The New Britain Herald has asked the candidates in the municipal elections questions on the issues facing our communities.

Today we present a question and answer session with candidates for Southington Town Council.

Dr. Al Natelli, Republican

145 Meriden Ave, Southington, Ct. 06489

Employer: Self, Southington Dental Associates, P.C.

Education: Tenafly (NJ) High School, B.A. University, Oxford, Ohio; Fairleigh Dickenson University, Doctorate of Dental Surgery; Case Western Reserve University, School of Dentistry, Cleveland, Ohio. PGY-1 St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Patterson, N.J. PGY-2 the Hospital Center at Orange, Orange, N.J.

Civic and professional associations: Connecticut Mission of Mercy Volunteer; One day of free dentistry to local children in conjunction with a National Give Kids A Smile Program; Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce Charity Auction; Apple Harvest Festival Chairman, 2006 to 2007; Connecticut State Dental Association; Greater Southington Dental Society; American Dental Association; Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity.

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

Southington has several great challenges but the town should become more business friendly. This would result in an increased tax roll from business yielding a more stable tax for the local home owner and allowing for an increase in the education budget. Simultaneously the town needs to develop a strategic plan, a guide or blue print to success. This would allow for the planning of replacing and developing infrastructure in the community also yielding fewer surprises in town maintenance and repairs. Lastly, the completion of the old drive in theater as an extension of Rec. Park.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

The hidden question or obvious question and answer here is adult oriented business. In the end planning and zoning and then all the councils, commissions and boards need to review their rules, regulations and ordinances’ so they are current with today’s community climates.

Are there any type of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

Of course, the town needs to look at increasing class A business space but it also needs to grow its enterprise zone with regards to manufacturing. Southington is a great place to raise a family and do business. Its has 5 exits of interstate 84 and one or two off interstate 691. Southington is nearly the middle of the state with easy access to highways. We should look to bring state organizations here like the Connecticut State Dental Association because we are nearly central to the four corners of the state.

Christopher J. Palmieri, Democrat

186 Highridge Road, Southington

Employer: Southington Board of Education

Education: Southington High School, University of Rhode Island (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration), Sacred Heart University (Master of Arts in Teaching), and Sacred Heart University (Professional Certificate in Administration)

Web site: southingtondemocrats.com

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

Maintaining quality town services and continuing to make certain that Southington schools are among the best in the state, despite budget limitations, are important issues. It is important to balance the needs of all of Southington’s citizens while ensuring appropriate financial support for the town. Much of this is addressed in the democratic platform. We must continue to adhere to our comprehensive fiscal policy and continue to focus on economic development while exploring additional sources of revenue.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

We need to be careful with the types of businesses we attract to Southington. I support maintaining firm regulations in order to ensure smart future development. Southington is fortunate to have an economic development coordinator that is proactive in bringing new businesses into town. He works well with the Town Council to keep the lines of communication open and ensure that everyone is well informed.

Are there any type of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

One of the benefits of bringing in businesses or industries into town is the growth to the grand list. This will ultimately ease some of the burden placed on residential taxpayers. Southington has been very fortunate to have a good foundation with a balance of commercial, industrial, and office space in town. As a current member of the Town Council, I worked with my colleagues along with the Economic Development Coordinator to make some town-wide infrastructure improvements and improve the tax incentives offered to new businesses that may decide to make Southington their home. I was proud to be a part of Southington’s Economic Summit this year which highlighted some of the accomplishments over the past several years. I am also proud to be a part of the Southington Enterprise Zone & Economic Development (S.E.E.D.) Committee.

Jim Sargent, Independent

996 Flanders Road, Southington

Employer: Southington Schools, Substitute Teacher

Education: Southington High School; Northeastern University, B.S. Political Science

Civic and professional association: Northeastern University Alumni Association, Hartford Whalers Booster Club

Web site: www.jimsargent.com

What do you think is the town’s greatest challenge now?

