Politics & Government
Meet Stephen Smith, Candidate for Planning and Zoning
This high school English teacher who's running on the Realistic Balance ticket thinks quality education is a linchpin to Middletown's future prosperity and community vitality.
Middletown Patch's meet-the-candidates series allows voters to learn a little bit about the men and women running for public office this November.
Democrat Stephen M. Smith, 48, is running for Middletown Planning and Zoning on the Realistic Balance ticket. This week, he and fellow P&Z candidate Stephen Devoto were placed back on the ballot by a Middletown Superior Court Judge.
Education: BA in English, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa., MA in Liberal Studies, Wesleyan University, Middletown
Work: English teacher at O.H. Platt High School, Meriden, 15 years
Why do you want to hold public office in Middletown? Middletown is a great place to live and I think it is important not to take that for granted. That didn't just happen. It is the result of the combined efforts of leaders in business, education and the community, and elected officials working to affect change.
What experience do you bring to the table? In opposing the proposed Washington Street development, I have educated myself regarding the Middletown Plan of Development, zoning regulations and case law related to land use in middletown and throughout the state. I am an independent-minded candidate who is eager to work with all parties to help maintain and advance the the qualities and characteristics of Middletown that make is such a desirable place to live.
What do you think the city's most pressing issue is? As the father of two young children, I think the most pressing issue Middletown, and many other towns, face is education. I am pleased with the direction the Board of Ed has taken since the last election and feel there are several strong candidates on the November ballot. I feel that Planning and Zoning directly impacts this issue in that its decisions affect not only the revenue needed to fund education but also in ensuring that Middletown remains a desirable place to buy a home and raise a family.
What do you love most about Middletown? I love the pride that Middletown residents take in their neighborhoods and communities and how that promotes a sense of belonging and a concern for the city as a whole.
What do you like to do for fun? I love living downtown. I enjoy walking with my kids to the library, or down to Main Street for Sunday breakfast or up the hill for some music or a performance at Wesleyan. We have great neighbors who are always ready for a last minute pot luck dinner in the back yard. I used to enjoy working on my house, but not so much anymore.
How can residents keep up with you? Email smithforplanning@gmail.com
Education: BA in English, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa., MA in Liberal Studies, Wesleyan University, Middletown
Work: English teacher at O.H. Platt High School, Meriden, 15 years
Why do you want to hold public office in Middletown? Middletown is a great place to live and I think it is important not to take that for granted. That didn't just happen. It is the result of the combined efforts of leaders in business, education and the community, and elected officials working to affect change.
What experience do you bring to the table? In opposing the proposed Washington Street development, I have educated myself regarding the Middletown Plan of Development, zoning regulations and case law related to land use in middletown and throughout the state. I am an independent-minded candidate who is eager to work with all parties to help maintain and advance the the qualities and characteristics of Middletown that make is such a desirable place to live.
What do you think the city's most pressing issue is? As the father of two young children, I think the most pressing issue Middletown, and many other towns, face is education. I am pleased with the direction the Board of Ed has taken since the last election and feel there are several strong candidates on the November ballot. I feel that Planning and Zoning directly impacts this issue in that its decisions affect not only the revenue needed to fund education but also in ensuring that Middletown remains a desirable place to buy a home and raise a family.
What do you love most about Middletown? I love the pride that Middletown residents take in their neighborhoods and communities and how that promotes a sense of belonging and a concern for the city as a whole.
What do you like to do for fun? I love living downtown. I enjoy walking with my kids to the library, or down to Main Street for Sunday breakfast or up the hill for some music or a performance at Wesleyan. We have great neighbors who are always ready for a last minute pot luck dinner in the back yard. I used to enjoy working on my house, but not so much anymore.
How can residents keep up with you? Email smithforplanning@gmail.com
Other Candidate Bios
- Meet Paul Turenne, Democratic Candidate for Planning and Zoning
- Meet Dan Russo, Democratic Candidate for Planning and Zoning
- Meet Stephen Devoto, Democratic Candidate for Zoning Board
- Meet Sandra Russo-Driska, Republican Common Council Hopeful
- Meet Grady Faulkner: Democrat for Common Council Seat
- Meet Sheila Daniels, Republican for Board of Education
- Meet Sal Micciulla, Democratic Candidate for Assessment Board
- Meet Linda Salafia, Incumbent Republican Common Council Candidate
- Meet Deb Kleckowski: Republican Candidate for Common Council
- Meet Hope Kasper: Democratic Common Councilor for Re-Election
- Meet Ryan Kennedy, Republican Common Council Candidate
- Meet John Kilian, Realistic Balance Candidate for Mayor
- Meet Brian Kaskel, Republican Candidate for Board of Education
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