Meet the Candidates: Carl Montagano Seeks Seat to Represent the Fifth District RTM

Name: Carl Montagano III

Age: 44

Years of residence in Branford: 1

Party affiliation: Unaffiliated with either party, but endorsed by the Democratic Party.

Position running for: RTM 5th District

Branford Patch: When you’re not sitting in committee and full meetings, what are you doing? i.e. work and fun?
Carl Montagano: For the past 19 years, I've worked for a Fortune 100 health plan. I currently manage clinical & quality based programs for our Medicare members. For fun, I enjoy all things outdoors and shoreline oriented, including fishing, clamming, kayaking, power boating, swimming in our town beaches, golfing, and cycling the roads of Branford.

Branford Patch: How many years have you been a sitting member of Branford politics?
Carl Montagano: This will be my 1st term in Branford.

Branford Patch: How long have you been actively engaged in politics in general?
Carl Montagano: I've attended and participated in a variety of town and committee meetings in Branford, as well as in Durham.

Branford Patch: What and when was your first foray into politics?
Carl Montagano: I was appointed and served two terms on the Durham Economic Development Committee.

Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected?
Carl Montagano: I've always felt a deep commitment to community service. For me, that service has included mentoring high school teens, being a Big Brother, being a member of the Knights of Columbus, and being a hospice volunteer. I believe the Branford RTM can achieve the best results through a diverse group that blends the expertise of seasoned Branford citizens with new members of the community, and acts in an efficient manner, taking into account the special needs of this shoreline community.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing right about Branford politics?
Carl Montagano: The commitment from the Branford Community to serve the town, and continually strive to improve the quality of life in Branford.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed?
Carl Montagano: Less partisanship in matters that affect us all.

Branford Patch: Regardless of your party affiliation, can you name one good thing about the current First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos and one good thing about his challenger, Joy McConnell?
Carl Montagano: Re: Unk, I'm a huge fan of leaders who are not afraid to make decisions. Unk is very capable in that regard. 
Re: Joy appears very sincere about wanting what's best for the town.

Branford Patch: What has been the most exciting national election you have every voted in? Local
Carl Montagano: I think the 2008 Presidential campaign will always be a historic moment.

Branford Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give apathetic voters about the importance of casting his or her ballot?
Carl Montagano: If you've ever raised concern about the performance of our elected officials, and you didn't vote, you've missed the real opportunity to be heard. The same applies if you are happy with our elected officials, and truly want them to stay in office.

Branford Patch: What’s the one thing that you like best about Branford?
Carl Montagano: The allure of the shoreline brought my wife and me to Branford, but the diversity of the town and the great people will make us stay. 

Branford Patch: Why did you decide to run in this election?
Carl Montagano: I'm unaffiliated with either the Democratic or Republican party, so I would never have thought to run under either ticket. But from the moment we moved to Branford, we've been involved in various community activities. The Democratic party actually reached out to support me as an unaffiliated voter, and asked that I caucus with them. I have a great amount of respect for that non-partisan outreach, and that's why I ran.   

Meet Sixth District candidates Chris M. Sullivan-D and Gerald P. Araneo-R and Marc T. Riccio-R tomorrow. Sixth District candidates Anthony Giardiello-D, and Joseph Selvaggio-D did not fill out Q&A surveys. 

Did you miss the stories on the candidates for selectman’s office? Check out the profiles below: