With Election Day so close, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to those who may still not know me. My name is Michele Bialek and I am a third generation Sheltonite. I have been a downtown business owner in Shelton for over 10 years and have been deeply involved in a range of community efforts for decades.
The best part of my current day job is getting to know people. All kinds of people. Over the years, my restaurant has enabled me to have one-on-one conversations with so many of my neighbors about our city. I have discussed varied concerns and potential positive avenues at length with city workers, frustrated community members, parents and seniors, as well as other local business owners. I have expressed my own concerns and have heard them echoed in the words of my customers.
It is not only the general public who comes through my door, however. I have engaged in and initiated many conversations with local politicians, developers, planners and farmers as well as other community leaders. These conversations turn into possibilities, which evolve into plans. I am confident that the vision of an agricultural, cultural and artisan-based tourist center, which I hold for the next leg of our journey, is solidly supported by the evolving needs of our generation.
When I became more involved and interested in the role of government in planning the future of a community, I realized that I had been having these conversations from the beginning of my time as a local business owner. For years I had been cultivating solid relationships with key people who are ready to take our city into the next generation with cooperation, care, honor and artistry, utilizing best practices to ensure optimal profitability and adaptability.
These are the conversations we should be having as a united front – with city hall as the guiding force for our city’s improvement.
Bettering this community has been integral to my life’s work for a very long time and now I hope to invest my passion and energy at a higher level in order to serve you. I am ready to lead our beautiful city towards a new vision- – one filled with culture, pride, unity, and continued prosperity.
Please visit my campaign website to see the details of my platform and my action plan, which includes a focus on low taxes, strong education, a vibrant downtown and transparency and accountability in City Hall, as well as the care and pride I will bring to the work.
Let’s move forward together.
The writer is the Democratic party’s nominee for mayor of Shelton.
The opinions in guest columns do not necessarily reflect the Valley Indy’s opinion.
