STAMFORD, Conn. - Republican Joseph Tarzia wants Stamford run correctly. So while he said he was never looking for problems when on the Board of Finance, he was willing to find them if it meant holding people accountable.
You have to keep them on notice, he said of making sure city employees are doing their jobs correctly. I dont want Stamford to become another Bridgeport.
Tarzias watchdog mentality led to charges of ethics violations against him in April of 2010 after he accused city officials of knowing about the illegal sale of scrap metal. He eventually agreed to a deal to drop the charges if he left the board, although it was later proven that illegal sales were made. Prior to stepping down in February of 2011, he had served on the board since 1987.
He is hoping for a return to the board because he still has a passion to serve tax payers and enjoys helping people, he said. Tarzia is particularly concerned with trying to keep tax increases low to keep people and businesses in the city, he said.
I put my heart and soul into the office, the former board chairman said of serving the city.
He was born in Italy, but his family moved to Stamford when he was a young child, and he graduated from Stamford High School. Tarzia, a retired school teacher, lives in the Cove area.
Tarzia is running against incumbents Mary Lou Rinaldi (D), Bob Kolenberg (R) and Scott Mirkin (R), and fellow challengers David Martin (D), John Louizos (D) and Cynthia Reeder (I) for the three available seats. In addition to the endorsement from the Republican Party, he was also endorsed by the Independent Party.
The Daily Stamford is attempting to profile all major political candidates running for office on Election Day.
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