Milford Candidate Profile: Connie Gaynor For Board Of Aldermen

MILFORD, CT — Milford's election season is heating up and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to get their name on the ballot for the city's municipal election. One of those contested races is the race for the Board of Aldermen.

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

Connie Cuneo Gaynor, 59, is running for election to the Board of Aldermen and is running as a Republican in the third-district.

Are you running for office in Milford? Contact Brian McCready at brian.mccready@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Milford Patch.

Family: *

Proud Mom of Madeline, Dennis, Katherine, Matthew, Granddaughter Zoë and a Granddaughter due early 2020.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? *

James Maroney; nephew

Education: *

Fairfield University; BS Marketing as well as Human Resource Certification

Occupation: *

Human Resources in both manufacturing and academia environments; 35 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Board of Alderman; Third District

Campaign Website: *

milfordctgop.com

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

We are very fortunate to live in a community such as Milford and I am proud to call this city my home. Providing well developed municipal, educational and community support and services are essential, but we need to be mindful of increasing costs both locally and at a state level. Milford must have a realistic budget to support our citizens, while excess and unnecessary spending, line item, position additions and allocations to the budget need to be monitored closely and reviewed for necessity and to ensure proper funding is available for critical initiatives that support Milford.

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

Having raised my family in the Third District, I have a genuine concern and love for the area. I believe the purpose of public service is to be an advocate for our community and constituents. I am a person who has commitment, responsiveness and follow through for the members of our district.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

The Third District has a beautiful coast line running from the Housatonic to Walnut Beach and, while there are plans and review of Milford's shoreline erosion issues underway, there needs to be a greater priority placed on actions that will be taken sooner than later to help environmentally protect Milford's and its citizen's property impacted by higher tides and storms. Continued maintenance for the shoreline assets should be a focus.

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

Having served a term as Alderman, I am proud of having helped resolve issues and concerns of individuals and organizations in the district. Often times it takes perseverance, determination, several calls and emails to reach an agreeable resolution that balances the best interest of both the constituent as well as the city.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"Listen to understand. Don't listen to respond". In both my career as well as my interactions with constituents, heading this advice has provided me the opportunity to understand a situation or concern and in turn better able to support others and have more meaningful interactions with clarity.

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

I feel that being involved and giving back is both rewarding and adds value to a community. I am currently an Alderman; 3rd District and an active Trustee for the Boys and Girls Club. Previously, I have served as a Milford Public Library Board of Director, on the Board of Milford Junior Women, St. Gabriel School Board and HSA and also St. Gabriel Social Action Committee.