Southington is a great place to live with extraordinary potential to continue improving, but has always been governed by a small political class representing the interests of the two major parties. To make our town the best it can be, Southington needs an approach to government that harnesses the ideas and abilities of all its residents. Our local government should be accessible, transparent, and welcoming. We should rid town hall of the bitter partisanship that drives so many capable individuals away from public service. When our political process is more welcoming, instead of pitting Southington residents against one another, we will be able to truly work together to improve our schools, fight for our seniors, and improve our community.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

Among our community’s most important priorities is attracting new businesses to grow our economy and expand opportunities for Southington residents. However, this should not be done recklessly. Smart economic growth should not result in pollution and overcrowding, nor should it come at the expense of small business owners in our community. Overreaching and vague restrictions would be unwise, but our town should make sure that existing regulations are enforced in order to protect Southington’s quality of life.

Are there any types of business or industry the town should try to attract?

Southington must be a business-friendly community if we are to alleviate the property tax burden on our taxpayers. We should aim for a broad and diverse economy. Traditional service, manufacturing, and retail businesses will always be an important part of Southington and we should continue to foster their growth. As we move forward, though, Southington should remain innovative and adapt to the new information economy of the future. A balanced and well-rounded economy will improve the quality of life and opportunities for Southington residents.

Edward S. Pocock III, Republican

119 Pattonwood Drive, Southington

Employer: Town of Southington, Dept. of Police.

Education: Associates Degree, Business Management, 1995, ICS. Six Sigma Black Belt, Master Certificate, Villanova University, 2008. Pursuing a Bachelors Degree from Florida Institute of Technology in Criminal Justice. Numerous police related schools.

Military service: USAF 1985-1989

Civic and professional associations: Southington Police Union, Southington Polish Falcons, Friendship Lodge & NRA.

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

Southington needs new people who have the experience, ideas and integrity to make the difficult decisions needed in today’s environment. The public has told us loud and clear that they want leadership that will implement real change. The Democrats have controlled Town Hall for 4 years, overtaxing us - 1.6 million dollars in surplus – while seniors’ incomes have significantly decreased and people are without jobs. They continue to maintain the status quo when we know that real change is needed at Town Hall. Southington needs leadership that has the conviction and courage to follow thru on their campaign promises – make the needed Town Hall changes, support economic development, control spending and taxes. We need leadership that will lead.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

For too long our Town leadership has operated in a re-active mode. This reaction instead of proactive planning has cost Southington’s taxpayers millions of dollars. For instance, if a building committee was formed prior to building the Denitrification plan, it would have tested for contaminants rather than finding them at the site after the plant was under construction. If our zoning regulations were regularly reviewed, VIP would not be an issue. It is clear that Southington needs leadership with the professional experience and desire to be pro-active. We no longer can let those who repeatedly have fallen asleep at the switch because of complacency be in charge of our town’s welfare

Are there any types of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

The problem with present and past Democratic leadership is that although they say they support economic development, they refuse to act upon their words. Republicans know that taking proactive steps to attract more high revenue businesses such as ESPN and Lake Compounce will balance our tax base , relieving our homeowners of shouldering the entire tax burden. A excellent example of Democrat talk without the courage of action is their prevention to extend the northwest corridor sewer line which would allow both ESPN and Lake Compounce as well as other small businesses and manufactures to expand or locate in town. Another is their continual denial of the funding needed by our Economic Developer to do his job. Economic development must be embraced rather than given “lip service” . That will only happen with a change in leadership.

Sandra Feld, Independent

821 Glacier Way, Southington

Education: BS in Education; AAS, Paralegal

Civic and professional associations. Concerned Southington Citizens, Charter Revision Commision; NJ Supreme Court Joint Advisory Committee on Child Support Enforcement, the Monmouth County Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey.

What do you think is the town’s greatest challenge now?

Keeping property taxes low considering the economy. Those on fixed incomes are having most difficulty. Yet the town’s needs have not changed. Education, infrastructure, contractual obligations continue.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

Southington needs regulations to prevent another adult store like VIP.

Are there any types of business or industry the town should try to attract?

All types are welcome, within proper zones. I have long urged elimination of 1/2 acre zoning.

