Groton Candidate Profile: Portia Bordelon for Town Council

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.

Portia Bordelon, 39, is a Democrat running for election to the Town Council.

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:

Attended Becker College with a focus on Criminal Justice, 1998-2001.
Graduated Fitch in 1998.

Occupation:

Medical Assistant at Ambulatory Surgical Center, six years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Appointed to Town Council, October 1 2019
Elected RTM, District 2; 2017-2019.

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

The most pressing issue facing Groton has two components: community-rooted economic development and responsible environmental resilience. If elected, I will work to grow the grand list in a smart, responsible and sustainable manner. I will advocate for equitable management of resources and appropriate representation across all districts of the town and city. I will serve as an open arbiter of any discussion and an honest broker of information regarding any of the numerous issues concerning the citizens. For any initiative, legislation or development plan to be a successful and unifying force in the town, it is imperative for the council to function as the connective tissue facilitating a fair and transparent conversation among the many commercial, conservation and community interests in any given issue at hand.

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

The Town Council is a deliberative body that serves primarily as a conduit for civil conversation amongst the citizens of this town. While it is important for a councilor to have goals and ambitions for the town, I do not believe it is essential to have a rigid agenda in mind. The most important functions for a councilor are as follows: to serve as an honest broker of information, to be a frank and efficient facilitator of civil conversation, and to engage with the public as a responsive representative of the constituents. To perform these functions at a high level, one must have a passion for the people and value the diversity of voices and vocations that live in this town. My record on the RTM and overall experience in life leading up to and through this campaign testify to the fact that these qualities resonate within me.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

- Advocacy for Equitable Education Oversight and Reform,
- Environmental Sustainability and Resilience
- Government Transparency and Accountability, along with increased public input on policy
- Public Access to and Preservation of Open Spaces
- Public-Private Partnerships for Economic Development and Environmental Responsibility
- Proactive Planning instead of Reactive Repairs.

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

As a community member and then an elected representative, I helped raise awareness of the lead-water issue in Groton schools and advocated for concrete plans to resolve the issue. While on the RTM, I served on Education Committee and the School Building Committee. I also attended Liaison Meetings with the purpose of improving cooperation and communication amongst the City Council, Town Council, RTM and Board of Education. As an RTM member, over the span of two budget cycles, I provided critical oversight with an eye for detail, moving numbers on items when necessary. I was recognized by a senior RTM member for my steady attendance record despite battling intense medical challenges.

My time working in the medical field as an assistant at an ambulatory surgical center is a testimony to my desire to help people, providing compassion and comfort in stressful moments. I bring the same energy and focus to my public service.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

I cannot say if there is any particular piece of advice that has seemed incredibly profound to me. However, I do find this quote by John F. Kennedy to be of great inspiration and guidance.

"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."
-John F. Kennedy

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

I have enjoyed my time campaigning, knocking doors and engaging in conversation with residents of Groton. The process has filled me with optimism and positive energy. I am excited for the opportunity to bring a unique mix of creative and critical thinking to the town council, adding to the dynamic and diverse tapestry of this municipality. I am eager to give back to the community in which I was raised, came of age and chose to stay to start my own family. I encourage all Groton citizens to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 5th and I hope to have your support.
A vote for Portia is a vote for Progress!

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.