Jim Morelli Candidate for Town Council Current Member - Planning & Zoning Commission
My family has Southington roots going back to the 1870s. My family has a strong tradition of love for America and our town, along with a belief in the importance of public service. Throughout my family's history, there is a strong record of seeking and being elected to public offices in order to serve the best interests of Southington and its residents.
I am the great-great grandson of Gennaro Angelillo, the first Italian American settler in Southington. My ancestors settled on Goat Island where Germania Street currently stands. My grandmother, Anna, was the daughter of Anna Maria Angelillo and her husband, Angelo Aldi. Anna Aldi married my grandfather, Robert Morelli, who served in WWI. The Morellis settled on Bristol St and have maintained residence there to this day. I was born In Bradley Memorial Hospital, walked to North Center School, DePaolo Junior High School, and the 'New' SHS where I was a member of the first class to have attended all three years at the Pleasant Street facility in 1977.
I attended CCSU and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology / Manufacturing. I have held various sales positions as a Technical Business Development Manager and currently work for Watson Marlow a premier medical pump manufacturer. I also own a small business called Royce Industries that was based in Farmington and that I moved to Southington some 4 years ago. Royce makes electronic assemblies for medical equipment and has a line of electronic fuel senders that are sold to yacht manufacturers. I made my own home in and raised my children in Southington.
My family is deeply connected with the tradition of 'service before self.' My grandfather, Robert, was a founding member of the Sons of Italy and the Unico club, along with being the first Italian American president of the American Legion. He was active in town politics. My parents were actively involved in local politics for many years as well. In addition, I had a brother Jeff who was born with Downs Syndrome. My parents were determined to provide for my brother the same opportunities in life and learning as a non-handicapped individual. They were both past executive Directors of SARC, now the Southington ARC. In that capacity, they fought hard for equal opportunities in the public school systems and for independent living options for those with special needs both on the local and state level. I am proud to be a board member of the Southington ARC for the past 4 years, where I hope to continue my parents legacy of support for those with disabilities. My parents taught me that giving is much better than taking and to not expect anything in return other than a wonderful feeling in your heart at the end of the day. My parents were proud to call Southington their home and I carry on that same vigor.
A strong past shows you where you came from and, as time goes by, you realize that things do change. This change is not always the way that you would hope. My past 6 years on the PZC taught me the importance of understanding the issues and making decisions that are based in fact and that are in the best interest of all Southington residents. Sometimes these are not popular choices. Change is inevitable. The integrity and history of this wonderful town and the quality of life for all of us in Southington is what’s most important. I’m looking for your support on election day to continue to serve all Southington residents.
