Meet the Democrat: Margaret "Maggie" Morelli

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Berlin Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate. 

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 5, 2013.

This week, we are looking at the Berlin Town Council candidates:

Name: Margaret (Maggie) Morelli
Age: 53
Party, Board Seeking: Democratic Candidate for Town Council
Family information: Married with three children
Occupation: President of LeadingAge Connecticut, an association of not-for-profit providers of aging services
Political Experience: I am an appointed member of the Council having filled a vacant position. I will be running for election to the seat for the first time.
Other Experience: Berlin Housing Authority

Why did you run for office?
I believe it is important to be involved and to give back to your community. I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve as a member of the Town Council and to support policies that will attract and encourage local businesses, provide services for our aging residents, ensure quality schools for our children, and maintain the community character that makes our town so special.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
I believe that my personal perspective and business experience will be of value to the Council. I have lived in Berlin for 18 years and I currently manage a not-for-profit business. All three of my children received an excellent education in the Berlin school system and I know first-hand how rewarding it can be to be a part of a community that values education and family, and how important it is to have resources in your town that allow your children to access recreation, athletics, and extracurricular activities. I also bring the skills of a business person who is required to balance an annual budget and keep expenses in line while providing high quality services.

What is the biggest issue that the Town of Berlin faces?
Like most municipalities, our town must ensure the health, safety, education and welfare of our citizens. The rising cost of providing these services is the biggest issue that faces us. The current Town Council has taken a fiscally responsible approach to the budgeting process and we must continue to do so. We must make responsible funding and investment decisions so as not to over burden the taxpayers.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
My primary focus would be to continue to invest in our community by strengthening our education system, improving our infrastructure and providing support for existing and new businesses.

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