Patch Candidate Profile: Nicole Lupo, Monroe P&Z Commission Alternate

MONROE, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Monroe and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Monroe Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Nicole Lupo, 44, is running for re-election as a Planning and Zoning Commission alternate, on the Republican line.

Education.

Education: Graduate of Masuk High School, University of Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State University. I have a Masters in Social Work, am licensed to practice Social Work in Connecticut and have a Masters in Business Administration.

What is your occupation?

Work experience: Current employment: Manager of Medicaid Compliance for EmblemHealth/ConnectiCare insurance. Previous employment: Case Manager for the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders

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

My husband and I have two daughters, ages 11 and 14, who attend Jockey Hollow Middle School and Masuk High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Planning and Zoning Alternate Commissioner in Monroe

Why are you seeking this office?

I love the Town of Monroe. I grew up here, am raising our family here and my parents still reside here. I feel it is important to keep all of our residents in mind when developers come before us with proposed projects while keeping in compliance with local, state and federal regulations. I encourage residents to come to meetings and voice their support and concerns. I look forward to continuing to have Monroe be a place where people, families and business owners want to come and stay through responsible growth that can benefit our residents with a stabilized tax base.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The growth that Monroe is experiencing, and I intend to continue to encourage all residents to attend our meetings virtually or in person or write a letter to our commissioner to have your voice heard. I intend to keep all our residents in mind when reviewing applications while keeping within town, state and federal regulations.

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

I have been an alternate commissioner since 2020 and have learned a lot about how the process works when we receive an application. Our commission has worked together to provide input for the Plan of Conservation and Development which is used when reviewing an application. For both my career and my position on Planning and Zoning it requires reading and understanding town, state and federal regulations.