Bob Salka Candidate for Planning & Zoning Commission Current Member - Zoning Board of Appeals
For the past 51 years I have lived in Southington with my wife Carol. Married for 53 years, we raised 2 daughters, have 4 grandchildren and 2 great grand-children. I believe that giving back to the community is a vital part of living in this great town of Southington. Over the past 20 plus years, I have served on several boards and commissions. I was first appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in 2002 and was reappointed numerous times during those 18 years, 2002-2019. While on the ZBA, I held several positions, that of Secretary, Vice Chairman and Chairman. During my time on the ZBA, I always strive to uphold the town’s zoning regulations, while at the same time considering the needs and concerns of the residents (applicants). I also served as the Southington representative on the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (CCRPA) 1991-2001. In 2004-2006 I served on the Board of Finance, first as a board member then as Chairman. While serving on the BOF I served on the Education Capital Project Building Committee from 2004-2006 and the Self Insurance Committee from 2004-2006. During my tenure on the BOF, my focus was on providing a quality education for the students of Southington, improving the infrastructure, while striving to keep the costs (mill rate) affordable to all our residents.
I have an Associate Degree from Mercer Community College with a concentration in Computer Science and Business Management. I bring 42 years of strong professional background in information technology, having spent my entire working career in the field of Computer Technology. Before retiring in 2006, I served as the World-Wide Director of Information Technology at Branson Ultrasonic Corporation, a division of Emerson Electric. As director, I was responsible for multiple computer facilities and systems in 6 countries, including China and Japan. While raising a family, working full time and giving back to the community, I also served our country as a member of the Connecticut National Guard for almost 30 years. In 1995 I retired from the military with the rank of Colonel. My many military assignments included platoon leader, company commander, battalion commander and brigade executive officer. My final assignment was as the State’s Military Intelligence’s Officer (G2). If elected to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission, my first priority will be to enhance our tax base, utilizing smart growth with a focus on attracting new businesses both commercial and industrial. At the same time, I will always put the safety of our citizens first, and work to preserve the quality of life we currently enjoy. My second priority will be to support the town of Southington in open space acquisition.
