Candidate Touts Loyalty to People Over Party

STAMFORD, Conn. – Voters will find Scott Mirkin listed as a Republican among the candidates for the Board of Finance on the November ballot. But the candidate does not see it that way. He says he makes each decision based on what he feels is best for Stamford and its people.

“I don’t represent a party; I represent the taxpayers,” Mirkin said of his role on the board.

Mirkin's goal is to collaborate with the best ideas and not worry about who he agrees or disagrees with. He votes to support or not support an item — not to agree or disagree with another board member.

“You can disagree without being disagreeable,” Mirkin said of his goal to respectful of the other board members.

A recent example Mirkin of doing what he feels is best for residents occurred when he called for a meeting of the Public Safety Committee of the board after Hurricane Irene. At the meeting, it was determined that about 25 percent of the $2 million cleanup costs would be the responsibility of Stamford’s residents, he said.

Before being appointed to the board in March, Mirkin had served about 10 years on the Board of Representatives for the city’s 13th district. While a city representative, he served on the Fiscal Committee, which he says made it a “logical” choice to make the switch to the finance board.

When he first decided to run to be a city representative, Mirkin went up against a 12-year incumbent. But Mirkin went door-to-door and made an effort to meet everyone in his district and won. He said he is willing to go across the city to meet people to show his dedication to the board.

Mirkin now is competing for one of three available seats for the Board of Finance. Also nominated are incumbents Bob Kolenberg, a Republican, and Mary Lou Rinaldi, a Democrat, as well as former seat holders Joseph Tarzia, a Republican, and John Louizos, a Democrat. Former Board of Representatives President David Martin, a Democrat, and Independent Cynthia Reeder are also on the November ballot.

The senior vice president of sales for InStore Broadcasting Network, Mirkin moved to Stamford in 1990 and is married with one son. 

The Daily Stamford will be attempting to feature every candidate running for office this November. 

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