Meet the Candidates: Gail Chapman Carbone for Fourth District RTM

Name: Gail Chapman Carbone

Years of residence in Branford: I have been a resident of Branford for over 30 years and am the proud mother of a son who graduated from Branford High School, Class of 2005, from The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, in May, 2009, and from the United States Army-OCS in August, 2011 as a Second Lieutenant.

Position running for:  RTM, 4th District incumbent

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Branford Patch: How many years have you been a sitting member of Branford politics? 
Gail Chapman Carbone: As an elected official of the RTM since November, 2001, I have represented the 4th District as well as all Branford Town taxpayers. I served on the RTM Education Committee from 2001 – 2005, and have been Chairperson of the RTM Administrative Services Committee since 2005.  During my tenure, I have heard, monitored and voted on various budgets, contracts, and issues relating to the Town on a bipartisan basis, in the best interest of my constituents.

Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected? 
Gail Chapman Carbone: My tenure on the RTM over the past five terms has provided me with an invaluable learning experience of what town government is all about.  I would like the opportunity to continue representing my constituents in the 4th District, as well as the general public as a whole, in order to help make Branford the best it can be.

Branford Patch: Regardless of your party affiliation, can you name one good thing about the current First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos and one good thing about his challenger, Joy McConnell?
Gail Chapman Carbone: Our current First Selectman, Anthony “Unk” DaRos, who is running for his office again this year, is a superb leader, and a true advocate for our Town of Branford. Despite some obstacles over the past two years, he continues to stay focused on managing the business of the Town for the good of the majority of taxpayers.* 

Branford Patch: Why did you decide to run in this election?
Gail Chapman Carbone: I am re-running for the 4th District RTM this year in order to continue the massive efforts required to maintain integrity and team spirit in the Town of Branford, as well as to improve the quality of life for Branford residents, businesses, and visitors.  We must continue to find a way to balance the needs of the taxpayers with the financial obligations of running an efficient municipal government and quality educational system. In addition, we must still focus on providing additional financial relief to the elderly and veterans, while continuing our efforts to support open space initiatives.

Meet Fourth District candidates Maryann P. Amore-D and Michael A. Leone-D tomorrow. You can meet RTM Fourth District candidate  who was already interviewed last week as she is running for Town Clerk in addition to Fourth District RTM. Fourth District candidates Robert M. Imperato-R, James A. Amarante-R did not fill out Q&A surveys. 

Did you miss the stories on the candidates for selectman’s office? Check out the profiles below: