East Haven Election 2021: Kimberly Glassman Running For Council

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Kimberly Glassman, 39, is running for East Haven Town Council.

Occupation: Director Of The Foundation For Fair Contracting

Family: I've been married to James Albis for 6 years. We welcomed our first child, Avi, this past May.

Experience: East Haven Town Council and 1st District

Family in government: My husband, James Albis, served as East Haven's State Representative from 2011-2018. He now serves as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

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

Just like every other municipality in our great state, the most pressing issue is the COVID-19 pandemic and how its ravaged, not only countless lives, but also our families' financial security. I'm proud that I, along with my fellow councilors, voted in April of 2020 to adopt a low-interest rate program for our taxpayers, many of whom suffered from furloughs, job losses, and/or severe reduction in hours. I have also requested more regular reports from East Shore District Health Department to better understand where East Haven ranks in terms of transmission and vaccination rates. It's critically important that our local government continue to prioritize our residents' health and welfare.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I believe that everyone who steps up to run for office does so out of a commitment to their community and a passion for public service. There is far more that unites us than divides us. That being said, Mayor Joseph A. Carfora has done an excellent job navigating this town through the COVID-19 pandemic, and seeing us through budgetary obstacles left by the previous administration. If we are to continue on this trajectory of reliable and transparent management, then I urge our town's voters to re-elect Mayor Carfora and the rest of his slate on Row A, and myself included.

Accomplishments:

As the Director of the Foundation for Fair Contracting, I have monitored countless public works construction projects throughout our state for compliance with federal and state labor laws. Having passed new state laws that strengthen our wages and procurement procedures, I have a unique perspective on how contracting issues directly affect East Haven.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I found out I was pregnant with my first child in September of 2020. As so many other mothers can relate, my pregnancy wasn't easy. I suffered from severe morning sickness, followed by a grueling labor. Nothing can quite prepare you for caring for a newborn with sleepless nights. But through it all, including my transition back to work, I never missed a single monthly Town Council meeting. Parents, in particular, are expert multi-taskers; whether you're at home with your newborn, caring for aging parents, or traipsing your kids across the state to sporting events, familial responsibilities should not be a hindrance to public engagement. I hope that my running inspires other young parents to throw their hat in the ring, and and that our local government continues to be accessible and responsive to our community's needs.