Dawn A. Miceli, Democrat

100 Thunderbird Drive

Employers: Quinnipiac University, Hamden Hall Country Day School, Connecticut Lottery Corporation

Education: Platt High School, Meriden, Conn.; BA in Communication, Magna Cum Laude, Central Connecticut State University; working on master’s degree in English from CCSU

Civic and professional associations: Commissioner, Planning and Zoning Commission; Board of Directors, Southington Education Foundation; PTO Executive Board, Thalberg Elementary School; parishioner, First United Methodist Church; volunteer, Meriden Soup Kitchen; former member, Southington Cable Advisory Council.

What do you think is the town’s greatest challenge now?

Our community’s greatest challenge is balance. Balance between our rich heritage and the progress that has naturally evolved as we’ve grown from a greenhorn suburb to a hearty municipality boasting a population of more than 40,000.

Southington is truly a lovely town, replete with its apple orchards, bucolic neighborhoods, stately churches, rambling golf courses, ski resort, open space corridors and more. And I definitely want to help foster that treasured inheritance so future generations can enjoy the myriad benefits.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

We cannot stay landlocked, so to speak, with regard to our local economy. We must stay relevant and attractive to investors. Finding the right balance is achievable through planned development and thoughtful management. Business development is crucial to our local economy especially shouldering some of the debt load for our beleaguered taxpayers. I am in favor of responsible development that enhances our community rather than weakens it. One area to be mindful of is the West Street corridor. With the addition of Target and Lowe’s, West Street is taking off commercially. However, I do not believe it should become another Queen Street. West Street traffic is already somewhat daunting during peak hours. Affordable housing is also questionable when it is forced on a neighborhood or community without consideration of local zoning regulations. I do not agree with current state mandates on this issue.

Are there any types of business or industry the town should try to attract?

The town should attract light industry. These types of operations are clean and attractive with minimal disruption to the environment. Luckily for Southington, these are the types of applications that the Planning and Zoning Commission has been green-lighting with much verve and alacrity over the past several years. Areas like Captain Lewis Drive and Industrial Drive are filling up with revenue-generating businesses that are beneficial to the town’s coffers.

As for commercial entities, I’d like to throw my support and volunteer efforts to filling some of the empty store fronts on Queen Street, most notably the former Shaw’s Plaza, with viable retail outlets that embrace the spirit of this community.

Arthur Cyr, Independent

103 Berlin Ave. Southington

Occupation: Operations/Purchasing Manager

Civic and professional associations: 16 years of property management, as President of the Board of Directors and professionally as a Property Manager for several management companies.

What do you think is the town’s greatest challenge now?

Bringing in more business & industry to help fund capital improvements that have been neglected and/or delayed, in both General Government and the Board of Education.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

We already have good zoning regulations that adequately govern residential, business and industrial development. If anything, more incentives are needed to attract business & industry to our northwest quadrant of town.

Are there any types of business or industry the town should try to attract?

The town is currently aggressively trying to attract more small to medium size businesses (3-30 employees), which are the backbone to a stable tax base. These include businesses in both the I-1 and I-2 business groups.

David Zoni, Democrat

340 Annelise Ave. Southington

Employer: Self - Owner of Priority Graphics since 1988

Education: Southington High School, Hartford State Technical College, attended Quinnipiac University

Civic and professional associations: Southington Rotary Club, Southington UNICO Club, Southington Chamber of Commerce Economic Development and Legislative Committees, Italian Festival Committee, Council Link, Town Manager’s representative to the Consortium of CEO’s Board for the Capital Workforce Partners and the Democratic Town Committee Executive Board.

www.southingtondemocrats.com

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

I believe the current economic condition will ultimately affect Southington’s revenue stream. The State of Connecticut’s revenue shortfalls may precipitate future cuts in State grant funding. This scenario will place Southington in the precarious position of balancing service levels with available revenues without increasing taxes significantly or eroding our current fiscal position. Focusing on revenue generation through economic development (keeping the businesses we have, generating new businesses and promoting diversity of the grand list) and other means will serve to mitigate this condition, but will not fully rectify it. Future members of the Town Council will need to possess the experience in governing and the intestinal fortitude that will be required to make the difficult decisions that lie ahead.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

As a member of the Southington Chamber of Commerce economic development committee, I have been involved with addressing the concerns of the business development community. Attracting new businesses, keeping our existing business and diversifying our grand list should be a major priority. Southington’s zoning regulations and master plan of development outline the basis rules and guidelines for future business development in Southington. Proper development, limitations and restrictions to various business entities are fairly well addressed within these regulations and plans. I would support any changes to these regulations that would enhance grand list growth, as well as, the quality of life for the people of Southington.

