Patch Candidate Profile: Nina Gagnon, Monroe Tax Collector

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.

Teacher Nina Gagnon, 38, is running for election as Monroe tax collector, as a Democrat. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and secondary education. She and her husband, Jay, have lived in Monroe for the last 10 years with their sons, Cooper and Oliver.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

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

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I have been a member of the Monroe community for a decade now and have completely fallen in love with this town and its people. I want to give back to the town even more and help its citizens the best ways that I can. My background in mathematics along with my customer service and people skills makes me a ideal candidate to provide the best services in tax collecting to the town.

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 my constituents is open communication with our town residents. Our residents often feel lost when it comes to getting information from town hall and its offices. No one likes to be "surprised" by tax bills and delinquencies that may have come from miscommunication or a lack of communication at all. I intend to be as open as possible with our offices and to address your needs quickly and compassionately.

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

My opponent has been our tax collector for many years and has done a wonderful job for our community. That said, it is time for a new energy to enter our town hall.

As a former teacher I embrace the ideal of being a "life long learner" and look forward to learning all that there is to be about being a tax collector and may even offer a fresh perspective on tax collection policies and procedures. I can bring innovative ideas, alternative approaches, and a willingness to challenge the status quo to improve the tax collection process.

I have an advantage in connecting with younger generations, who may be less engaged in tax-related matters. I will be able to reach out to a broader demographic which can then help increase tax compliance and community involvement.

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

My opponent has done a wonderful job in our community but the one thing that I have heard from our residents is that the tax collector office can be abrasive at times. New residents have told me that they didn't understand the procedures of the tax collection of their vehicles and when the office reached out to them they were yelled at for not complying or understanding.

I understand that being the person to collect taxes can be a difficult position, but it is important to be patient and compassionate with our residents. It is our duty to treat our residents with respect and dignity.

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

As previously mentioned I would like to keep the residents of our community more aware of the procedures and to keep the office open for communication. Our community deserves to be an active participant in our government and need to be well informed. "An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people"

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

When you work in a school as a teacher patience and compassion are invaluable tools. Moreover, teachers have to juggle a multitude of tasks and demands on them simultaneously. They must use their time efficiently in order to effectively teach their students and reach them on a personal level ton reach their full potential.

As tax collector I would pull upon my years of experience as a teacher to be kind, patient, and compassionate to my residents. I would explain to them the complexities of the laws in a way they can understand. All while managing the ins and outs of the office, dead lines, and obeying the laws from the state.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Take it one day at a time."

We are all learning this game of "life." We all start from the same place and all have the potential for growth. We all have our difficult days. No one is perfect.

But if we take it one day at a time, we can take what we learn and use it to be better. We learn from our mistakes. We make can make progress and move forward together. I may not have the years of experience as my opponent, but I will take it one day at a time and make the most of my learning to be better and to grow for myself and my community.

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

I just wish for everyone to get out there this election and to vote for the person you feel will make the most difference for our community. To vote for the officials that will be compassionate and open minded and will have put people of our town first.