Branford Election 2021: Cristina Cantu For Board Of Education

BRANFORD, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Cristina Cantu, 50, is running for Board of Education in Branford.

Occupation: Social Worker

Family: I have two children attending Branford Schools.

Experience: Board of Education

Family in government: no

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing our town is ensuring families can thrive in Branford and this is what I intend to do about it. The school system plays a central role in the lives of our children. I'm committed to helping provide effective oversight and ensuring community members' voices are heard so Branford Schools can work best for all the stakeholders.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I certainly respect everyone who is stepping up for this volunteer role in the current environment. I can only say my particular strengths lie in having expertise in mental health, with more than 20 years of experience working with families, and also having lived experience in the school system through my children.

Accomplishments:

I'm proudest of being part of a group of parents that led to the renewal of the Community House playground in 2013. This experience showed me that through partnering across the community, great things can happen. Also in the last year (since I was appointed to the Board in April 2020), and I've proven I'm an effective Board member who is willing to ask hard questions and speak up.

Other issues:

Keeping the schools open through the continued uncertainty around COVID is a priority for me because it's clear our kids learn best that way. I feel that adhering to health guidelines is the best way to achieve this. I also believe in lifting up every child in our community. I would like to work on a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy that clearly defines these terms and provides actionable steps that chip away at inequities still present within our system, and while celebrating the diversity in our town.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I think that about covers it! Make sure you come out to meet the DTC candidates on October 9, at 10AM at Thimbleberry, and Stony Creek.