Chris Jones promised to beef up public safety, create a new code of ethics and lower taxes in Shelton if he’s elected mayor in November.
Jones, 44, was picked as the Democratic candidate for the race at a Democratic Town Committee caucus at the Shelton Community Center Wednesday evening.
About 30 people attended the event.
It will be Jones’s second bid against Mayor Mark Lauretti — a 10-term incumbent who is expected to be nominated by the Republicans next week.
In 2009, Jones referenced a “cloud of corruption” hanging over the city during an FBI investigation in the city.
On Wednesday, Jones stuck to specific issues and outlined a platform around public safety, education spending, government transparency and the city’s ethics code.
Public Safety
Jones said he plans to hire more police officers, using some of the money that the department returns to the city each year. He said he would try to hire some recently laid-off state troopers, so the city could save money on training while quickly increasing the ranks.
Jones also pledged to hire “the most qualified firefighter” as the city’s new fire chief. Jones has backed Mike Ullrich, the Board of Fire Commissioners’ pick for chief, in the fight with Lauretti over his appointment. Lauretti has rejected Ullrich, and avoided answering specifically why.
Government Spending
Jones said he would create a long-range plan for paving roads and would create a reserve fund to put all the extra money from the city’s budget “so citizens can see what money is being spent on which programs.”
Ethics Code
Jones said he would also overhaul the city’s ethics codes — a process that has been ongoing but slow moving.
“The Ethics Commission will be charged with the task of ensuring that any elected or appointed official in Shelton is not allowed to receive any offering, donation, gift or service,” Jones said. “Our city government will be cleaned up under my watch.”
Democratic Town Committee chairman David Gioiello nominated Jones, saying he “has vision” and will be “open an honest” with Shelton’s citizens.
Here is the Democrats’ official slate. * indicates incumbent.
Mayor
Chris Jones
Treasurer
James Calkins
1st Ward Aldermen
John “Jack” Finn *
Faith B. Hack
2nd Ward Aldermen
Ralph Matto
Elizabeth Ogden
3rd Ward Aldermen
Remy Kocurek
Randy Jennings
4th Ward Aldermen
David Gioiello
Robert Lally
Board of Education
Timothy Walsh *
Kate Kutash *
Arlene Liscinsky *
Michael Pacowta *
Joe Knapik
James Orazietti
Board of Apportionment and Taxation
Judson Crawford *
Wayne Bragg
Jimmy Tickey
Planning and Zoning
Joan Flannery *
Elaine Matto
Jay Zikaras
Ludwig Spinelli
Planning and Zoning Alternate
Nancy Dickal
Library Board
Harriet Finn *
Joan Feeley *
