Naugatuck Election 2021 Profile: Fran Dambowsky

Naugatuck CT

22 October, 2021

7:29 PM

Description

NAUGATUCK, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Naugatuck will be on the ballot. To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town. Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next several days, so check back often to see the latest. Democrat Fran Dambowsky, 71, is running for Burgess in Naugatuck. Occupation: Present: Investigator – State Of Connecticut, Director Naugatuck Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Past: Retired Buyer & Manager - Peter Paul, Naugatuck, Dispatcher - Naugatuck Fire Department, United States Navy Family: Married to Janice L. Dambowsky. Daughters: Carol, Tine, Michele, Crystal, Ashley. Grandchildren: Kyle, Juliana, Mya, Sophia, Sean Experience: Board of Mayor & Burgesses, Naugatuck COVID Pandemic Incident Commander, Naugatuck EMS Board of Directors, Naugatuck Emergency Management Advisory Council, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments Emergency Planning Committee, Naugatuck Director of Safety Patrol, Justice of the Peace, Burgess Liaison to Zoning Board, Burgess Liaison to Naugatuck Veterans Council, Past: North West Public Safety Corporate Board of Directors, Chairman - Naugatuck Board of Police Commissioners, and Bailiff Family in government: Wife: Janice Dambowsky, Secretary to Mayor Hess, Naugatuck, Daughter: Michele, Forensic Biologist, Department of Defense, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it: Our tax base and the need to attract business and industry to our townNaugatuck must continue to take action and promote policies that create a business friendly atmosphere. In the forefront is the "Port of Naugatuck." We must aggressively promote this project with our local, regional, national, and international stakeholders. This incentive has attracted the attention of both United States and Canadian intermodal rail services and has received positive reviews. We must continue to promote this project and encourage our state and federal representatives to support legislation that will aid in bringing this plan to fruition. During the present term, the Board of Mayor and Burgesses unanimously adopted a tax incentive plan to attract business and encourage present businesses to grow. Rather than having a one size fits all package, this ordinance allows borough officials to negotiate fixed assessments with eligible businesses on a case-by-case basis. The board now has the authority to fix assessments for up to 10 years for commercial uses, including manufacturing facilities, transportation facilities, offices and retail establishments. The ordinance also includes provisions for personal property assessments, which could be fixed for up to seven years if a business's investment increases the assessed value by more than $3 million. Should the increase be more than $500, 000 but less than $3 million the assessment can be fixed for up to two years. We must have an open dialogue with current business owners in our community. By creating a conduit for businesses to voice their concerns, we can better understand the issues that are affecting them and work together to seek solutions. In a "nutshell, " You talk, and we listen. Critical differences between me and my opponents: In recent history our nation has concentrated differences. Differences divide. Let's concentrate on how we can unite and work together. During the campaign season people talk about party affiliation and which "side of the isle" we are on. We must concentrate more on how we can bring fundamental ideas to the table in a respectful manner and seek, not compromise, but consensus. I believe that, and every candidate running for burgess is seeking office to fulfill their desire to strengthen our community. I have faith that whoever is elected will work together for a better Naugatuck. Accomplishments: The Governor signed a Declaration of Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergency. At that time, due to Federal Emergency Management Agency's administrative rules, I authored a Local Declaration of Emergency which was approved and signed by Mayor Hess. The creation of this document was required in order for us to be eligible for future federal funding related to the pandemic. As incident commander for the pandemic I worked with our FEMA mandated Unified Command Team to address the associated issues. During the pandemic it was necessary to make the tough decisions, many of which were not popular. Our team made a conscious effort to adopt the motto "Education not Enforcement." Although tough at times, we maintained that mantra. At a time when recommended personal protective equipment were not available, I secured over 50, 000 masks, thousands of surgical gloves, over 200 infrared thermometers and hundreds of containers of hand sanitizer. My wife and I distributed them to small businesses, restaurants, medical offices, churches, non-profits, and to all town departments. These were secured without cost to the Borough. As a manager and a buyer for a Fortune 500 company, I was tasked with, not only operating within budget, but for presenting annual cost saving ideas to reduce spending versus prior budgets. While the process of fashioning a budget for a municipality may differ from that of private industry, many of the principles still apply. Careful analysis of the budgets presented to the Board of Finance for consideration is an absolute must. I am very proud of my service beyond the borders of Naugatuck and the State of Connecticut. As a teen I started community service, first in 1964 as a member of the Civil Defense/Auxiliary Fire Department and then as a Volunteer Firefighter. I took a break from volunteering to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After my Honorable discharge from the Navy, I proudly served for 40+ years with the Connecticut State Police as an Auxiliary Trooper, and where I rose to the rank of Troop Unit A Leader. Other issues: I will work to see the perception of Naugatuck change. And that perception will change. As we identify and address economic and social topics, you will see a metamorphosis in our community. Naugatuck is moving forward. Mayor Hess, with unanimous endorsement of the burgesses, and has been working diligently on his plan to drastically expand the infrastructure of the borough. From the proactive approach to the expansion of passenger rail service to developing a plan for the intermodal Port of Naugatuck. These are only two of the numerous plans that are in the works. We are on track to a vibrant economic future. What else would you like voters to know about you? I want the voters to know what I like best about Naugatuck. What I like best about Naugatuck is NAUGATUCK. What is Naugatuck? Naugatuck is us. It's family. It's a family who's seen good times as well as hard times. It's a family who sometimes argues but, always loves. It's a family that comes together and helps each other when there is a need. It's a family that cheers for the home team whether they win or lose. It's the hundreds of volunteers who work diligently to enhance our community. It's the coaches who stepped up to the plate when their child's team were without adult support, and stayed on years after their children have moved on and they continue to provide direction to other children. It's a family who gathers by the thousands on Memorial Day to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Are we perfect? Not at all but, what family is? We have some important things to address, and we will address them.Together we can work wonders. After all, and We are #NaugyStrong.