Meet the Candidates: John Prins Back Again for BOE Seat

Name: John Prins

Years of residence in Branford: 28

Party affiliation: Democrat

Position running for:  Board of Education, full 6-year term

Branford Patch: When you’re not sitting in committee and full meetings, what are you doing? i.e. work and fun?  
John Prins: Director of Human Resources at Clifford Beers Clinic in New Haven - one of the nation's oldest community-based children's mental health clinics.  I'm a certified coach in Whole System IQ consulting and have facilitated group process and consulted for a diverse mix of organizations. I'm on the Board of Directors of CABE, the CT Association of Boards of Education.  I am part of a group that is reinventing the CT Alliance for Arts Education.  I'm a proud member of the Branford Musical Arts Society.  I play piano every chance I get (never enough); am a regular in the pit of BHS - and sometimes WIS - musicals. I travel with my wife whenever I can, usually to spend time with my kids who tend to be in some of the best destinations in the world, e.g., Egypt, Israel, the UK, and NYC!

Branford Patch: How many years have you been a sitting member of Branford politics?  
John Prins: 12 years on the Board of Education.

Branford Patch: How long have you been actively engaged in politics in general?  
John Prins: Since I filled out my first voter registration form, the day after I turned 18.

Branford Patch: What and when was your first foray into politics?  
John Prins: 1995 BOE candidacy.

Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected?  
John Prins: Indescribably proud to be able to partner with the administrators and teachers of our school system as they facilitate the growth and development of our young people in wonderful ways each and every day.  

Branford Patch: What’s one thing right about Branford politics? 
John Prins: Level of participation.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed?  
John Prins: Level of participation

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? 
John Prins: Don't know Ms. McConnell.  Unk is smart; no-nonsense; down-to-earth; plain-spoken; a straight-shooter, who cares deeply about his town and gets things done.  

Branford Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give apathetic voters about the importance of casting his or her ballot?  
John Prins: I won my first primary election by four votes. Your voice is important; every vote counts.  

Branford Patch: What’s the one thing that you like best about Branford?  
John Prins: I like the diverse people, activities, organizations and services.  It's what makes Branford unique and distinctive among towns in and outside the state of CT.

Branford Patch: If incumbent: Why did you decide to for re-election?  
John Prins: Working to improve a system that is already cutting edge is terrifically exciting and invigorating.  Being part of a team that is really made up of leaders of leaders in so many ways and at so many levels is an extraordinary way to apply your energy and experience.  When that effort is all about our children's future - which is to say Our Future - well, what could be better than that?

Board of Assessors candidates Joseph V. Fazzino, Jr.-D and William R. Donaruma-R and Board of Assessment Appeals candidate Judith I. O. Burke-D did not fill out Q&As. Meet Board of Assessment Appeals candidate Clifford A. Merin-R and Constable candidate Dennis G. Nardella tomorrow night. 

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