Politics & Government

Meet the Candidates: Dennis Nardella for Constable

Did you know the man behind the Branford Festival music scene also has a passion for politics?

Name: Dennis G. Nardella

Age: 50

Years of residence in Branford: 50

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Party affiliation: Republican/Independent

Position running for: Constable

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Branford Patch: When you’re not sitting in committee and full meetings, what are you doing? i.e. work and fun?
Dennis Nardella: I work for a large property management company and I own Nardella’s Music Company.  I am involved in the and the .

Branford Patch: How many years have you been a sitting member of Branford politics?
Dennis Nardella: This would be my first year.

Branford Patch: How long have you been actively engaged in politics in general?
Dennis Nardella: About 1 month.

Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected?
Dennis Nardella: My family has been living in this town for four generations with my grandfather and father coming here from Italy.  I love and care deeply about this town and its future and will do my best to see that the Branford I learned to know and love is still here for my little 6-year-old son when he grows up.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing right about Branford politics?
Dennis Nardella: It is a very civil campaign for the most part.  Not a lot of mud slinging.  We are a classy town and it shows in the elections.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed?
Dennis Nardella: My taxes going up would be a good start.

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?
Dennis Nardella: I have always liked Mr. DaRos.  He is a good man and and has always treated me well.  I have just Met Joy McConnell and she impresses me as someone who would also do a great job as first selectwoman.

Branford Patch: What has been the most exciting national election you have every voted in?
Dennis Nardella: I do not get excited about elections but this local one in November and the National elections in 2012 will be huge!

Branford Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give apathetic voters about the importance of casting his or her ballot?
Dennis Nardella: Never feel as if your vote does not matter. It is only when too many of the voters that feel that way do not vote does your voice fail to be heard.

Branford Patch: What’s the one thing that you like best about Branford?
Dennis Nardella: Branford is a great town that I feel safe to live and raise my family in. We have the best parks, the best Eggplant Parm (!) There is awesome music festivals all summer long and I like that no matter how things change or how our population increases, you can still wake up on a Sunday morning and drive down to to look at the water and you will be one of a few people awake and enjoying the view.  I enjoy living in the town that I grew up in; it grounds me and keeps me connected to my past. Some may say that I am holding myself back by not moving out of Branford.  Fact is I have no reason to want to move, this is my home.

Branford Patch: Why did you decide to run in this election?
Dennis Nardella: This is my first time venturing into local politics. People will know me from my involvement with the Branford Festival Committee and the Branford Jazz series. I have been thinking about it for a few years but have not made the move.  It is possible I had to get over the stinging loss I suffered in the 7th grade class president elections in 1972!

When I began working with Ray Ingraham on the Branford Festival I realized he was very involved in the Republican Party in Branford.  I mentioned to him I would be interested in getting involved if the opportunity presented itself.  My goal was then and is now to begin to learn more about how the town is run so I may someday be available to assist in someway.

Ray informed me that a position of Constable was open and I could be on the ticket.  He felt it would be a good start for me and I agreed. My cousin is currently an RTM member and is running for Town treasurer and I am running for Constable.  Our family has lived and worked in this town for 4 generations and it is an awesome feeling to know our family name is being represented in this upcoming elections.  I want people to know I care deeply about this town and its future and will always do my best to do what is right and just.

Meet RTM First District candidates Margaret Bruno-D and Frank Twohill Jr.,-R tomorrow (First District candidate Jacey Wyatt was already profiled and Dorothy G. Maynard-D for First District did not fill out her Q&A.)

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

Candidacy  Republican Democrat First Selectman  (challenger) Selectman


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