Mark D. Boughton

Mark D. Boughton (born February 20, 1964) is the current Mayor of Danbury, Connecticut. He was elected to his first term in November 2001 and is currently serving his 8th consecutive term. Boughton is the longest serving Mayor in Danbury’s history. As Mayor, Boughton works to make his “People over Politics” philosophy a legislative reality. Mayor Boughton’s current Chief of Staff is Dean Esposito. Mayor Boughton currently holds the elected position of President to the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

Before becoming Mayor, Mark Boughton began his political career as a State Representative for the 138th District of Connecticut in 1998. He then went on to serve a second term in 2000 before running for Mayor. Boughton achieved a perfect voting record in the General Assembly and served as a member of the Education Committee and ranking member of the Environment Committee.

Prior to beginning his political career, Boughton served in the United States Army Reserve from 1983 to 1989 where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He returned to Danbury High School in 1987 to teach Social Studies. Boughton’s background in education has made him a committed advocate of education for all children.

Boughton graduated from Danbury High School in 1982, after which he attended Central Connecticut State University where he received a Bachelor of Science and Education Degree in American History. Boughton went on to receive a master's degree in Educational Psychology from Western Connecticut State University where he served on the Alumni Board of Directors.

Initiatives

Clean Start

On May 23, 2016, the City of Danbury helped Jericho Partnership launch a homeless employment initiative called "Clean Start." The program's goal is to provide job coaching and employment mentoring to the homeless. Jericho volunteers oversee the displaced residents pick up litter throughout the city. Each day after a number of work hours, the workers are paid with gift cards.

City Line 311

In his 2006 “State of the City” address, Mayor Boughton announced that Danbury would be joining 25 other cities in providing a free 311 service. On December 18, 2006 the service was launched and as of July 2015 City Line 311 is now 24/7.

Prescription Discount Cards

In January 2013, Mayor Boughton announced a program that allows residents to obtain savings on prescriptions that are not covered under their current insurance plans. Prescription Drug Discount Cards were sent in the mail to every Danbury resident and are available at City Hall. By 2014, 2,326 prescriptions were filled using the card saving Danbury residents over $151,600 in costs.

• 2016 – Received U.S. Conference of Mayors “Small Business Advocacy Award” for his support of small business in the city.
• 2015 – Received the Prescott Bush Award from the Connecticut Republican Party.
• 2013 – Business Insider list of “15 Politicians Who Are Killing It On Twitter”

• "Mayor Mark Boughton to Receive Small Business Advocate Award". 
• Courant, Hartford. "Mark Boughton To Receive Prescott Bush Award". 
• "15 Politicians Who Are Killing It On Twitter". 

Boughton was born February 20, 1964 in Danbury to Rae (Linstrum) and Donald W. Boughton. His father, Donald W. Boughton served in Danbury as Mayor, State Representative (109th District) and City Councilman.