Are there any type of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

New businesses should be prioritized by their added value to the grand list, their ability to generate quality job growth, their added diversity to the grand list and their ability to enhance the quality of life for the Southington residents, in that order.

John C. Dobbins, Republican

323 Thistle Lane, Southington

Education: Hartford Hospital, Administrative Pharmacy Resident; University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, B.S. Pharmacy

Employer: UConn Health Center, Central Pharmacist, Millennium Compliance tm Corporation, Southington, Founder and President; UConn School of Pharmacy adjunct faculty.

Professional and Civic: Connecticut Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists, Connecticut Pharmacist Association, Briarwood College Professional Pharmacy Advisory Board, Southington Water Board, Secretary/Treasure;

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

Southington’s greatest challenge as with many communities in Connecticut is to increase their tax base. It is simple math, more businesses in town means a larger Grand List, thus equaling lower property taxes. This can be done in part by Southington becoming more business friendly. At the same time taking a good hard look at what we can do to attract new business and also helping businesses currently in town stay in town.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

This question has an obvious answer, you know it if you have been reading the paper. There should be restrictions on Adult oriented business both by zoning ordinance and regulation.

Are there any type of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

I know some my fellow candidates have ideas for attracting certain types of businesses to town and that is fine. I respect their area of expertise. In my opinion, I think we should look at any and all types of businesses and industries. Then, after looking at all the facts, make an informed decision that works for the Town of Southington.

Anthony D’Angelo, Democrat

73 Woodland Drive, Southington

Education: BS Elementary Education, CCSU; MS Guidance, CCSU; 6th year, Administration, SCSU

Retired Coordinator of Special Education, Southington schools

Public Service: Town Council Vice Chairman; Apple Harvest Festival; UNICO, United Way Bd of Directors; Capital Bonding Committee, chairman; Emergency Medical Service Committee; Bulky Waste Working Committee, chairman

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

The most pressing issue is to continue to be fiscally responsible for the residents in the Town of Southington. During the past 2 terms, the budget increases were very minimal, but, with a philosophy of responsible spending. While our School budget was increased due to state and federal mandates, the town budget this past year was not increased. Department Heads needed to monitor all line items within their own budgets. This has resulted in a budget surplus. The Town Council, Board of Finance and Board of Education need to work closely together to keep our budget increases respectful for all residents. I would continue to monitor the budgets with the department heads and School officials.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

The Town needs to continue to attract businesses and industries to help supplement our town and school budget. The Town Council should continue to monitor this growth and to constantly review ordinances that will attract businesses.

Town Staff should be very mindful to making the small businesses and industries welcome to Southington. Communication with the Planning and Zoning Commission is imperative in the attraction of these businesses. The owners should be educated on the regulations that must be adhered to so that our town can become more business friendly.

Restrictions on types of businesses should be specifically outlined in the regulations. Southington is truly a family oriented town with great family values. This must continue within our business world.

Are there any type of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

The Town officials should attract the type of businesses and industries that will make the residents of Southington very proud. Large regional types of businesses represent a good tax base, however, their needs to be a mix of large and small types of businesses. There have been some industrial parks that are being developed for the owners needing medium types of buildings. This concept should continue with the assistance of our Economic Development Coordinator.

Southington wants to continue to be business friendly, but with businesses that will represent Southington in a positive manner. As a candidate for Town Council, I will continue to support regulations and ordinances that will provide a healthy tax base for our residents. The key to success is to continue to be ‘business friendly’ in Southington with businesses that represent true American values.

