Naugatuck resident Jeff Litke tells Patch why he should be reelected to the Board of Education.
NAUGATUCK, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Naugatuck and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.
Naugatuck Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.
Democrat Jeff Litke, 42, is a Naugatuck resident running for reelection to the Board of Education.
Education
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Bachelors in political science from the University of Connecticut, Masters in Public Administration from the University of New Haven.
What is your occupation?
Sr. Human Resources Generalist, Town of Stratford, 7 years.
Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.
Husband: Drew Cosenza (52).
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.
Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
Naugatuck Board of Education (2017 - Present), Naugatuck Inland Wetlands Commission (Oct. 2016 - Nov. 2017), Naugatuck Zoning Commission (Mar. 2007 - Sept. 2009).
Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?
I was born and raised in Naugatuck and I truly love my community and my hometown. I am a product of Naugatuck Public Schools and a graduate of Naugatuck High School. I believe in giving back to my community and serving in public office is one way for me to do that.
I have served on the Board of Education since 2017 and it has been an amazing experience where I have been able to have an impact on the educational system that impacted my life and that impacts the lives of my nieces and their friends.
Our educational system in Naugatuck is where our future generations will learn and grow and we want to ensure that they get the best educational experience that we can offer. Being able to have a part in that is something that I take seriously and responsibly as everyone has very differing opinions and I am always cognizant of that and try to take everyones opinions into consideration.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.
I think that this statement can be answered a thousand different ways depending on who you ask. Everyone will have a different answer such as test scores, bussing, school climate, class size or staffing, just to name a few.
What I intend to do about any issue that is brought to my attention is too look into it, research if necessary, discuss it with my fellow board members and take appropriate action that is within our jurisdiction. I am open to talking to anyone and everyone and hearing everyone's opinions about all issues and working together.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What makes me stand out from the other candidates is my experience. I have served on the board since 2017 and as chair since 2019. During that time, I have been able to lead with the support of our entire board and have been able to work with town leaders to ensure our students are provided with excellent educational opportunities.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I think my past six years of service on the Board of Education is evidence that I can handle this position. In my six years, I have shown that I can work with all members of the Board across party lines to get budgets passed, pass policies, conduct trainings and conduct efficient meetings.
I have shown that I will be the biggest supporter for Naugatuck Public Schools, going out into the community, writing letters of support for grants, reading to classes, speaking to classes, attending sporting events and visiting schools.
While at the same time, I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions when test scores fall, staff members leave or student behavioral issues arise. That is what we need on the Board of Education, someone who will support our schools, but will also ask the questions that need to be asked.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice anyone ever gave me was: Be kind, because it goes a long way and you never know how someone's day is going and how your kindness will impact them.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am currently in my third term on the Board of Education and I am the current chair of the board. Serving on the Board of Education is a great honor for me and something that humbles me.
I am someone that listens and welcomes input from all of the Naugatuck Public Schools stakeholders. I have been endorsed by the LGBTQ Victory Fund in my re-election bid. I am proud of this endorsement as the LGBTQ Victory Fund is a national organization that seeks to elect members of the LGBTQ community to positions in all levels of government.
I think that it speaks volumes that I am someone that will advocate for all of our students. I encourage anyone who has any questions about my campaign or stances to reach out to me.
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