Glastonbury Election 2023: Deb Carroll, Town Council

GLASTONBURY, CT — Deb Carroll is running for a seat on the Glastonbury Town Council in the 2023 election.

Name

Deb Carroll

How old will you be as of Election Day?

49

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

https://www.glastonburydems.co...

What city or town do you live in?

Glastonbury

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BA, College of the Holy Cross; MA, Boston College

What is your occupation?

Book Seller (3 years); Former High School Teacher (17 years)

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

I live in Glastonbury with my husband and three school-age sons

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

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

I have served on Glastonbury's Town Council since November 2017, and as the Democratic Majority Leader since 2019

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?

I have been fortunate to serve Glastonbury since November of 2017. I genuinely enjoy the work we do on Council. I know that Democratic leadership over the last six years has benefited the citizens of Glastonbury, both current and future. I want to continue that good work--it is a challenging, engaging job!

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is inflation. With our revaluation last year, almost everyone in town has had to deal with a significantly increased property tax, my own family included. That said, I believe that Town Council can continue to make thoughtful choices about our spending, keep applying for grants to offset project costs, create savings opportunities where we can and continue to be mindful of "nice to have" vs "necessary" projects as we create the next town budget.

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

I am always candid. This is not always a good habit--I have had to learn the best time and place to share my opinions. But my constituents always know where I stand on an issue. Additionally, I am both a parent of three boys and a former high school teacher. I feel I have a unique insight in Town Council discussions regarding the Education budget, thanks to my nearly two decades in the classroom.

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

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

For me, housing equity is of paramount importance. Finding ways to keep Glastonbury affordable for our Seniors, our workforce and our lower-income neighbors is essential. Additionally, finding grant programs, local or otherwise, to support our farmers is fundamental. In this time of constant weather challenges and rising costs, we need to ensure that those who have put themselves into their land can continue to make our community a vibrant, abundant place.

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

Preservation of hundreds of acres of Glastonbury’s open space and farmland

Purchase of Nye Road property and partnership with the Glastonbury Housing Authority to create much-needed affordable housing options

Supported adoption of inclusionary zoning regulations

Supported ARPA-funded small business assistance grants

Supported creation of design guidelines for the town center

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Get a good night's sleep. (Thanks, mom!)

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

I have found my 6 years on Town Council to have been tremendously challenging and engaging. I know I have more to learn and more to offer my town. I hope that voters will continue to place their faith in me.