Art Secondo, Democrat

1048-28 South Main St. Plantsville

Employer: Southington Chamber of Commerce

Education: Southington High School

Civic and professional: Town Council; Secretary, Sons of Italy Club; Co-Chairman, Italian-American Festival; Southington Sports Hall of Fame member; Official Softball Umpire; former editor/Southington Observer

Southingtoncoc.com

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

The greatest challenge is for the Town Council to balance its priorities with spending since we will be faced with continuing school renovations, road infrastructure work and state mandates regarding environmental issues.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

The Town is constantly trying to attract businesses that will add to our tax base without putting additional stress on our school system, police and fire. However, we need to be careful that we do not discourage new enterprises since we have been fortunate in the past in attracting a variety of commercial and retail enterprises that have not adversely affecting Southington.

Peter J. Romano, Jr. Republican

339 Pattonwood Drive, Southington

Employer: Fortunato Construction Group

Education: Plainville High School, Central CT State University

Civic and professional associations: St. Dominic Church. R.E. teacher; Long-Term Planning Committee; Local Youth Sports Coach for Little League Baseball and Travel Soccer

southingtonrepublicans.org/

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

The greatest challenge that the town will face is not necessarily a new one. We need to balance the necessity for town provided services with fiscal responsibility. How does the town best serve our public schools, property owners, elderly, needy and business community? Each group is a piece of a puzzle that makes up our community. Every group must be considered when decisions are made. The Town Council must look not only at the immediate impact of its decisions, but the impact these decisions will have on our children and grandchildren. Southington’s greatest challenge is to do the research and make the difficult decisions necessary to ensure that our town retains a strong economy.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

Businesses are the fuel that propels the town. They create jobs, provide services and products and contribute, in large part, to easing the tax burden on homeowners. That being said we need to be cautious as to how and where we restrict business development. Once again it is an issue of balance. We want to maintain our charming New England town feeling while making sure that the business community sees Southington as business friendly.

A well thought out and updated development plan would make sure that we steer businesses to fit the fabric of Southington. Assuming that Planning and Zoning does a good job with the regulations we should be able find a location for ALMOST any business that provides a product or service that is desired by the community. It’s all about research, careful planning and a continual review of our plans and regulations.

Are there any type of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

There is a need for a variety of businesses in Southington.

In the current economic climate it would be desirable to attract businesses that employ people with education and/or technical abilities. Connecticut is rich with an educated and skilled work force.

We need to keep these people here. The by-product of these employers is that traditionally they foster the individual growth and continued education of their employees which translates to more well rounded members of the community. Many of these companies encourage their employees to volunteer in the community. Additionally, these companies are more likely to financially contribute to local non-profit organizations that serve our town.

John N. Barry (Democrat)

1264 Marion Ave.

Connecticut Legislature

Education: Southington High School, Post University, Johnson & Wales University

What do you see as the town’s greatest challenge now?

Working together the Democratic-controlled Board of Finance and Town Council have initiated comprehensive and sweeping fiscal reforms to help guide our community in the years ahead. By accumulating impressive surpluses and increasing the town’s rainy day fund to the largest level in our towns’ history, Democrats have proven that fiscal matters are more important then partisan battles. The biggest challenge for our town is to elect fiscally prudent members to the Board of Finance and Town Council. Southington Democrats have earned your vote and together we can continue the important fiscal objectives and policies that keep property taxes in check.

Do you think there should be any restrictions on business development in town? If so, what sort?

As Chairman of the Town Council, I sponsored Southington’s first economic summit. By bringing different boards and commissions together, our economic development team highlighted the successes that Southington has experienced in the last several years. Even in the worst economic downturn in 100 years, Southington has experienced unmatched business development in central Connecticut. However, I believe we need to be careful in the development of retail development in town. There must be a careful approach to avoid the saturation of big box retail expansion in our community.

Are there any type of businesses or industries the town should try to attract?

Working with our economic development team, the Town Council has initiated important tax incentives to attract companies to Southington. The Town Council also committed town resources by initiating sewer design for the important northwest corridor. By being proactive, the Town Council requested a comprehensive review by the Planning and Zoning Commission to review current zoning in the northwest area, with the goal in having an expanded industrial zone for business expansion. This long term approach is focused on highlighting the strengths that Southington offers. With a low crime rate and diversification in our Grand List, Southington is committed in attracting industries that will be good corporate neighbors and maintain our high quality of life.The paper did not receive responses from Republican candidates Stephen Pestillo and Stephanie Urillo.