
Sampson
DERBY — The Valley Indy emailed general questions to the candidates running for the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen in the City of Derby.
The questions were sent Sept. 25 to the political party chairmen of the Democratic and Republican parties. They were asked to distribute the questions to the candidates.
The deadline to respond was Oct. 16.
The Valley Indy is publishing all responses received by the deadline.
CHARLES SAMPSON
Incumbent Third Ward Aldermen running on the Republican line
Years lived in Derby: 30
High School: Plymouth-Carver High School
College: Naugatuck Valley Community College
Current Employment: Town of Westport Police Department
Civic groups/community service involvement:
Past Pop Warner Football Coach
Little League Baseball
Derby Recreational Basketball
Currently, a 30-year member of the Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1 Firehouse.
Served as an Assistant Chief and Chief of the Derby Fire Department from 2001 – 2009.
I spent four years as the City of Derby Emergency Management Director
Prior gov’t experience, if any:
Currently the President of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen
Job experience that could help you be an Alderman/Alderwoman?
“In my 29 years as a Police Officer, I have had the privilege of being in a supervisory roll as the Computer Division Commander, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant.
Each of these positions required me to coordinate people’s activities to accomplish the goals of the organization, and work extensively with budgets and forecasts of technological implementations to better the department.
As a 30 volunteer with the Derby Fire Department, I spent eight years as an Assistant Chief and Chief of the Department.
This role allowed me to make educated decisions on the protection of the citizens of Derby, lead some of the best volunteer members of the department, and worked on several projects and budgets to better the department.”
Why are you running for the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen?
“I have invested my adult life in this City. Marrying my wife, building my home, and raising my children here has allowed me to consider Derby my home. By serving the citizens of Derby in several roles, I have come to know numerous families who share the same desire to make this City a star in this state.
I believe that my experiences over the years has given me a perspective on how to deal with issues that arise and how to solve those issues with educated answers. Derby is positioned to expand its economy with the addition of downtown businesses, which will help elevate the tax burden on the citizens, and I intend to make that a priority as I too am a tax payer in this City.”
In your personal opinion, what are the two biggest challenges facing the City of Derby?
“I believe that the first challenge facing this City that must be addressed is the way we currently operate. For years, this government has done business as usual. Mayor Dziekan has noticed this and we have started to make significant changes in the way we operate.
By revamping the current positions within the administration, and filling some key weaknesses, we can move this City forward.
Obviously, the second greatest challenge facing this City, is how we take the tax burden off the backs of the citizens and return it to the commercial businesses.
In the short time that we have been in office, we have rectified issues created by prior administrations to move projects forward, as can be seen in the recent application for development in the downtown area, designed new redevelopment zones, and attracted businesses here by passing legislation that was necessary for business growth.
We are currently riding a wave of prosperity, and I look forward to continuing to bring this City forward so that everyone can enjoy the gem that it is.”