Patch Candidate Profile: Gladys Cooper, 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.

Gladys Cooper, 75, is running for re-election to the Danbury Board of Education as a Democrat.

Education.

Completed High School

What is your occupation?

Retired after 30 plus years

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

One Son, 2 Grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

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

yes, 31 plus years on the Danbury Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?

I have the Time, Experience, Energy

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

Funding for the schools, safety, lack of space

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

I have the Experience, working with teachers, Administration in the district, parents, students, everyone is important.

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

None that I can see, things take time, when you are elected to the board, we have procedures to follow, it's not about you, it's what's best for the district

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

Continue to support the board's budget, support another middle school, another elementary school, support, the teacher, so everyone feels safe and valued.

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

Elected chairperson of the board 4 times, sit on every committee of the board, always trying to look at things calm and in a fair way, respect other opinions, always remember our students are number one.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Run for the board and you will make a difference, that was in 1991.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love being on the board, and the lessons I have learned, and the great people that I met.