Branford Election 2021: Maryann Amore Running For Member, RTM

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Maryann Amore, 70, is running for Member, Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in Branford.

Occupation: Self-employed Financial Representative

Experience: RTM Member 2009-2017

Family in government: No

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

Branford's biggest need is strength of leadership. Our leaders must have the vision and courage needed to effectively address the very diverse needs of our citizens as we all face the challenges of an uncertain future. We must come to see our community more clearly, accessing real data and informing it with the ideas and hopes our residents. We must not shy away from addressing complex issues - like the loss of our young adults to more affordable places; our increasing median age; or the effect of climate change on our revenues. We already have so many assets - if we want to keep them, every decision we make, even on the RTM, and should advance the best possible vision for our beautiful town.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I was born in Branford, grew up “on the Hill”, and graduated from Branford High. I went to college in Philadelphia (I have a BA from Arcadia Univ and an M.Ed in Learning Systems Design from Temple Univ.) and then stayed on to work there and in New York for 35 years. In those years and in the years since returning to Branford to care for family, I have been very fortunate to have had a career with very diverse and challenging experiences, the details of some of these are listed below. Because of this, I believe I am able to see Branford through many lenses, both personal and professional. I am a "hometown girl" with a national perspective, a Branford kid who grew up playing in pumpkin fields and walked to school past a pig farm, who has also lived in two of the largest cities in the US. And I loved it all. I believe I can see Branford clearly with all of its challenges and all of its beauty and strengths. I know what a great place it is to live, and will bring my perspective to every vote I make on the RTM. And I will remain a strong and unwavering advocate for the best interests of my neighborhood, my District, and my beloved hometown.

Accomplishments:

In my career, I travelled nationally for Columbia Univ. and the US Dept of Labor for more than 20 years, training workforce and youth development professionals. After returning to Branford in 2004, I worked in Stamford as Director of Lifelong Learning at St. Luke's LifeWorks, and later as an advocate for affordable housing with HOPE Partnership in Old Saybrook. I've had many and diverse professional experiences, often in leadership positions. I currently have my own business as a registered financial representative, have worked as a bookkeeper and tax preparer, and most recently as a tutor for blind and low-vision learners in the New Haven Public Schools. I currently serve on the board of the Blackstone Library, and was recently appointed to the board of Branford Affordable Housing. I cannot help but bring all of these with me to the floor of the RTM - they each inform my understanding of the finance, tax, and education issues that will come before the RTM. (Also, I was a member of the RTM for the 4th District between 2009 and 2018, and was chair of the Education Committee from 2011-2013.)

Other issues:

1. I will work to interact with more individuals and families within the Fourth District. We are a very large and geographically diverse district, with no discernible center and some of the densest living communities in Branford. It is a challenge to engage with residents in a district that stretches from the old "fourth ward", down to Short Beach, on to the western end of town. But I and my 4th District colleagues will make it a priority to be available to hear regularly from district residents. Details to come. 2. To advocate for resources to ensure that Branford has effective schools, good health, and good jobs - and good fun! 3. To be very well-informed on all issues that come before the RTM.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am committed to my principles and to the best interests of my district, but also to rationality - and civility. And, and kindness...