During the Danbury Democratic Town Committee headquarters last night, a resident threw his hat in the mayoral ring.  Al Almeida is currently an investigator in the Danbury Judicial District Office of the Public Defender and a Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserves.  He served two tours of duty in Iraq, earning three Bronze Stars among other commendations. 

Almeida and his family moved to Danbury from Portugal when he was 11-years old.  He attended Henry Abbott Technical for high school and holds a Master’s degree from UConn in Homeland Security Leadership.  He earned his BA from WCSU in Justice and Law Administration.

His priorities include more government accessibility, creating a better quality of life, equal and stronger education for all children, enhanced public safety and a freeze on property taxes and fees at affordable rates. One of his priorities would be an in-depth traffic plan that addresses innovative ways to ease the burden of traffic, and its economic impact. He also called for City government to go back to a 5-day a week operation with City Hall open to the public on Fridays.   

For the past few years, Almeida said there have been too many areas requiring undivided attention that have been neglected by the current administration.  Longtime incumbent Republican Mayor Mark Boughton is running for reelection, but also exploring a run for statewide office.  He said Danbury should not play second fiddle to a Mayor that has other aspirations as he takes a bite at the gubernatorial apple for the third time.

Almeida wrapped up his candidacy announcement by saying that it’s time for fresh and vibrant leadership.