Enfield Candidate Profile: Lori Unghire, Town Council

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

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

Name: Lori Unghire

How old will you be as of Election Day? 65

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

https://enfieldrtc.org

What city or town do you live in? Enfield

What office are you seeking? Town Council At-Large

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Asnuntuck Community College and University of Massachusetts

What is your occupation? Retired Teacher and Author

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

I married my college sweetheart, married 39 years. We have two sons and two granddaughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes. My husband is on the Enfield Board of Education. I believe we are the only married couple in Connecticut elected to public office at the same time.

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

Yes. I was elected to the Board of Education, serving 4 years, also the Enfield Town Council, serving 6 years.

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?

As a lifelong resident of Enfield, I plan to carry on my efforts in serving the residents. I plan to maintain my interests in seniors, young families, and new businesses so they all can grow, thrive, and proudly call Enfield home. I want to leave Enfield a better place than I found it.

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

I believe Enfield needs a reasonable budget with a commonsense approach to managing our tax dollars. We need sound decision making that best serves our community. Also ensure efficient town government.

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

I believe my experiences of 4 years on the Board of Education and 6 years on the Town Council will allow me to effectively maximize the decision-making process to do what’s best for Enfield.

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

I will advocate for education, public safety, seniors, businesses and will continue to support community programs and services.

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

I was minority leader for half of this current term and can work across party lines. My ten years as an elected official has given me great experience in understanding the many moving parts of government and how to best position Enfield for the future.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There are two mottos I try to live by: The first is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The second is “Be where you’re supposed to be and do what you’re supposed to do.”

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

I enjoy serving this community and have volunteered most of my life through civic involvement, church activities, teaching, and school programs just to name a few. I am a firm believer in fiscal responsibilities and will work hard to represent the fine citizens of Enfield.