend to keep listening to you, and collaborating and partnering with you on key issues concerning our beautiful city. To me, every person, being a child of God, has an inherent dignity, and they are deserving of respect and the opportunity to thrive.
With that, I am asking for your vote this upcoming fall:
Early Voting-Election: Oct. 20 - Nov. 2, 2025
General Election: Nov. 4, 2025
See you out on the campaign trail!
A Prayer for the Upcoming Campaign
Editor’s Note: On July 22, the Milford Republican Town Committee held its convention, during which the Executive Board asked me to lead the invocation due to Pastor Ken Fellenbaum’s absence. Here is what we prayed:
Lord,
Like in ancient days, when you called Abraham, Moses, and the Apostles, your voice is still calling us by name — to serve, to seek charity, justice, and peace — and to do so boldly.
Give us the wisdom and courage to do what is right instead of the easy and expedient; and the strength to persevere joyfully through our trials knowing that we are in your care. Help us be your loving hands, ears, eyes, and hearts here on earth, and to be conduits of your grace to our family, friends, and neighbors.
Win or lose, place us where you need us to be; that your will be done, rather than our own, because your will is when we are truly ourselves.
May we recall St. Thomas More’s final words, he the patron saint of politicians: “I’m the King’s good servant, but God’s first.”
May God bless the candidates, who are sacrificing and striving to do the good; their families, who are accompanying them on this journey; and for the great city of Milford to be a shining city — one rich in compassion and liberty. May he keep you all the days of your life — and may we love him in return: he who loved us first and loves us for all eternity.
Amen.
A beautiful prayer!