Derby Board Of Aldermen/Alderwomen Candidate Gerardo Borrelli

Borrelli

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.

GERARDO JERRYBORRELLI
Candidate for the Second Ward on the Republican line

Spouse/children names: I have been married to Debra Borrelli for 24 years. Together we have nine children (and 15 grandchildren). Angela, Tim, Elizabeth, Melissa, David, Jocelyn, Lisa, Emily and Joseph.

Years lived in Derby: I migrated to Derby from Italy in 1973, and lived here on and off since then. Approximately 46 years.

High School: I went to Derby High School for a short time, then got married and went to work. A few years later I studied on my own, and Received a GED.

College: Went to Connecticut School of Electronics, and many other Job related courses over the years.

Current Employment: FIS out of Florida, who contracts me out to Webster Bank. I also operate a Security and Surveillance business in my spare time.

Civic groups/community service involvement: I am involved in missions with my Church. My wife and I have been on various mission trips to Haiti to orphanages, and to help build a clinic.

Prior gov’t experience, if any: I have served on the Board of Apportionment and Taxation for the last two years. 

Job experience that could help you be an Alderman/Alderwoman?

Over the last 60 years, I have learned many lessons that I feel can help me be a good public servant. 

I have a good ethical foundation that was established in a wholesome small town in Italy. In 1973, I came here with my Mom (Angelina), my sister Rosa, and my brothers, Peter, Claudio, and John. I did not speak any English, so I just observed for a year or so. I learned a lot by observing. I got married at a young age, and had children. I went to work, and worked multiple jobs most of my life to support my family. 

Today my youngest son is 21, and all of my children are all doing well. Over the years, my work has taken me to many places, and I have met and learned from many people. I have worked in crawl spaces, and in the homes and offices of CEOs. I have spoken to wise men and fools, and learned from both. 

I have raised nine children, through good and bad times, we have stayed together. I have operated my own business since 2002. I have lived a life rich in good lessons, that I can bring to the table if elected Alderman.”

Why are you running for the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen?

The reason I am running for alderman is because I know Derby can do better. Derby has a rich history, and in the last 40 years we have not lived up to our potential. 

Our city is looking shabby; our Taxes keep going up, driving away productive citizens, and keeping potential businesses from coming in. Many of Derby’s children don’t plan on staying here when they graduate from college. That is a very sad fact. 

Our schools are improving, but we have a long way to go before families will move here because of our quality of our education. We as a city need to do better in every category if we want to rise to the top again. 

To do that we all need to put aside our differences, and political maneuvering, look at the facts, and work together to resolve the problems that are keeping Derby from thriving. I feel that if we roll up our sleeves, and put our creative minds together we can come out on top.”

In your personal opinion, what are the two biggest challenges facing the City of Derby?

In my opinion, the two biggest challenges are:

Our expenses are too high, driving our taxes up. Which in turn has citizens upset to the point where they are looking for a way out. Also because of high taxes, potential investors and businesses are thinking twice before moving here. Every department head and everyone that works for the city of Derby needs to take an honest look, dig deep, and make the sacrifices needed to cut expenses. We need to operate in a sustainable manner, or the numbers just won’t work.

The second biggest challenge? That is hard to say, but I would say that we need to improve our physical appearance, and our reputation as a city, so we can begin the rebuilding process. To do that it will take a miracle. It will take all of us to put our ideas together and pull in the same direction regardless of who gets elected.

I will pray for that.

Thank you.”

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