Enfield Candidate Profile: Lori Unghire, 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.

Republican Lori Unghire is running for re-election to the Enfield Town Council, seeking an at-large seat.

Name: Lori Unghire

Age: unanswered

Position Sought: Town Council at-large

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Married, two children, one grandchild

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

Education: AS Asnuntuck Community College, University of Mass.

Occupation: Teacher, Author

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Town Council at Large

The single most pressing issue facing our town is: Continued upgrading our town buildings and infrastructure.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post: Listening and learning. I have an ear for the public and have focused on working on what is best for Enfield. This is a great community and my intentions are to give back and keep things moving forward.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: I have especially enjoyed working with the Enfield Together Coalition and Youth Services. Fighting this war on drugs is important in Enfield. We have lost too many young people to overdoses and these programs address this issue head on and trying to make a difference. Also the Faith Based Community has been making great strides with all the churches in town. Doors of communication have opened and the faith based community has come together to discuss the challenges and victories in our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job: I have a strong commitment to Enfield and have worked well with people in our community. I have started new collaborations with the faith based community and have seen growth in interest and communications have opened up between the different faiths. I've also worked with Public Safety and helped acquire surveillance cameras in key places in town to aide with problem solving.

The best advice ever shared with me was: To be honest, to be myself and when you don't know the answer to a question, don't be afraid to admit it and seek the answer out.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions: I grew up in Enfield and raised my family here. I am passionate about people and making Enfield a better place to live and raise a family. I don't possess to know all the answers and am not afraid to ask questions to get to the right answer. I will stick up for what I believe yet I am willing to listen to opposing points of view. Community service and giving back is a goal I strive for. I believe in rolling up my sleeves and getting involved. You just might see me doing a ride along with a police cruiser or the recycle truck. Hands on experience allows me to make informed decisions. Decisions that are important to Enfield!