Milford Candidate Profile: Karen Fortunati For City Clerk

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 position of City Clerk.

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.

Karen Fortunati is running for election to the position of City Clerk as a Democrat.

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: *

Husband Frank and a daughter and son

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

No

Education: *

Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.); Trinity College (M.A. American Studies); University of Scranton (BS Accounting)

Occupation: *

Public Programs Manager at Pequot Library and Author

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Board of Aldermen - Representing the 5th District

Campaign Website: *

TeamMilford.com

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

I envision the City Clerk’s Office to be the hub for our city government, a welcoming and accessible destination, whether you’re applying for a marriage license or looking through historic city records. Too few people know what the City Clerk does. My goal is to make the office accessible, transparent and informative.

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

I am honored to join my friend Mayor Ben Blake as his running mate. Over the past several years we have developed a productive and effective relationship, working on behalf of the people of Milford. We've made incredible progress and I'm excited to continue that work with the support of Milford’s voters.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I want Milford residents to feel better informed about the business of government - what boards and departments do, when they meet, where they meet, what matters they're considering.So if it's something in the city that concerns you, you can make your voice heard by attending the meeting or connecting with your representative on the Board of Aldermen before action is taken.I see the Clerk's Office as your first stop when you need a question answered or issue addressed.

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

My professional and civic experience make me uniquely qualified for this role. I'm a former prosecutor and attorney. As a current Alderman, I've developed excellent working relationships with Mayor Blake and the wonderful team leading our city's departments. I chair the Recycling Task Force and have served as the President of the Downtown Milford Business Association and oversaw the largest Pirates Day in event history. I'm passionate about mental health advocacy and proud to serve on the Bridges Healthcare Board of Directors. My young adult novel won the Connecticut Book Award in 2017 and I support the Milford Public Library by writing for the newsletter. I love Milford and have a strong record of commitment to our amazing city.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

This Babe Ruth quote has always resonated with me: "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way."