Sarah Widomski shares with Patch why she should be reelected as a Board of Aldermen and Alderwomen member in Derby.
DERBY, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate's Name:
Sarah Widomski
What office are you seeking?
Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen - 1st Ward
What town do you live in?
Democratic
Occupation:
Lab Director/Quality Assurance Officer - York Analytical Laboratory
Family:
I have a wonderful family including my partner, Marc, my parents, 4 siblings, and plethora of nieces and nephews...all of whom I adore!
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Marc J. Garofalo - Town/City Clerk - Life Partner
Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have been a proud member of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen (BOA/A) since 2019 and previously served as President of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen and currently serve as Chair of the Finance and Public Safety Committee.
Why are you seeking this office?
I want to continue to make life better for all citizens of Derby. I have been working to clean up our streets and bring pride back to our neighborhoods. I will continue working to improve communication with and listen to the concerns of the residents of the first ward and all of Derby. I will support measures to increase accountability and transparency in our city government. Our team effort with the DiMartino administration has resulted in the collection of nearly $500,000 in blight fees and a number of buildings cleaned up and off the blight list. Our work is not complete and we will continue to make cleaning up our City a priority.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The redevelopment of the south side of Main Street is the critical issue for the residents of Ward 1. I intend to encourage a public process for the development of a master plan for the entire south side redevelopment project. We need that type of blue print so that we are all on same page as we move forward toward a better Derby.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I make sure that I participate in as many board meetings (P&Z, BOAT, P&R, etc.) as possible to become better informed of the goings on in the city. That coupled with conversations with the citizens of Derby helps me greatly in my BOA/A role. It is not enough to post on social media, we need representatives who show up for our city and that is what our team has done.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
We need continued attention in ensuring that there is productive communication between the administration, elected/appointed officials, and citizens so we may work toward success in our endeavors.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Working as a manager for 15+ years, increasing efficiency and morale in the workplace. Additionally, my tenure as Alderwoman started at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I have made it my priority to communicate with my constituents to resolve problems and address issues that are of concern to their quality of life.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
When you know better, do better.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am so proud to live in Derby. I am also the music director at St. Margaret Mary Church in Shelton. I have worked with and volunteered for many wonderful organizations including BSA Troop 3 Derby, Center Stage Theater, American Legion Post 24, St. Michael Church, and the Derby 350th Anniverary Committee.