Groton Candidate Profile: Rachael Franco, Town Council

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

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

Rachael Franco, 50, is a Democrat running for reelection 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:

Graduated from Fitch Sr. High. Accounting, A.S. from Three Rivers Community College

Occupation:

Business Manager, 20+ years Business experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Current Groton Town Councilor

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

I believe Economic Development is Groton's pressing issue, and I intend to continue to market/sell/repurpose our many empty schools, bring additional incentives for private development, continue to streamline our processes that will attract new business and development, listen to the business community as to what their wants and needs are, from the Town, for them to be successful.

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

I am not a “politician”, but a resident who stepped up to help make my community a better place to live, work, and play. I do my homework and research all issues with which I am presented. I am an unflinching, analytical, and pragmatic businesswoman who fights on behalf of those who cannot. I truly care about those in my community.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I have a vision, and foresee a bright future, where Groton has a booming economy. Groton is in a unique situation, which many Towns in CT are envious of. In addition to our empty schools being developed, Groton has the expansion of Electric Boat’s workforce and massive build out, we’re building three new schools, there’s a proposed apartment complex on Route 184, and a newly signed sales agreement for a Village development at the Mystic Oral School property. These will all bring a tremendous amount of new jobs, construction, and workers to our area, along with an influx of spending dollars and people. My emphasis will be on responsible Economic Development, increased Sustainability initiatives, and planning Groton’s growth. All the while, maintaining a strong school system and properly educating our children. Investing in infrastructure; our roads, sidewalks, and bridges need attention. I want to continue to maintain and enhance our Town services. I would also like to work with our Emergency services, so they are prepared for Groton’s pending growth. Though, to afford all this we must bring in new tax dollars, and I anticipate the many new development initiatives I mentioned and additional future developments will eventually help fill this need. I will act and prepare us for the bright, robust future that is coming.

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

A few notable achievements that I am proud to have accomplished:
I voted to widen and repave Thomas Road, a project that had been tangled in red tape for 30 years and would be for years to come. This saved the Town Hundreds of Thousands of dollars, made the road safer for pedestrians, and introduced Groton’s first bike path.
I was instrumental in securing land for the new middle school when issues arose from a previous land swap agreement.
I voted and advocated to approve the Groton Town Police Radio communication system. Notably, Groton was the first town to go live on the State of CT system, and it saved Groton taxpayers Millions of dollars, as well as make Groton safer.
I have always advocated for Economic Development in the Downtown Groton area. Via my Liaison position on the Tax Incremental Financing Committee and the Economic Development Committee I always pressed for the best and most worthwhile Economic Development initiatives that would benefit and grow Groton.
Two years ago, I made a campaign promise that I would work to sell excess vacant school properties. I am extremely proud of the pending sale of Groton Heights School. After sitting empty for 12 long years, it is now under contract and slated to become an asset to our community. There are currently 2 other schools where bids have been accepted, and are going through the selection process. This Council is not just selling Town property with the possibility of it remaining abandoned for years to come. We are being meticulous and requiring developers to show their finances and be fully committed prior to the property being signed over for sale.
Furthermore, over my last two years serving as a Councilor, Groton's Rainy Day Fund was drastically increased, which is a substantial accomplishment, and we also kept Town taxes flat this year.
In addition to what I accomplished at Council meetings, I have met with many residents and helped them with issues in their neighborhoods.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

As I've been told, many people change after they are elected, though I was given this wise advice... "You should always stay true to who you are. Who you are is why people like you and voted for you."

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

In closing, it has been an exciting two years serving as your Town Councilor, and I have met many wonderful amazing people who truly care about Groton. Although so much work has been accomplished, my work is not finished. I am asking for your vote this November, and if I receive it, please know I will work just as hard for you in the future as I have over the past two years.
Thank you so much and remember to vote Nov. 5th.

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.