Middletown Election 2021: Debra Guss Running For Board Of Ed

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Middletown with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for seats on the Board of Education and Planning and Zoning Commission.

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

Debra Guss, 56, is running for Middletown Board of Education as a Democrat.

Occupation: Attorney, Otis Elevator Company

Family:
Stephen Angle (husband) (56) Philosophy Professor, Wesleyan University, Director of the Fries Center of Global Studies, Chair of the Board of the Connection Fund, Middletown
Samantha Angle (daughter) (25) PhD Candidate Harvard University, Yale University 2018, Middletown High School 2014
Rachel Angle (daughter) (23) Volunteer Coordinator, Martha's Table, Washington, DC, Georgetown University 2020, Middletown High School 2016

Experience: None

Family in government: None

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Providing all students with the skills they need to survive in a more complex and technical work environment and ensuring teachers are prepared and supported to provide the necessary educational experience for the students.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have a strong background in the private sector, having worked for over 20 years in corporate legal departments at Northeast Utilities and United Technologies Corporation, including securities and finance legal positions, and have experience reviewing detailed financial and other information, and which is necessary for the oversight function of a board member in charge of reviewing and approving one of the largest and most complex budget items for the town.

Accomplishments:

See above.

Other issues:

I'm very concerned about the impact of the pandemic on both students and educators. I want to ensure that the system has the resources to address the mental health issues that are weighing on both students and educators.

I believe the Middletown school system is well-positioned to take advantage of its close proximity to Pratt & Whitney and Wesleyan and to develop partnerships with both institutions and would like to promote those relationships.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

As an attorney, I have the skills to question and push back on the administration, and which is an important skill to be an effective board member.

Are you running for office in Middletown? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Middletown Patch.