About the Candidate: Mike Demicco

Name:  Mike Demicco

Party:  Democratic

Position seeking: Town Council—1st District

Family info:  I am a life-long Connecticut resident, and a graduate of Wesleyan University.  I have resided in East Farms for 20 years, along with my wife Brenda and daughters Emily and Katie.

Occupation:  I am a former middle school and high school history teacher.  For many years, I was a stay-at-home father for my two daughters.  Most recently, I have worked as a sessional employee for the Connecticut General Assembly, serving as an assistant clerk for the Commerce Committee and the Public Safety and Security Committee.

Political and community experience:  I have served on the Town Council since 2006, representing the 1st District.  I have been a member of the Elderly Tax Relief Subcommittee, the Ethics Ordinance Subcommittee, the Sewer Ordinance Subcommittee, and two UCONN Health Center Committees.  In addition, I have been the Council’s liaison to the Water Pollution Control Authority and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

Why are you running for office?:  I believe that voluntary public service of any kind is a noble endeavor, and I find the work of the Town Council to be interesting, challenging, and ultimately quite gratifying.  I am fortunate to live in a wonderful town, and I welcome the opportunity to be an advocate for the needs and concerns of our residents. 

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?:  First and foremost, I would focus on maintaining our balance of low taxes and quality town services.  This is becoming increasingly difficult in a time of economic uncertainty, but this balance is the key to our stable property values and overall quality of life.  We must promote responsible economic development and job creation by encouraging and assisting business retention and expansion.  At the same time, we must continue our wise investment in our superior school system, excellent police and fire departments and overall infrastructure, since these make our town a desirable place in which to live.  In addition, I would like to expand tax relief for our senior residents, improve handicap accessibility and awareness, explore traffic improvements, reduce the town’s debt, and maximize efficiencies in town government.

What issues or opportunities is the town facing today?:  We have opportunities, in both Unionville Center and the UCONN Health Center area, to expand our commercial tax base, and thus maintain our low residential tax burden.  Concurrently, we must continue the responsible stewardship of our land and water resources, through open space acquisitions and “green” initiatives. 

How would you propose to address them?:  The Town Council must work collaboratively with the Town Planning and Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Commission, and the Conservation Commission (among others), to promote economic development and residential growth that is respectful of Farmington’s unique history and character. 

Anything else to add?:  I would like to encourage our town government to continue its efforts to communicate information with the residents of Farmington, both electronically and otherwise, since an informed and engaged citizenry is crucial to good government.  More participation at public meetings, and more volunteers serving on various town boards and commissions would be healthy for our democracy.