PROFILE: Steve Vavrek says he brings progress and accessibility

Stephen J. Vavrek likes to tell people that being Monroe first selectman for the past two years has been the best job he has ever had. “I really enjoy it,” Vavrek said. “I enjoy coming to work every day, with a great staff and a great community.”

He said serving as Monroe’s chief elected official, as with all his volunteer activities in town through the years, involves dealing with people. “I’ve always worked well with the community,” he said. “It’s my way of giving back.”

Vavrek, a Republican, is seeking re-election to a second term on Nov. 8. He previously served on the Town Council, Board of Finance, and Parks and Recreation Commission.

He said he has provided the town with leadership and fiscal responsibility while working to update the town’s infrastructure, attract economic development and support a strong school system. “We’ve made a lot of positive changes,” he said.

Vavrek said one reason people should vote for him is because of his accessibility and open-door policy. “I’m here 24/7 and am always reachable by phone or e-mail,” he said.

He said he has kept the promises he made to voters when he ran two years ago. He said this includes addressing the town’s outdated infrastructure, from paving more roads to backing a plan to renovate police headquarters. “Most people see through the rhetoric and realize these things need to be done,” he said.

Budget approval

Vavrek said residents believed in his administration’s 2011-12 budget because it passed by a wide margin in the first try — the first time that had happened in almost two decades. “That speaks volumes,” he said.

Taxes increased by less than 2% in the current fiscal year, he said, and this compares favorably to most recent years. He said while the education budget remained flat, it is “harmful to the community” to suggest that the town’s school system was suffering. Test scores remain high and pride in the schools remains high, he said.

Putting together a budget, Vavrek said, is a balancing act between those who want lower taxes and those who favor more services. “There are people on all sides,” he said.

He had supported a higher budget increase during his first year in office and learned a lesson. “It was shot down,” he said.

Vavrek said reorganizing the town’s land-use departments has been a priority because it will boost economic development. Some personnel changes have been made. “When you talk to developers in town, they tell you we had to fix our internal mechanisms first,” he said of the changes at Town Hall.

Vavrek said he is comfortable overseeing economic development initiatives as first selectman, despite complaints by Democrats that the town needs a paid economic development director. His background in sales and knowledge of the community has prepared him well for working on business expansion and recruitment initiatives, he said.

Despite the poor economy, many new businesses have opened in Monroe — especially restaurants — and the town has seen fewer business closings than in the recent past, he said. “Could it be better?” he asked. “Yes. But we’re not losing as many businesses as before.”

Background

Vavrek moved to Monroe 25 years ago. He and his wife, Teri, have two daughters in their early 20s. He grew up in Norwalk and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and graphic arts.

He spent most of his working career as a salesman and sales manager in the liquor distribution business. He also was active as a volunteer coach and commissioner in local youth soccer, and is a member of Monroe’s Rotary Club and Jaycees.

Vavrek said while this year’s campaign has been somewhat different from the one in 2009 because he now is the incumbent, his involvement in the community hasn’t changed. “I go to many community events — and always have,” he said. “That’s what people like. I see them every day.”