Groton Candidate Profile: Melinda Cassiere for RTM

GROTON, CT —Groton’s election season is heating up.

Groton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Melinda Cassiere, 33, is a Democrat running for election to the RTM.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

Husband is a detective

Education:

B.S. Criminal Justice - Investigative Services from the University of New Haven (2004-2008) Minor: English, Connecticut Police Academy

Occupation:

Currently a Stay-At-Home-Parent, Former Police Officer

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

None; I am newly running.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I am a parent of school-age children and a former police officer. I strongly believe that a great school system and a safe community will bring families to Groton and keep them here. I have seen a lot of turnover in my specific neighborhood in the nearly eight years that I have lived in Groton. My goal will be to focus on the issues, the resources, and the goals we need to keep families in our town.

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

I am a unique candidate for an elected position because I have experience that most people cannot bring to the table.

First, I served as a police officer for five years before stepping away from my career to care for my children. This makes me qualified to make informed and educated decisions on any budgetary issues concerned with public safety. I have also served as a volunteer firefighter in my hometown while I was obtaining my college education. I understand the importance of emergency services and have served in these positions giving me an actual firsthand account of necessities in these fields.

Lastly, I am a parent of two children in Groton Public Schools. This is the main driving force in my wanting to step into an elected position for our community because I truly understand the importance of having funding for our children. There are very few candidates with children actively in the school system and I truly believe there should be representatives that are parents with children enrolled in our school district.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Like most of the candidates, I would like to continue to keep our taxes low, focus on economic development, support public safety, and maintain funding for Parks and Rec so that there are events and services to entice more families to move into our community.

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

My strong desire to work in public service is an indication of how dedicated I am to our community. I love helping people, I love our town, and most of all, I am an incredibly motivated individual. I will always get a job done, done well, and will think of our community while doing it.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

My husband has consistently urged me to do what I am passionate about. I am running for election this November because I am passionate about our community.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have truly enjoyed going door-to-door campaigning and meeting the different faces of the residents of District 5. I have heard your feedback and I am so happy to live in such a warm, welcoming community.

Are you running for office in Groton? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Groton Patch.