Mayor Mark Lauretti was honorary starter for the 2014 race

Mayor Lauretti

The 2014 Honorary Starter for the Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race was no surprise to anyone who has ever attended one of the races. In fact, for many runners, he is their own benchmark for a successful race as they target him as their person to beat. Of course that would be Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, who has been mayor of Shelton for longer than the race has been in existence and also happens to be one of only 23 21 people who have run in every one of the races! The Committee makes the award annually to someone for their community work in Derby and Shelton. Click here to see the previous winners.

In making the announcement, the Race Committee noted that Lauretti's support has been a critical reason for the race's success from the very first year. They said, "Without the support of the cities, this race would not be possible. The logistics are very tricky, but Mark has always offered his advice and support as this grew from a simple idea to a Thanksgiving tradition."

Mark A. Lauretti, Mayor of Shelton since 1991, has earned the trust and confidence of the people of Shelton. During Mayor Lauretti’s terms in office, Shelton has been proud to boast an unprecedented period of economic growth and earned national recognition for its boomtown image. Retail, corporate offices, industrial, and research and development firms continue to locate in Shelton providing a benchmark for economic development that has received statewide recognition.

Mayor Lauretti has focused his energy and commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of Shelton. He has focused much of his energy on numerous city infrastructure projects and the rebirth of development in the downtown area. As a community leader, he manages a municipal budget exceeding one hundred ten million dollars.

One of the Mayor’s major concerns has also been conservation and the preservation of open space. He holds an undergraduate degree in pre-environmental zoology from Ohio University and a Masters degree in Science Education from Syracuse University.

He has held positions as teacher, track and basketball coach at Shelton High School, Syracuse University and Central High School in Bridgeport. A natural athlete, in 1979 he played in a professional basketball league in Bologna, Italy.

Mayor Lauretti is the Chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization in Bridgeport, Secretary/Treasurer of the Valley Council of Governments, Chairman of the VCOG Regional Roundtable, member of the Coastal Corridor Transportation Investment Area Board, President of the Board of Directors for the State Nutmeg Games, former member of the Board of Directors of Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority (CRRA), an Executive Board Member of the Housatonic Council of Boy Scouts of America, Past President of the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding, Member of the Fairfield County Sports Commission and Chairman of The Valley Transit District.

The proud father of four children, Alexa, Nicholas, Anthony and Joseph, Lauretti resides in Shelton with his wife, Anndee. Currently serving his twelfth consecutive term as Mayor of Shelton, he thrives on his hectic schedule and enjoys his service to the people of Shelton.

As you can see from the pictures below, the Mayor has been an integral part of the race from day 1, and the Race Committee is very pleased to have him as the 2014 Honorary Starter.

Mark Through the Years

 

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