Branford Election 2021: Ram C. Shrestha For RTM District 4

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Ram C. Shrestha, 54, is running for Branford RTM District 4.

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Family: Spouse, Jyoti Shrestha, 51, and son, Sandesh Shrestha, 25.

Experience: RTM District -4

Family in government: No

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

The single most pressing issue our town is facing is the inability to attract small businesses. We all know that small businesses are the life force of local economies. It brings employment opportunities, helps generate revenues, and fosters innovation, contributing significantly to the town's economy and consequentially to infrastructure. Due to its proximity to several universities and colleges and the I-95 corridor, Branford is uniquely located and suited to harness economic opportunities in the form of small businesses. However, currently, and this appears to have been overlooked. I intended to bring this issue to the spotlight and make this my main agenda and work with fellow RTM and experts on how to strengthen Branford’s economy by focusing on small businesses.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I believe I am a unique candidate for the RTM because I am a business owner in the area. Everyday I have to work to make sure my business continues to be successful - not just for me and my family but also for my employees. A town government, like a small business, and has to take care of the bottom line but also take care of people. I understand the give and take. I apply that understanding to the RTM and hope to continue to do so.

Accomplishments:

I have been running a service business for almost two decades here in Connecticut. I have to be very resourceful and innovative to ensure that my business continues to be successful, sometimes under immense pressure. I can apply these experiences when I face similar situations during my time as the RTM. Further, over time, I have built a robust relationship with my customers and talked about issues affecting our community. We have shared our frustrations about what’s not working and discussed ideas on what policies would help solve our collective problems. My first-hand relationship with the citizens of Branford would help me advocate for issues truly affecting our community. I served as the president of the Society of Nepalese America for three years during which I worked with our Nepalese community members, as well as with local leaders of CT to focus on issues our community is facing. This leadership role has provided me with experiences to serve as a liaison between communities as well as imparted me with ideas to harness strengths of minor communities to make the town of Branford stronger than ever. Lastly and most importantly, and I have been so fortunate to have served as the RTM representing the 4th district of the town for over a year during which I have learned how our legislative body works.

Other issues:

Apart from economy and tax issues, one of the pressing issues that we ought to focus on is environmental challenges including climate change. While we can say this is a global issue, I am a firm believer of “think globally, act locally”. I strongly believe that local policies and local efforts collectively would help mitigate global problems. I intend to have conversations with Branford residents, fellow lawmakers, and experts on various possible local endeavors/campaigns (for example, awareness programs on reducing plastic waste, recycling, energy efficiency, etc) that we could be implementing to tackle this issue. Specifically, Branford being a coastal Town, impacts of climate change could be consequential for Town residents. Another issue I would like to focus on is education. Education is a foundation for prosperity and growth and I believe that ensuring continued investment on high-quality and inclusive education is important.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have worked really hard to ensure that I can provide to my family and to be where I am right now. It would not have been possible without my support from my friends and family, and hospitable and welcoming citizens of Branford. The focus of my past few years has been to give back to the community. One of the avenues to do so is serving as the RTM. I will work hard, and fight if necessary, and to ensure that voices of Branford residents are being heard and that Branford continues to prosper.