PLATFORM
Smart Growth for Shelton!
I join this race as a seasoned financial professional ready to inject fiscal discipline and transparency into city governance. I believe City Hall needs stronger oversight and honest leadership that speaks the truth—exactly the kind of no-nonsense approach I’m promising.
For too long, the same old problems have been swept under the rug—parking headaches, underfunded schools, and an overburdened sewer system that could become a SEWER-NAMI. I’m not a career politician. I’m a long-time Shelton resident with family ties that date back to 1890, a graduate of Shelton High, a business owner, and a very concerned citizen. I want Shelton to work for everyone—because this is my hometown too. That’s why we need to elect the full slate of Democratic candidates.
These are the priorities I'll tackle head-on - no sugar-coating, no empty promises:
1. Downtown Parking: Find a Spot, Not a Headache
If you’ve ever tried to park downtown, you know it’s a mess. Local businesses lose customers, residents lose patience, and visitors give up before they get started. It’s time to bring back the Parking Authority and implement smarter solutions.
Shelton deserves a downtown that is welcoming to visitors and supportive of local businesses, including disability access.
2. High-Quality Education: Invest in our Future
Shelton’s students deserve a school system that prepares them for life after graduation—whether that’s the workforce or college. We need to stop pretending we can cut corners every year and achieve world-class results. I’ll work with the Board of Education to incorporate the cuts in funding that are sure to trickle down from the national to state to local level.
3. SEWER-NAMI: Reinforce Reliable Infrastructure
Let’s call it what it is: SEWER-NAMI. Our sewer system is running out of capacity because of approved and current construction. I’ll work with the WPCA to create and implement a responsible long-term growth plan so our infrastructure can support the Shelton of tomorrow.
As a financial planner with 25 years of experience, I know what happens when you ignore the numbers: chaos. Shelton needs a leader who can manage a budget, stop random acts of finance, and bring discipline and transparency to City Hall. Oversight boards, open meetings, and straight talk—these are not optional; they are required.
4. Fiscal Responsibility: Bring Sunlight to City Hall
5. Robust Economy: Create a Bigger Pie for All to Share
Growth for the sake of growth isn’t smart—it’s risky. I’ll fight for responsible development that builds our tax base, attracts businesses with good jobs, and ensures that every dollar benefits the entire community. Let’s make Shelton a place where families, workers, and entrepreneurs all have an opportunity to thrive.
If you’re tired of excuses and ready for solutions, please join me. Let’s bring sunlight to City Hall, fix what’s broken, and build the Shelton we all deserve.
Ready for change? Vote for Bette Lynn Paez for Mayor.