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Pacileo Looks to Streamline Essex as First Selectman

Campaigning for political office is not a new experience for Republican Vincent Pacileo III. He is accustomed to laying out his philosophy and platform to voters in Essex, where he served for years on the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance.

As chief administrative officer for the Town of Stonington, Pacileo has worked with both Republican and Democratic first selectmen to ensure the well-being of employees as well as the community at large.

“Since Essex and Stonington share a similar economic profile of must-see tourist destinations, riverfronts, historic landmarks, villages, and restaurants, I can leverage my experiences to bring a best practices approach to the office of first selectman,” Pacileo stated.

“My knowledge and understanding of the private sector provides insights on the need for a vibrant local economy, which is necessary to grow our tax base,” he said. “When combined with my community service along with holding elected positions on the Board of Finance and previously on the Board of Selectmen, it is evident there is a need to work collaboratively to chart the future course of Essex in rough economic waters.”

His first priority is to provide leadership on those issues that adversely impact the town by challenging state bureaucrats and leaders to enact policies and budgets that will encourage economic growth for Essex.

“For too long, our local elected leaders have remained silent and disengaged from the disastrous decision making of Governor [Dannel] Malloy and the Democratic-controlled legislature,” he said. “I would oppose any effort to saddle taxpayers with a supplemental tax bill.

“Local leaders must be vocal in their opposition to the governor’s budget. It is at odds with the best interests of Essex residents and taxpayers. This necessary voice of local leadership was absent throughout the budget process,” he maintained, “and further compounded by a failure to effectively partner with our elected representatives in the legislature.”

He also believes that the town should implement a paving management system for the town where the roads are surveyed, rated, and prioritized for rehabilitation.

“This approach takes the politics out of paving with decisions based on actual road conditions...Coupled with a review of how our town delivers services to the community, there exist opportunities for further efficiencies,” he said.

Pacileo sees a need to drive improvements in the quality of life in the villages.

“We can conduct a review of our zoning regulations to ensure they provide both a foundation and a roadmap for driving the type of commercial growth consistent with our local economy,” he said.

Pacileo has been doing legwork and said, “As I knock on hundreds upon hundreds of doors throughout the villages of Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton, it is evident residents want change.

“Further, they specifically ask for my commitment to performing the job of first selectman. To each person, my answer is that I will be a full-time first selectman for the Town of Essex,” Pacileo said.