Since he was elected mayor of Danbury in 2001, Mark Boughton has overseen a revitalization of his city’s central business district, worked to enhance public safety, promoted economic development in Greater Danbury and advocated for open space preservation. Boughton is also known for his avid use of social media to communicate directly to the public. As this profile is written, Boughton has more than 21,000 followers on Twitter—tweeting about everything from policy positions to school closing announcements when it snows. He has also run for governor twice—in 2010 and 2014.

Before entering politics, Boughton served in the United States Army Reserve from 1983 to 1989 and returned to Danbury High School, his alma mater, in 1987 to teach social studies. It was in 1998 that Boughton, acting on a passion for politics, was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in the 138^th House District. He won reelection two years later and then ran for mayor in 2001. He’s held the job ever since. In public service, he says his philosophy has always been “people over politics.”

Boughton is a product of Connecticut’s public higher education system. After high school, he attended Mattatuck Community College (one of the institutions which would later become Naugatuck Valley Community College).

“It was a very, very good experience and something I certainly am proud of,” Boughton says of his time on the Waterbury campus. He says the experience helped to focus him as a student and determine his path in life. “In my time there, the staff was incredibly helpful, very professional.” 

Boughton continued on to Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and Education degree in American History. He went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Western Connecticut State University.

“Those institutions have a role, particularly in preparing our workforce,” says Boughton. “When I’m out as mayor trying to recruit businesses to come to Danbury or the Greater Danbury area, it’s important that we have a workforce here that’s trained, that’s ready to work and that is excited to embark on a new phase in their lives.”

Boughton recently attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at NVCC’s Danbury Campus to celebrate the launch of free HARTransit bus service for all students enrolled in credit programs at the College. He says he’s excited to see NVCC occupy a larger footprint downtown.

“Naugatuck Valley has been growing by leaps and bounds here in Danbury, which we’re really pleased about … It’s beneficial to the businesses, but also, just having so many active and engaged young people in the area is refreshing and we’re really excited about it.”

NVCC’s current campus in Danbury and its planned larger facility—literally across the street—are both in the CityCenter district, known for shopping, the arts, entertainment and dining. Boughton also hopes it will be known for knowledge. “We want a larger footprint for academic institutions on Main Street. We’re going to continue to push that, as we continue to work closely with both Naugatuck and other institutions … We love the vitality and energy that it brings to Main Street.”