Ellington Candidate Profile: Cynthia Soto, Board Of Selectmen

ELLINGTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in Ellington, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Name: Cynthia Soto

How old will you be as of Election Day? 50

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.facebook.com/profi...

What city or town do you live in? Ellington

What office are you seeking? Board of Selectmen

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Graduate of Rockville High School

What is your occupation? Family home daycare

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

Husband Manny, son Jack, Eastern student and Air National Guardsman

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My son is a proud Air National Guardsman

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? No

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 last year I was advocating for my small business with town government. I now want to advocate for all small business and Ellington residents. It’s time for more transparency and inclusivity in Ellington's town government.

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

Being heard and I intend to listen and do my best to advocate as well as help solve their most pressing issues.

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

I have the life experience of owning a small business regulated by the state, working closely with diverse families, raising a son, and advocating for myself as well as others.

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

In my opinion, the current incumbents have had plenty of time to make changes, but have been lax in that responsibility. It seems they want to keep everything status quo when Ellington has outgrown that mind set. Transparency and community involvement in town government is hindered as well as discouraged by policy they have had an opportunity to change and haven’t.

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

I want people to feel heard and important. I want conversation and to hear differing opinions. I intend to mitigate power imbalances and define responsibilities to maximize efficiency.

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

The accomplishment of starting and running a small business that is regulated by the state has taught me how to negotiate, find solutions and fix problems. I’ve had experience working with a diverse amount of people as well from all walks of life.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Consistent hard work will reap rewards you never even considered.

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

Being new to town politics gives me fresh eyes to the possibilities that await Ellington. I intend to bring my life experiences, thoughtful ideas, and hard working mindset to grow Ellington into a place every resident will be proud of.