East Haven Candidate Profile: Marianne Cesare, Town Council

EAST HAVEN, CT — East Haven’s election season is heating up.

East Haven Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Marianne Cesare, 59, is a Democrat running for Town Council, Third District.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing:

No

Education:

Graduate of East Haven High School. I attended NH State technical school and completed my Child Development Associate Credential at Gateway Community College.

Occupation:

I’m a Kindergarten Paraprofessional for East Haven schools for 19 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

I was appointed to the East Haven Community Service Board where I served for two years. I was elected to serve as secretary for the Town Committee for four years. I also served on the School Building Committee for one term.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxes, empty storefronts, infrastructure. We need to be fiscally responsible and as a Town Council member I intend to dissect the budget and trim the fat to put those funds into public works to beautify our parks, fix our roads, and to make this town beautiful as it once was.

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

The most critical difference is the land in our town. My opponents have voted to sell property for developments simply for “a quick buck.” Most of this land should be in the land trust for the beautification of our town. I believe in developments within reason as long as it doesn’t disrupt the peace and enjoyment our residents deserve.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Education should be a top priority with the fiscal responsibility from the municipal side of the budget. I will ask the hard questions on the board of education funds and how they are allocated and spent so it’s in the best interest of our students and our taxpayers. Infrastructure of our town. Responsible economic development that suits our neighborhoods. Beautifying our town and increasing the quality of life for our residence with stability of our taxes.

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

I was the original creator and chair of our local League of Women Voters. I’ve worked on many campaigns over the years and I learned from each one. I’ve attended many Board of Education, Finance and Town Council meetings which has inspired me to get involved and try to make a positive change for the betterment of our residence. I have studied and learned the budget process and how it works. My knowledge of this will give me the skills to be a diligent Council person.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

The best advice shared to me was to be a good listener and compassionate to the needs of others for all problems whether big or small are important. When it comes to voting, vote with what is right and not what’s expected. The way that we can effect change and be visionaries starts from the bottom up not the top down which is why I am most excited and passionate about the local level and made the decision to run for Town Council.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will look to strengthen my connection with our community and make friendships forged in common values and shared experiences. I’ve met some of my best friends while working on campaigns and I hope this journey can be just as rewarding. I wish to broaden my experiences and take on a larger role in my community and I have the commitment, passion and heart to do what’s right.

Are you running for office in East Haven? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to East Haven Patch.