Republican candidate pursues an interest in government

By Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo

Starting his campaign: Josh DeCerbo hopes to become First Selectman

Local scientist, educator and volunteer Dr. Joshua N. DeCerbo, Ph.D, was nominated by the Republican Town Committee in July as their candidate to run against incumbent First Selectman, Sue Dyer. DeCerbo points to his scientific background as excellent training for his potential role in a local government office. “My training in science has taught me that there’s no such thing as an idea that isn’t worth investigating,” he says. “The best way to find the right solution for a problem is to attack it from all sides, and consider different points of view. That is the way I approach most aspects of my life, and the way I would run things if elected.” DeCerbo says he has always had an interest in municipal government. His mother, Patti DeCerbo, currently works in the mayor’s office in Wallingford, Conn., and has been in some form of municipal government for over 20 years. DeCerbo’s first personal involvement came in 1993, when he worked on the campaign for his high school civics teacher, who was running for office as a town councilman. DeCerbo is no stranger to public service. He has served on the Republican Town Committee and the Recreation Committee since 2005. He is an officer of the Norfolk Lions Club, and has served on the town’s 250th Anniversary Planning Committee as well as the town Web site Committee. In addition, he has taught classes on science, stem cell biology and computers at local colleges, high schools and the library. DeCerbo believes that Norfolk is at a crossroads and he would like to capitalize on the momentum of the recent positive changes in our downtown area. One potential addition DeCerbo would like to see is an annual town celebration. He considers the new emergency services building a priority, but thinks conservation is also very important. “I’m not against development per se,” says DeCerbo, “but I am strongly devoted to preserving the character of Norfolk.” The Republican Town Committee’s slogan for this election year is, ‘Moving Norfolk Forward’, that, DeCerbo says, reflects his own vision to enhance the social offerings of Norfolk while tackling the pressing problems, which he cites as parking, the sewer issue, affordable housing and expanding the tax base. DeCerbo, 33, is married to Ann Tracey, a longtime Norfolk resident. They have two young children, Ginny, 3, and David, 1. DeCerbo grew up in Wallingford and attended college at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, where he double majored in Molecular Biology and Sociology/Anthropology. He recently earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington. “I love Norfolk,” DeCerbo says, “and I’m so happy to live here. This is a wonderful community.” He has a passion for history, and the history of Norfolk in particular. Other favorite pastimes include gardening, organic farming, painting and playing guitar. DeCerbo hopes to continue meeting people in town and invites everyone to visit his Web page, www.joshdecerbo.com. You can also find out more about the campaign for first selectman by joining his group on Facebook, “Josh DeCerbo for First Selectman” or by joining him on Twitter. The office of first selectman is a two-year term. Selectman Sue Dyer has been in office since 1999, when she defeated Carl Gundlach. She ran uncontested in 2001 and 2003. Then in 2005, Schuyler Thomson and Helen Beaudry ran unsuccessfully against her, as did Phyllis Bernard in 2007.