Candidate Profile: Gina DiMasi Alladin, Danbury Board Of Education

DANBURY, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Danbury and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Danbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Bank vice president Gina DiMasi Alladin is running for a seat on the Danbury Board of Education as a Democrat. She earned her B.S. at Villanova University, and an MBA at St. Joseph University.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

PTO president at WSMSA 2018

Why are you seeking this office?

I want to join the board because, first and foremost, I believe in public education. I want to reduce educational disparities and improve the education each student receives.

I bring over twenty-five years of financial experience. I have been involved in the PTO for seven years, and four of those years as PTO President. In those roles. I saw first hand the tireless efforts of our teachers, and administrators. They create magic with a limited budget. I deeply care about providing our kids with limitless possibilities to their futures. I would like the opportunity to support our teachers so our students can find their way, and make tomorrow a better place.

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

Over crowded schools

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

I have two children in the Danbury public school system. I’ve been actively involved in the schools.

I bring over twenty-five years of financial experience. I have been involved in the PTO for seven years, and four of those years as PTO President.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The schools are over crowded, schools do not have HVAC and have to close due to heat. This year we had early dismissal for an entire week due to heat. This problem will continue to get worse. Attendance rate is low. Schools are not properly funded. Schools are not fully staffed.

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

I have my MBA and over twenty-five years of financial experience.

I have been involved in the PTO for seven years, and four of those years as PTO President.

I was a volunteer on the project that developed Portrait of Graduate.

I work to build collaborative relationships within the community and I will do the same on the BOE.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, it only matters how many times you get back up.