Sharon Bolos candidate for West Haven City Council

Name: Sharon Bolos

Age: 41

Profession: Accountant

Family: Married 19 years to Gus Bolos, 6 children

Hobbies: Running, Major League Baseball, river rafting

1. Name some of the qualifications you possess that makes you the best choice to represent your city?

The qualifications that make me the best candidate to represent West Haven City are education, experience, and involvement.

Education

-Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting with a minor in Greman

Experience

-Small business accountant

-West Haven Special Service District Board of Directors

-Former corporate budget analyst

-Experience in government management services - Human Resources and Risk Management

Involvement

-West Haven Parks & Recreation Committee volunteer member

-Director of two annual 5K races, including West Haven Days

-PTA Treasurer and auditor

-Community Council member (two schools)

-Elementary newsletter editor

-Softball coach for West Haven Recreation

2. What political ideals and philosophies guide your decision-making process?

Political ideals and philosophies that guide my decision-making process are those that I learned long ago. My grandfather was an Ogden City Council member for 1¬½ terms. During his second term, he was elected to the State Legislature. Not only was I taught my obligation to contribute to my community, I learned great lessons from my grandpa about elected public service. I observed many conversations in which he patiently listened to his constituents and then explained his own views. At times he agreed, at times he did not. But, he always respected the opinions of those who had elected him and gave careful consideration to differences. Ultimately, he always acted on his values. He believed that those values were the reasons he was re-elected so many times. This is a pattern I will follow for the citizens of West Haven.

3. What is the most important issue facing your city?

The most important issue facing our city is growth management. Most challenges in our community will arise from this issue. Success or failure will be determined by the management of the inevitable growth.

4. Name some qualities that you possess that make you a good team worker and able to bring consensus among city leaders.

My assets as a team contributor are:

-Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

-Proven collaborative leadership

-Unbiased - no personal agenda going into office

-Accessible - available for contact

-Reliable - efficient and very organized

5. What do you think will be some major issues your city will face a generation from now?

Major issues a generation from now will likely include:

-Maintaining the appeal of West Haven in a more fully developed city

-Commercial development - consideration to develop or not

-Debt and fiscal responsibility

-Diversified views among residents - lifelong residents and recent transplants

-Accountability of current success