Cheshire Election 2023: Anne Harrigan Running For Board Of Education

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Cheshire with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission and more.

Cheshire Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Anne Harrigan, 62, is running for re-election to the Cheshire Board of Education as a Democrat.

Education.

Ph.D. Adult & Post-secondary Education

What is your occupation?

Faculty, Quinnipiac University (19 years)

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Husband, Brad Saxton
Children: daughter, Kate Saxton and her husband Neil Chaudhary and son, Michael Saxton
Pets: labrador retriever, Tapioca

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I've been on the Cheshire BOE for 8 years (2 terms). Prior to that, I served on the Cheshire Human Services committee (appointed).

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because I represent people in Cheshire who deserve to have their voices heard. As minority representation on the BOE, I strive to bring all voices into the important conversations around policies and operations in our public schools.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Ensuring that public school curriculum remains free from outside interference, especially from those pushing their political agendas, is a pressing issue for me. The divisive politics in our country has made its way to Cheshire Public Schools. I will do everything I can to keep "book banning" out of our schools and to make sure our curriculum remains factual and historically accurate.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe we have an extremely talented and fiscally responsible administrative team in Cheshire Public Schools. I'm of the mind that we support our talent, not constantly interfere with their good work.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In addition to protecting the curriculum, I advocate for supporting students and teachers with Social Emotional Learning strategies so that education is the focus in Cheshire Public Schools. We need lots of collaboration from all stakeholders in the community to prepare students to think in complex and creative ways for success in the 21st century.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The biggest asset to being on any board, commission, or committee is the ability to listen to and consider a variety of ideas and points of view and to see the value in different ways of thinking about problems or issues.

Are you running for office in Cheshire? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Cheshire Patch.