Meet the Candidates: Mary Grande for BOE Two-Year Term

Name:  Mary Grande

Years of residence in Branford: 23        

Party affiliation: Democrat

Position running for: Board of Education

Branford Patch: When you’re not sitting in committee and full meetings, what are you doing? i.e. work and fun?
Mary Grande: I work at as the Development Associate. It is my responsibility to lead all special events and reach out to community businesses, civic groups and individuals to introduce them to who New Haven Home Recovery is and what our organization does. Our mission is to promote the independence of women and children confronted with homelessness, HIV/AIDS and behavioral health issues in a supportive environment where their potential can be realized.

For fun I enjoy road trips to visit my children at UCONN & Marist. This fall it has been bittersweet watching my youngest son play his final year as keeper for the high school soccer team knowing that when his season is over, so will be 16 years of Branford soccer. I enjoy going to the movies and the theater with my husband, eating ice cream at Ashley’s, reading, fun times with my friends, and enjoying every minute I can in the summer at the .

Branford Patch: How many years have you been a sitting member of Branford politics?
Mary Grande: 13 years.

Branford Patch: How long have you been actively engaged in politics in general?
Mary Grande: I think since 1997 when Unk ran for office the first time and my husband was on the DTC.

Branford Patch: What and when was your first foray into politics?
Mary Grande: I was selected to fill the vacant position of an RTM member in the 2nd district. I then ran for my own term and was elected to serve as chair of the Ways and Means Committee.

Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected?
Mary Grande: I believe in our Branford educational system and will continue to push for excellence at all levels.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing right about Branford politics?
Mary Grande: That anyone can become involved in the Branford political system and that everyone who is involved wants the best for our town.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed?
Mary Grande: I’d like to see everyone remember that everyone who is involved in politics is involved because they want to make our town 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?  
Mary Grande: Joy McConnell became involved in her community because like so many others who are community volunteers she knows that’s what makes Branford so special…all those who volunteer to make Branford a great place to live in. Unk DaRos is a leader that people feel they can approach at any time and have a discussion about an issue which is important to them and know Unk is listening.

Branford Patch: What has been the most exciting national election you have every voted in?
Mary Grande: I think the first time I was allowed to vote as an 18 year old. While it was not the most exciting election I’ve voted in, it was the first time I knew I had a voice in electing a president. If I had to say the most  exciting it was voting for Hillary Clinton in the primary. Local? Voting for Unk DaRos as First selectman.

Branford Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give apathetic voters about the importance of casting his or her ballot? 
Mary Grande:  Vote. Your vote does make a difference.

Branford Patch: What’s the one thing that you like best about Branford?
Mary Grande: The people.

Branford Patch: Why did you decide to for re-election?
Mary Grande: I was appointed in February to fill a position which runs through 2013. I would like to be elected to fill the remaining two years of the term. I believe under the leadership of Superintendent Hernandez our schools will continue to flourish and I would like to be part of the team.

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: