Naugatuck resident Meghan Smith tells Patch why she should be reelected as a burgess.
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.
Find out what's happening in Naugatuckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I graduated Naugatuck High School in 2004. After high school I went to nursing school and have been working in the community as a visiting nurse.
What is your occupation?
I work full time as a Licensed Practical Nurse. I have been a nurse for almost 13 years and have been a visiting nurse for about 9 years. Prior to visiting nursing I worked in a diabetes clinic and also was a camp nurse for the YMCA.
Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.
I have been happily married to my husband Dan for 8 years. We have 3 children that we are incredibly proud of.
Brendan is a recent NHS graduate and is furthering his education at Sacred Heart University. He is also on the Cross Country and Track and Field teams.
Camryn is a senior at NHS and is involved in DECA, national honor society and is on the girls tennis team.
Austin is our youngest and absolutely loves sports.. especially Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees. He is almost always in a baseball uniform and carrying around a glove or baseball.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
I am the only member of my family who works in politics or government.
Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
I was elected as Burgess in 2021.
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?
As my first term as a Burgess was coming to a close, I realized that I was really just getting started. I ran for office in 2021 hoping to make a difference in town, and I’d like to continue on that journey. It has been an honor to serve these last two years, and I am hopeful that I will be trusted by the voters to continue serving the Borough of Naugatuck. There is a lot of work to be done, and I am ready to be a part of bringing positive change to our town.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is taxes, and this is what I intend to do about it:
It is no secret that the taxes in town are much higher than any of us would want. Ultimately what I would love to try to do, but can not do single handedly, is work to get businesses into town. I do not want to see Naugatuck filled with apartment buildings and housing complexes. I would love to work together with the board to find a way to entice businesses to fill our vacant spaces in town, not build on our ball fields and open land.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have worked for 2 years with the current board, most of which are running for re-election. I came in as “the newbie”, as many of the board members have served multiple terms. I spent a lot of my first term learning. I was not a seasoned politician, so I feel that I had, and continue to have the ability to look at things as a constituent.
As an incumbent, I am more familiar with the process and am able to ask the tough questions that others may not.
The other main difference between me and the other candidates is who I am and what I bring to this position… I was born and raised in this town, and have seen the changes that have occurred over the years. I remember the Naugatuck I grew up in. It was a small town, a safe town, and we were always out on some kind of sports field. Thats the Naugatuck I want for my kids. It wasn’t full of abandoned buildings, empty store fronts, and apartment complexes. When we chose to raise our family in Naugatuck, it was because we loved the town we grew up in. Thats the town I will work to keep.
If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
I challenge incumbents as I would myself. The status quo is never enough for me. We need to continue to improve this community and the lives of our residents. Some incumbents I believe have failed because they have forgotten the purpose of our position which is service to the people and not to oneself or their friends.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Obviously taxes are at the top of all of our list.
I also think we need to address how to bring more small businesses into town, but also keep the ones we currently have.
Also, safety in town. How can we support our law enforcement officers to ensure they can do their jobs to the best of their ability.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My family is my greatest accomplishment. I know I can handle this job because I have for 2 years and I have only just begun. Helping and caring for my community, as I do for my family, and the patients I care for is what I do best.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Always stand up for what you believe in, even if you’re the only one left standing.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am incredibly grateful that the voters trusted me in 2021, and I will continue to work to make a difference if given the opportunity. I am proud to live and serve in this town.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.