Candidate Bios: Joseph Calabrese, First Selectman Candidate

Name: Joseph Calabrese

Age: 55

Address: 494 Quaker Farms Road

Party: Unaffiliated (endorsed by the Democratic Party)

Education: Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences, Rensselaer Poly­technic Institute, (RPI), Troy, N.Y.

Occupation: Administrative Assistant to the First Selectman in Oxford

Experience: 30+ years in project planning, management, client relations, contract and labor negotiations and administration approx. 2 years working in Oxford Town Hall on all aspects of town government, including budgeting, negotiations, and planning

Family: wife, Wendy; children Douglas (22), Tara (20), Gregory (18)

Contact: 203-888-2818

Position Sought: First Selectman

Describe why you are running in 300 words or less:

I am seeking to be the next First Selectman of Oxford because my love of the town, training and experience make me the most qualified candidate for the position. Having over 30 years experience in architecture has taught me how to work with people to help people realize their plans and dreams, work within tight budgets to accomplish goals, and manage projects to successful conclusions. As a firefighter in town I am trained to handle emergencies calmly and intelligently, to be able to respond rapidly, and have been able to get to know and aid many of our residents. My experience as the Administrative Assistant to the current First Selectman has furthered that and given me a first hand knowledge of all aspects of the Town government. I have been an active participant in creating and managing the Town budget, handling resident concerns, and finding ways to save money and be more efficient in how our tax dollars are spent.

Fourteen years ago I moved to Oxford with my wife and family, and have been in love with the Town and its people ever since. I have tried to acknowledge that love by giving back- not only by serving as a volunteer firefighter, but also by being involved in Town Committees and attending Town meetings. My practical experience, coupled with my knowledge of the Town and its residents has made me uniquely qualified for the position of First Selectman, and I can think of no higher and better way of giving back to this Town I love than by serving as your leader.