Groton Candidate Profile: Nancy Mello Miller 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.

Nancy Mello Miller, 38, 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.
No

Education:

B.S. Political Science/Women’s Studies: CSU Fresno, 2003, B.S. Criminal Justice, Kaplan University

Occupation:

Stay at home mom

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

RTM District 7 (Mystic Weigh, Bel Aire, Noank, Mumford Cove, and Groton Long Point.)

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

Attracting new families and residents to Groton, therefore supporting the tax base (and keeping the mill rate stable/low) while increasing revenue and home values. As a military spouse, I understand the need to ensure we are supporting the school system as well as the things that attract home buyers: a low mill rate, activities (i.e. Parks and Recreation, trails) and businesses.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
am one of the few RTM candidates that has children in the Groton school system, and the only military spouse. I bring a unique viewpoint of being new enough to Groton (5 years) that I still recall what attracted my family to the area and what other military families are looking for when looking for their “last duty station” and retirement options. Having children in the Groton school system allows me to be in touch with what is needed from the ground level. Lastly, having lived in other areas before: understanding what makes a great community to live in. My family decided to settle in Groton because we really do see a wonderful community with great opportunities to get even better. I love living in Groton, and it brings me true joy to serve on the RTM.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Growing up, my mom (a K-1 teacher for 30 + years) would take me to vote with her every year. I can still hear her in my head every election cycle: “Support the libraries and support the schools.” As an active participant of Karate from the Groton Parks and Rec department and an avid hiker/outdoors enthusiast, I’d have to add supporting the Parks system, our environment, while also ensuring business is able to thrive.

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

Serving as chair of the Parks and Recreation committee for RTM for the past two years I have been fortunate to go through two budget cycles. Understanding the shape the town is in financially can help me make better decisions for my district. In my two years on the RTM I have a 100% attendance record.
Serving as Vice-Chair of the Groton DTC has increased my knowledge of town committees and duties of such.
Last but not least, being a mom of two and a military spouse has indeed taught me I can handle anything thrown at me with grace and a calm demeanor.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

“Live each day as an example for your children to live.” I try to exemplify that by serving on the RTM, honoring the commitment by never missing a meeting, and embracing the area we live in each and every day.

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

I believe that embracing small businesses is the key to supporting our town and residents. By “shopping small” we are keeping our money local and in the community, which can only make Groton that much more prosperous.

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.