Name: Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.
Age: 54
Years of Resident in Branford: Since 1963 (48 years)
Party Affiliation: Republican
Position running for: RTM - Seventh District
Branford Patch: When you’re not sitting in committee and full meetings, what are you doing? i.e. work and fun?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: Career: 2007 - present - Special Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, State of Connecticut. Before becoming an attorney, I was involved in the Construction Industry for over 25 years. Interests: Second Company, Governor’s Foot Guard - Member - 30 years – Current Assignment - Captain - Rifle Company; Member, St. Therese Church - Lector, Former Member, Church Council; Knights of Columbus; Connecticut Game Club - Former President; Working Out; Golf, Kayaking.
Branford Patch: How long have you been actively engaged in politics in general and how many years involved in Branford politics?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: Local:Member, Branford RTM - 1989-97; 2005 -current; Chairman, Education Committee - 1991-1997; Member, Board of Education - 1997-2001. Involvement in Politics in General: College Republicans - 1975-81; President, Connecticut State College Republicans, 1978-79; Worked on a number of Political Campaigns, Campaign Manager, Dom Buonocore for State Representative, 1992, Republican Candidate for State Representative, 98th District, 1994, Republican Candidate for State Representative, 102nd District, 1996, Member, Branford Republican Town Committee at various times.
Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: As the only incumbent who has served on both the RTM and the Board of Education, I bring the experience, knowledge and the ability to work in a non-partisan manner necessary in these troubling times.
Branford Patch: What’s one thing right about Branford politics?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: The mill rate is not excessive.
Branford Patch: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: The perception that Branford is not a good place to either build or to do business.
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?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: First Selectman Anthony DaRos, with the help of the Board of Finance and the RTM, has kept the mill rate from being excessive and kept Branford in better financial shape than many other communities. Joy McConnell: Has presented new ideas to change the perception that Branford is not a good place to build or to do business, and has done so without the usual partisan rancor.
Branford Patch: What has been the most exciting national election you have every voted in? Local?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: 1980 - Meeting Ronald Reagan and the chance to reverse the decline of America. Most exciting local election: 1993 -The election for control of the RTM was not decided until the absentee votes were counted, resulting in a 16-14 majority for the Republicans.
Branford Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give apathetic voters about the importance of casting his or her ballot?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: Your voice is important - let it be heard. The outcome of this election will affect you and your children every single day.
Branford Patch: What’s the one thing that you like best about Branford?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: The people, the shoreline, the individual neighborhoods and the little town feel we still have and should strive to preserve.
Branford Patch: Why did you decide to run for re-election?
Richard Keenan Greenalch, Jr.: My entire life has been one of public service, through the Governor’s Foot Guard, the RTM, the Board of Education and now as a prosecutor for the State of Connecticut. I have tried to act in what I have felt was the best interest of the town of Branford, speaking out on important issues throughout the years, and I will continue to do so if reelected.
Seventh District candidates Mary E. Davis-D and Robin B. Sandler-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:
Candidacy Republican Democrat First Selectman (challenger) SelectmanAbout this column: The candidate profiles, submitted by those running for office, are not edited for grammar.
