Stratford Election 2021: Laura Dancho Running For Town Council

STRATFORD, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and more.

Stratford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Laura Dancho, 63, is running for re-election to the Stratford Town Council in the 10th District as a Republican.

Occupation: Biology Department Program Coordinator At Fairfield University - 22 Years

Family: Married to Gregg for 41 years. Together we raised our three children, Meghan, Matthew and Jonathan in Stratford. Each of our children have pursued successful careers in various science fields, met wonderful spouses and we now enjoy our grandchildren, Lucas and Wesley Addorisio and Isla Dancho and are excited for our newest granddaughter expected in March.

Experience: Current Town Council Representative for District 10 since 2017

Family in government: no

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Keeping Stratford affordable is one overall goal. As chairperson of the Ordinance Committee, I worked with other Town Council members as well as Town staff and our Mayor to reduce the tax mill rate a total of .5 mills over the last four years. The most recent Fiscal Year 22 budget was passed with a mill rate decrease; however, three members of our current Town Council voted against this. With the ongoing remediation of several industrial areas along with the work recently done in updating our Tax Incentive program, we are bringing in new businesses to these areas that will contribute to the overall tax base. Responsible economic development, creative use of our unique geographic location as a coastal town, supporting the arts and maintaining high-quality education are also priorities.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Stratford is my hometown. Having been a resident for decades, I have personal connections and a history with this town that began long before I became an endorsed candidate. I am aware of the issues Stratford has and I can see Stratford is moving in a positive direction. It is with this clear vision, transparency and without scare tactics that our team works together to make smart choices that benefit all residents.

Accomplishments:

My roles as a parent, an environmentalist and administrator have perfectly transferred to the responsibilities of Town Councilor. My common sense perspective and approach enables me to work collaboratively in an effort to accomplish town goals. As a Town Councilor, being a direct advocate for residents in my district for personal interests or concerns is a primary responsibility that I find very rewarding.

Other issues:

Over the past four years as Town Councilor, and prior to that as a resident, I have always been aware and involved in the status of the ongoing remediation of our sensitive areas such as Remington Woods. Being a voice for environmental preservation is a top priority. Education is also a priority and as a member of the Board of Education Liaison committee, keeping open communication between the Board and the Town is key to maintaining our award winning schools that continue to make Stratford desirable for young families.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

As a coastal town, many Stratford residents are able to enjoy our beaches and recreational boating. I come from a family of avid boaters. My dad would launch his power boat off Birdseye Dock and we would spend entire days on the water either fishing off Stratford Point to Middle Ground, visiting Port Jefferson or clamming by the Norwalk islands. My husband and I continued that trend with our own family in our sailboat. My competitive edge is satisfied by participating in various sailboat race regattas throughout eastern Connecticut. Our Stratford coastline is an amazing asset for all residents to enjoy by boat or beach and it’s my personal goal to keep it clean and accessible.

Are you running for office in Stratford? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Stratford Patch.