Patch Candidate Profile: Marianne Cesare, 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 Marianne Cesare, 64, is seeking her third term on the Town Council representing the 3rd District.

Education.

Graduate of East Haven High School, NH State Technical School, Gateway Community College

What is your occupation?

Retired Kindergarten Paraprofessional for the EH Board of Education

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

I’ve been married for 37 years to my husband Rich who is retired but a freelance artist. My son Jared is a territory manager for US Foods and a property owner. My daughter Amanda is recently married, has a nutritionist bachelor’s degree and owns her own business.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am seeking my third term for the Town Council. I was the original chairperson of our local League of Women Voters, past chairperson of the PTA publicity committee. Previous member of the school building committee. Pass member of the counseling and community service board.

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?

Over the years, I’ve attended many Board of Education, finance, and Town Council meetings, which have 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 and successfully passed four budgets during my term. My knowledge of this gives me the skills to be a diligent council person and step up and do the work.

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

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 taxpayers. Responsible economic development and beautifying our town to increase the quality of life for our residence.

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

I have the ability to work with a team and how to listen as much as I contribute. I do what is right for the town regardless of party affiliation.

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

I am not challenging any incumbent.

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

Education and beautification of our town, which we’ve been very successful thus far in our administration.

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

I am proud to have balanced four fiscally responsible budgets without loss of services to our community. We’ve increased the Board of Education budget, the highest in more than 20 years without raising taxes or loss to services which especially is important to me being a former educator. I created a GoFundMe page that raised over $3,000 to help residents who lost homes due to a terrible fire. And while keeping taxes low in the town, I’ve contributed and secured funding for the East Haven Garden Club, Art Club, and the Shoreline Greenway Trail. I also contributed in placing road signs and barriers on dangerous roads in Foxon.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice anyone ever gave me was to be a good listener. Never respond to negativity and to always give a positive response.

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

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