Politics & Government

Meet the Candidates: Republican Campaign Manager Ray Ingraham Makes Run for RTM

After two years involved with politics, Ray Ingraham decides to see seat on the RTM.

Name: Ray Ingraham

Age: 49

Years of residence in Branford: 25

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Party affiliation: Republican

Position running for: Representative Town Meeting Fifth District

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Branford Patch: When you’re not sitting in committee and full meetings, what are you doing? i.e. work and fun?
Ray Ingraham: I am a coach young women's sports Field Hockey, Softball and Basket ball. Member of the Branford Festival Corporate board and committee. Member of Indian Neck Day committee.  I like to spend my spare time working on community events.

Branford Patch: How many years have you been a sitting member of Branford politics?
Ray Ingraham: Since October 2009, two years.

Branford Patch: What and when was your first foray into politics?
Ray Ingraham: When in 2009 that [missing word] decided to declare a party and request to join the Republican Town Committee.

Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected?
Ray Ingraham: I am looking to represent my district no matter of party, I plan to reach out to all neighbors on the issues take that consensus and bring it to the RTM. If elected, I plan to hit the ground running, settle issues left by the last session unanswered and move forward to ensure budgets truly meet the needs of the town at the smallest hit to the pocket for the tax payer.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing right about Branford politics?
Ray Ingraham: The best thing about Branford Politics is for the most part that all side[s] do have very open debates and respect each other.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed?
Ray Ingraham: The worst is factions that no matter what you have to say, take your voter registration into consideration before considering your thoughts.

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?

Ray Ingraham: First Selectman Daros [DaRos] is a good hands-on crisis manager, which is in tune with his background as a contractor, Joy McConnell is a great thinker/planner she has the tools to ensure Branford a better future.

Branford Patch: What has been the most exciting national election you have every voted in? Local?
Ray Ingraham: My first national election was my [missing word] most exciting for me , I was a new Air Force recruit voting for my Commander and Chief Ronald Reagan. Locally, I would have to say the 2010 cycle my first as a active Republican. Mainly because of my new deep involvement in politics.

Branford Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give apathetic voters about the importance of casting his or her ballot?
Ray Ingraham: Your vote counts, especially locally, Republicans lost chances at seat the last election and 2009 by as little as 1 vote.

Branford Patch: What’s the one thing that you like best about Branford?
Ray Ingraham: Great community that pulls together to assist when there is trouble and when it's time to celebrate.

Branford Patch: Why did you decide to run in this election?
Ray Ingraham: I have attended many meetings of the RTM, BoE and BoS to learn how our government works and to learn how our current elected officials act and feel on the issues. I see the need for a better balance on all levels, Branford is not really defined by two parties, it is defined by those who are unaffillliated. Those unaffiliated voters I feel land in the center leaning to conservative when it comes to town economy, taxes and our school system. I feel I will be able to represent those people the best.,

Meet Fifth District candidates Dennis T. Flanigan-R and Maryanne L. Hall-D tomorrow. Fifth District candidate Beth Bryan-Almeida-R did not fill out Q&A survey. 

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

Candidacy  Republican Democrat First Selectman  (challenger) Selectman


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