Mark Boughton

Mark D. Boughton (born February 20, 1964) is the mayor of Danbury, Connecticut.

Early Life, Education, and Political Career
Mark Boughton was born in Danbury. He graduated from Danbury High School in 1982 and went on to attend Central Connecticut State University where he received 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 where he now serves on the Alumni Board of Directors.

Mark 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, and served as a Member of the Danbury Planning Commission from 1995 to 1998.

Acting on a life-long passion for politics, Mark was elected State Representative for the 138th District of Connecticut in 1998, and was re-elected in 2000. He 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. Mark was elected Mayor for the City of Danbury, Connecticut in November 2001, and re-elected in 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Immigration Controversy
Mark has been embroiled in the national immigration debate since March 2005 when he proposed that the State of Connecticut participate in the 287-g program run by the Department of Homeland Security. His proposal provoked a march of 1,000 immigrants down Main Street in Danbury on June 9, 2005; six days later it was officially rejected.

Mark went on to co-found Mayors and Country Executives for Immigration Reform, a national coalition of local politicians who advocate for reform of current illegal immigration policy.