Politics & Government
Meet Scott Slifka: Democratic Candidate for West Hartford Town Council
Mayor seeking re-election to the Town Council.
Name: Scott Slifka
Age: 39
Party, Board Seeking: Democrat, Town Council
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Family: Wife Noelle and daughter Betsy, a kindergartner at Duffy School
Occupation: Corporate Counsel, LEGO Systems, Inc.
Find out what's happening in West Hartfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Political Experience: Mayor 2004-present, Town Council 2001-present, Deputy Mayor 2002-2004
Why did you run for office?
To make a difference. While a student at Hall High, an elected official told me that politics was the best way to positively impact the lives of the greatest number of people. I also had the benefit of meeting and working with great West Hartford leaders of both parties. That combination inspired me to seek office initially. Now that I’ve had the honor of serving my hometown for many years, I view my role as continuing the tradition of community stewardship established by the generations of volunteer mayors and town councilors before me.
If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
Affordability: While West Hartford continues to thrive, we must ensure that it remains affordable for all residents, particularly our senior citizens.
Education/Public Safety: Great schools and safe neighborhoods are our foundation and must be protected in the face of federal and state budget challenges.
Development: This term should see an unprecedented level of private investment in all parts of town, including Elmwood, Park Road and Bishop’s Corner. We’ll have the opportunity to shape the community at a level perhaps not seen since the 1950s.
Long-term obligations: We must continue to fully fund our pension obligation, work with our unions to reduce pension benefits, and right-size our Fire Department, both financially and operationally.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today?
Affordability. The constant challenge of balancing the preservation of our great public services, particularly our schools and Police Department, against our residents’ ability to manage and meet that cost.
What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
Experience, a record of accomplishment, a combination of real-world business and governing experience and love of my hometown. As a volunteer Mayor and a dad with a child in public school, I always have one foot in the “real” world, which provides a unique and valuable perspective on government decisions. I’ve also led our community through trying times, such as Storm Alfred, the 2008 financial crisis and the Blue Back Square process. I think this is a record few, if any, can match and makes me uniquely qualified to help our town face the challenges of the coming years.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
