Enfield Candidate Profile: Gina Cekala, Town Council At-Large

ENFIELD, CT — Enfield's election season is heating up, and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to represent their town in November's municipal election. Enfield Patch asked candidates in the town council and Board of Education races to answer questions about their campaigns, and has been publishing candidate profiles each weekday as election day draws near.

Democrat Gina Cekala is running for re-election to the Enfield Town Council, seeking an at-large seat.

Name: Gina L. Cekala

Age: 40

Position Sought: Town Council at-large

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: husband Mark Cekala; children Andrew (13) and Paige (11)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government: No

Education: JD from Western New England School of Law 2005, Bachelors in Psychology from Clark University 2001

Occupation: Attorney, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Children and Families. Prior to that position, had my own law firm. Have been practicing law since 2005 in both CT and MA.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: currently serving my third term on the Town Council as an at-large councilperson.

The single most pressing issue facing our town is: One of the most pressing issues is the opioid epidemic. While this is not specific to Enfield, we as a town must attack this problem from many different ways. It must include education, starting in our schools, with our children, include treatment options and help connecting to treatment centers, mental health treatment and options, educating adults as well as to the signs, effects and what they can do to help. In addition we must continue to try to get the dealers and drugs off the streets. This requires a continued partnership with social services, the police, the schools and youth services. Another issue that we need to continue to deal with is to create, maintain and stick to a long term plan for addressing the maintenance of the town and school buildings. Not only do we need to identify the issues and create both a short term and long term plan, but most importantly, we need to commit and stick to that plan, the latter has been the issue in the past.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: Economic development and ways to entice developers to come to Enfield. Debunking the idea that Enfield schools aren't good.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job: The fact that I have been on the council for the last few years helps me understand how the town works and what is working well and what needs improvement. As an attorney I have an attention for detail. I research issues and understand that making an informed, educated decision is important. I volunteer my time with many organizations and boards as well so I am constantly talking to residents, families and children about issues that deal with the town.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions: I have been and remain committed to the residents of Enfield. I will continue to be their voice and make informed decisions on their behalf.