Manchester 2023 Election: Pamela Floyd-Cranford, Board of Directors

MANCHESTER, CT — Pamela Floyd-Cranford is running for a seat on the Manchester Board of Directors in the 2023 election.

Name

Pamela Floyd-Cranford

How old will you be as of Election Day?

I will be 61 years old on election day.

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

https://manchesterctdems.info

What city or town do you live in?

Manchester

What office are you seeking?

Board of Directors

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

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BA - Prairie View A & M University, MSW - University of Connecticut

What is your occupation?

Retired

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

I am a loving mother of two sons, Kevin Cranford Jr. II, and K'Ronn Cranford. Kevin and K'Ronn are MHS graduates and attained their master’s degrees and are successful in their careers. I am the doting Mema of two adorable grandsons, Kevin lll, (7) and Noah (2).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

I have been on the Manchester Board of Directors since 2017. I am campaigning for reelection for a fourth term.

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 am campaigning for re-election for a fourth term to the Manchester Board of Directors to continue helping families have a better quality of life. In my previous terms I voted for zero tax increases for two consecutive years and minimal tax increases in subsequent years while maintaining excellent town services. I have helped to move our town forward by voting for ordinances that both implement and support full diversity and inclusion throughout all town departments and our school system. I have voted for livable wages for companies that do business in our town. I have also supported and pushed for resolutions for school renovations and a new town library. I want to continue doing this work.

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 our residents is keeping pace with the increased cost of living and obtaining affordable housing. I intend to make every effort to not raise taxes or keep tax increases to a minimum to maintain efficiency and sufficient services and programs that our families depend on. I will continue to support and vote for livable wages for companies that do business in our town. I will also continue to vote for and support all ordinances, projects and services that will help families gain access to affordable stable housing.

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

I must say that the candidates on my team have many similarities and common values. However, we also have our own uniqueness that we bring to the Board. I believe my career in child protection services at DCF brings a different level of compassion, empathy, and advocacy for marginalized populations and for families when they are in crises. I have an instant and keen ability to see an individual beyond their circumstances. I realize that systemic practices and societal conditions often play a significant role in people's lives. This is why I advocate so strongly and vote for services and programs that will directly assist our families. This includes programs that address the housing crises, fentanyl crises and mental health.

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

N/A

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

I have helped to move our town forward by voting for ordinances that both implement and support full diversity and inclusion throughout all town departments and our school system. I will continue working in this direction so that all families in Manchester will feel welcomed and embraced. I will also continue to vote for and support improvements to our town’s infrastructure which include state-of-the-art school buildings, new sidewalks and roads and parks and recreation.

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

During our toughest time with the challenges from the Coronavirus, along with the Board, I helped to lead Manchester through that crises by balancing our budget and maintained the services that our families depend on. The Board and I voted for additional programs and funding to address the mental health needs that many residents were experiencing. I voted not to increase taxes for two years during the heighten period of Covid because I knew that the impact from this virus cost people their jobs. Our Board stayed the course and I continued to vote for ordinances that both implement and support full diversity and inclusion throughout all town departments and our school system. We supported and maintained businesses that provide a livable wage. I voted for and supported continuous improvement to our town’s infrastructure.
I make every effort to listen to our residents. I will continue to lead with compassion in moving Manchester forward.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do not be afraid to try something different, even if it scares you. Recognize your challenges and plan accordingly.

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

I hope to get the support of Manchester voters for the Board of Directors.