Meet Your Candidates: Laurie Taf Jackson, Burgess

Editor's Note: We asked all candidates on the ballot to send us biographical information to be used online. Some sent us exactly what we asked for, while others sent the same information that they sent to the Citizen's News, a weekly paper owned by Maitland Publishing Inc. We are publishing what we have received from them. If you are a candidate and your information does not appear on the site, it's because I did not receive it. We are posting these one at a time over the weekend. If you are a candidate and still want to add your information to Naugatuck Patch, add it by clicking here (a link to our "Speak Out" section) and following the instructions.

Laurie Taf Jackson

Age: 48

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Experience: Elected member Democratic Town Committee, currently serving as Vice-Chairwoman

Elected Justice of the Peace

Treasurer of the Polish American Club Ladies Auxiliary

Para Professional Steward Local AFSCME Union 1813

Member of the Naugatuck Historical Society

Burgess Liaison to:  Naugatuck Housing Authority

                        Police Department

           Naugatuck Park Department

                                      Naugatuck Youth and Family Services

                                      Naugatuck Education Foundation

Why are you running for office? I will be completing my first term as burgess and would like to continue serving the borough. I was raised in a family that believes in giving back to the community. There is still so much more I’d like to do for our town. If re-elected, I will continue to improve the quality of life for all of the residents and make Naugatuck a better place to live and raise a family.

One of my priorities would be to talk with the Tax Collector and Business Manager regarding splitting car taxes into two payments per year for cars that are assessed at a certain value.  I will continue listening to the taxpayer’s needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The taxpayers of Naugatuck are my main concern. I will be available to them and work diligently to address their problems and concerns.

Another priority would be to increase the business growth in Naugatuck. With the downfall of Renaissance Place, my focus will be on promoting new business in the downtown area.   We’re already starting to see some new businesses in town but we need to encourage economic development in order to increase our Grand List. 

Lastly, improving our education system so that all students have an opportunity for a better future.

In addition to the above, the ‘Blum Shapiro Strategic Plan Study’ report on privatization includes proposed changes to several agencies and departments throughout the town and Board of Education.  This proposal needs to be addressed more thoroughly to determine the impact it will have on our community. A public hearing will be held to listen to the taxpayer’s opinions on the plan.