South Windsor Candidate Profiles 2019: Anitha Elango, Board Of Ed

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — South Windsor's election season is at its peak, and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to represent their town in November's municipal election. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and has been publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Anitha Elango is running for the board of education as a Democrat

Family:

Married, two Children, One daughter in middle school and a son, who is a senior in college.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

PhD in Cell Biology from UCONN

Occupation:

Prof of Biology, teaching at the Manchester Community College

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Treasurer, Town of South Windsor

Campaign Website:

southwindsordemocrats.com

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

The increasing enrollment in the South Windsor schools makes it important that the Board of Education helps our schools by ensuring that our schools can accommodate this change while maintain the current high educational standards. I am running for the board because I am sure that I can help make a difference in addressing the community’s and our school system’s concerns and also with my background in science focus on improving STEM education.

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

I have lived in town for 20 years and have had a son pass through our school system and a daughter currently enrolled in the middle school. I have always been actively involved with the school community by serving as a PTO Treasurer, Secretary, President etc. Being involved also makes me more aware of the actual concerns that parents and students have regarding our school system. As the current town Treasure, I am aware of how much our town invests in our education system and the financial aspects of budgeting and spending. the demographics of our town is rapidly changing. My background helps me with being more aware of educational and cultural perspectives which will help our Board of Ed. The democratic party has always stood for progress, improving education and inclusiveness for people of different backgrounds, irrespective of the differences in their financial, racial or social backgrounds. Our town is one of the fastest growing towns in Connecticut, so it most important that people like me who can bring a more diverse outlook, awareness and depth of expertise step up and serve our town.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Our town is in the middle of building new schools to accommodate increasing enrollment and replacing old outdated schools with ADA compliant, energy efficient buildings. My research background trained me to analyze data and identify problems. This can help me help monitor and control spending by the Board of Ed which makes up seventy percent of the town’s expenses. With the increasing use of social media by kids, I would also like to increase awareness on bullying related issues for both parents and kids.

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

I have always been involved with the PTO. I have served in various capacities as Board member, Treasurer, Secretary and President for PTO’s over the last 8 years. Being involved closely with the school has always given me a closer look at the concerns of the parents for their kids and the administrative concerns of the school system. My term as town Treasurer has given me an insight into the financial issues related to our town's spending. These background experiences will help me with being part of the Board of ED.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My parents were both the first people in their families to obtain college degrees and were both Professors of History. Their advice to me is to work hard and the results will speak for themselves, " Those who don't know history are condemned to repeat it", "history repeats itself" so always be aware of the past and the present so that you can avoid repeating the mistakes made in the past. Speak up for yourself and others, no one is indispensable, never loose your sense of humor and always be self aware and mindful. "Treat everyone with the same dignity that you expect to be treated with"

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

I am also involved with several nonprofits in town as a board member or treasurer. The “Friends of the Wood” memorial library is a wonderful organization that runs many programs and events for adults and kids to keep our towns history and culture alive. The South Windsor Alliance for Progress (SWAP) helps raise awareness on progressive issues and the environment. SWAP also took the first steps towards bringing a food waste energy plant to town. I am a member of the energy committee and an alternate on the Water Pollution Control Authority and am therefore aware that working together with transparency towards common goals, helps our town stay ahead of the many problems facing it now or in the future.