Burgan
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.
SAMANTHA BURGAN
Candidate for the Third Ward on the Democratic line
Years lived in Derby: Nine
High School: Roger Ludlowe (Fairfield)
College: University of Connecticut, BA Psychology
Current Employment: Communications manager for a private foundation since 2009
Civic groups/community service involvement:
Derby Democratic Town Committee, Third Ward Chair (2018-present)
Community Emergency Response Team (a project of FEMA), member, National
New Reach, volunteer and donor, New Haven, CT
Westport Country Playhouse, volunteer usher, Westport, CT
Congregation B’nai Israel, member, Bridgeport, CT
Annual donor: Valley Independent Sentinel, Valley Shakespeare Festival, WSHU, Homes for the Brave, Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, and several other great nonprofits
“I have 25 years experience in marketing and communications. My job involves a great deal of listening and pulling together multiple perspectives to create a finished product that delivers an effective, authentic message. Politics should work much the same way.
My experience will enable me to engage with constituents and elected officials in an ongoing civil dialogue that informs decision making that is both productive and inclusive.”
Why are you running for the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen?
“My goal in life is to make every place I go better than it was before.
Being an alder will enable me to have a real impact. Derby has so much potential – downtown, on Route 34, and in our neighborhoods.
I would like the opportunity to help make Derby a better place to live, work, and play. We can accomplish this together, through coalition building, improved oversight, and taking action on great ideas.”
In your personal opinion, what are the two biggest challenges facing the City of Derby?
“Derby officials need to earn the trust from residents that finances are being handled in a responsible and transparent way. For most residents, that means putting a cap on tax increases.
But beyond that, officials need to better communicate about how and why contracts are signed, how finances are tracked, and how decisions are made.
A related challenge for Derby is to make our city an attractive place for small and big businesses alike to set up shop. Success begets success while also increasing the tax base.
We’ve had some positive signs in recent years – THC, Bad Sons, Big Y (coming soon). We can and should be more intentional about our growth and ensure that everyone has a stake in (and reaps the benefits of) the success of our business community.”
