Patch Candidate Profile: Karen A. Martin, East Haven Town Council

EAST HAVEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in East Haven and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Democrat Karen A. Martin is seeking reelection to the East Haven Town Council, District 2.

Education.

I have a BA from Albertus Magnus College, an Associates Degree from South Central Community College

What is your occupation?

I have been a Radiologic Technologist for 38 years and currently specialize in MRI.

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

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am currently serving my 1st term on Town Council. Prior to this, I served as a member and later chairperson of the East Haven Zoning Board of Appeals.

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 to the Town Council to continue the important work of improving the quality of life for the residents of East Haven. I am proud of our work over the last 2 years, such as keeping taxes stable yet improving services. I am proud we were able to increase the funding for education. I would like the opportunity to continue our work.

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

Tweed expansion and crime.

Tweed expansion. Alongside Mayor Carfora, I first intend to continue to fight for the more inclusive Environmental Impact Statement. I have submitted written requests pleading with the regional FAA to provide the EIS before any plan to move forward with the expansion is implemented. We also need to assure East Haven is treated fairly in the expansion.

Crime. I intend to attempt to seek ways to provide more police presence at places and times when data shows a need. I would like to increase communication between residents and the police through even better community policing. I would like to seek ways to enable hiring more police officers. Find ways to better enforce the laws and ordinances we already have.
I would like to seek ways to provide expanded youth services for children and especially teens.

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

A major difference is my experience, first as former chairperson of the ZBA and now I am currently serving my 1st term on the Town Council. I have also volunteered as a founding member of the Momauguin/Cosey Beach Neighborhoods Group since 2015. This group has accomplished many important enhancements and changes over the years. We will continue to work towards improving quality of life for our neighborhoods.

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

I am not challenging an incumbent.

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

The reduction of blight in our neighborhoods and the need for transparency in government.
I intend to continue to work for what is best for all East Haven residents.

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

I believe I have shown the residents in my district that I am attentive to issues important to them. I believe residents I work with know I am doing all I can to resolve their problems/issues as best as possible. I believe I have earned the trust of the residents of District 2 over the years with the Momauguin/Cosey Beach Neighborhoods Group as well as over the last 2 years as their voice on the Town Council.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice anyone ever gave me pertaining to my duties as a Town Council Representative is to be honest and attentive, open and transparent.

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

If re-elected I will continue to work hard to represent my neighbors in District 2 as they would like me to represent them. If re-elected I will continue to be accessible always and be ready and able to help my neighbors any way I can.