Stratford Election 2023: Rachel Rusnak Running For Town Council

STRATFORD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for 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.

Rachel Rusnak, 36 is running for election to the Stratford Town Council as a Democrat.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://stratforddemocrats.com...

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

1st District

Education.

Master in Public Administration, Bachelor in Political Science and Philosophy

What is your occupation?

Project Manager/Lead Planning Analyst for the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy, Current role

Program Manager at UConn Health

Project Manager for Connecticut Department of Social Services

Over 10 years in State Government

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

I am the eldest of 6 children, and I live in Stratford with my partner Stephen and our children Lucas (6) and Cora (2). My great-great-grandfather, Reinhold Persson, settled in Stratford after immigrating to the US from Sweden. My grandparents, David and Patricia Persson, met as teenagers sledding at Academy Hill in Stratford, and I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase the home my great-grandparents (Willard and Bertha Mann) built on Elm Street.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I work in State Government, but no one else in my family works in Government or is involved in politics. I am a first-time candidate myself.

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

No, I am a first-time candidate. I think that this offers an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas into local politics.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Town Council because I want to live and raise my children in a vibrant and
thriving community. Stratford has so much potential and opportunity, and with thoughtful,
creative, and invested councilors at the table, we can bring Stratford forward to its best days.

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

Transparency, accessibility, and accountability in our local government.

Considering all the important issues facing our community, in my conversations out in the district, there’s definitely a sentiment that no one’s listening, that representatives are not addressing the community's concerns, and that information isn’t shared. It’s the responsibility of our elected officials in a representative democracy to be available and responsive to the community, to stand for their constituency, representing their needs and best interests.

Transparency has become a buzzword, but as someone who works in government, what transparency really means is that important information is accurate, accessible, and timely, informing residents of what is happening in our local government, how it’s happening, and how they can be involved. I will be accessible and responsive to my neighbors and will represent their needs, not the needs of a political party. If elected, I propose expanding Stratford's public forums and offering council responses back to residents. Additionally, I will work collaboratively with Stratford's other committees and boards, particularly the Board of Education to make sure that vital information is shared in the community. A well-informed electorate is the essence of democracy, and transparency is essential to that.

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

I have been an active community member since moving to Stratford, where I have spoken at Town Hall and organized around major issues like Shakespeare Park, the Center School, and our Town budget. I am involved in several local organizations, volunteering at Our Lady of Peace, my son's elementary school, and coaching Little League. Additionally, I have a wealth of government experience at the State level and a proven track record of developing and implementing policy, exercising fiscal responsibility, and bringing together diverse groups with competing priorities to find collaborative solutions. In earning my Master's in Public Administration, I built the skills that are required to effectively manage any level of government, which I've used successfully over the last 10 + years.

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

There are a variety of issues of importance in the First District, including public safety, concerns about airport expansion, flooding, and the development of major sites like the former army engine plant. These are impactful and complex issues, that necessitate thoughtful, and creative solutions. I have researched and discussed these topics with State leaders, because the solutions to these issues require collaboration outside of Stratford. I will put my background and experience to work to make sure that our resident's needs and interests are addressed.

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

My background as a successful collaborator in my professional work, serving over ten years in State Government, my Master's degree in public administration, and my involvement in my community position me to serve the 1st District on the Town Council.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My mom is a public school teacher, and she has always encouraged me to be a life-long learner and to stand up for what I believe in. I think these two pieces of advice culminated in my decision to run for office. Running this campaign as a first-time candidate has been a learning experience. I have met more of my neighbors, engaged in meaningful conversations, heard thoughtful points of view, and felt supported by our community. The process of running for office has been a positive, enlightening experience, and it gives me a chance to work towards making Stratford a better place.

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

I am honored to have the opportunity to run in this campaign, and I am so very grateful to all my friends and neighbors who have supported me in this process.

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.