Tolland Election 2023: Merry C. Garrett​, Town Council

TOLLAND, CT — Merry C. Garrett is running for a seat on the Tolland Town Council is the 2023 election.

Name

Merry C. Garrett

How old will you be as of Election Day?

59

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

http://tollanddemocrats.org/

What city or town do you live in?

Tolland

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

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

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Business Management

What is your occupation?

- (Retired) Director of Regulatory Insurance Technology & Diversity Liaison: LexisNexis/Insurity
- District Office Manager: American Automobile Association
- Agency Analyst: Travelers Insurance

Civic & Volunteer
- Governor's Prevention Partnership: Corporate Liaison & Program Coordinator Volunteer
- American Red Cross: Blood Drive Volunteer
- U.S. Marine Corps. Toys for Tots Volunteer: Commander Awards & Commanding General Award

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

Husband of 32 years Albert G. Garrett Jr. is a retired State of Connecticut Operations Post Supervisor.
He served 15 years in the Connecticut Army National Guard (Honorable Discharge: Staff Sergeant).
Al loves New England Patriots football, likes the Red Sox and although he is not a good golfer he tries.

Our daughter Daisy A. Garrett is a Dean's Scholar Juris Doctor graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law. She has undergraduate degrees from Lasell University in Legal Studies with a minor in Political Science and a degree in Communications with a concentration is Public Relations. She began college in the 10th grade. She enjoys creating mixed media artworks, video games, reading, animals, debating, travel and tutoring students.

Our beloved doggy daughters Velvet and Myya crossed the rainbow bridge and we think of them often and miss them everyday.

Our family's small business deals with antiques, vintage items and oddities (TTTS Estate Sales & Auction Services (est. 2014).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

No.

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?

To become active in creating solutions, offer different solutions with proactive perspectives and defend our democracy by being a voice for ALL citizens of Tolland. I want to enhance our town's benefits for it's young to senior citizens by attracting quality businesses, improving infrastructure without detriment to our beautiful natural areas. Also, my husband and I plan on continuing to reside in Tolland throughout our retirement years.

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

A pressing issue facing my constituents is affordable quality housing alternatives for Senior Citizens. In town, a fair number of seniors occupy single family homes and it is a challenge for some to maintain their properties. They want to remain in Tolland because it is a town they adore, are comfortable in, where they raised their children and is away from busier areas of Connecticut.

If we had proactive, alternative, quality but affordable home options and enhanced services for these great citizens they could proudly enjoy their golden years without home maintenance worries.

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

My family and I have lived in Tolland for over 20 years.

I am endorsed by the "American Federation of Teachers Union AFL-CIO".

I have an extensive and successful business background. Being proactive vs. reactive is partly why I was successful in business. Plus, I am used to working across opposing isles.

Public service and or volunteerism have been an integral part of my family's life. I will continue to carry that legacy forward.

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

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

Advertise Tolland's natural recreational resources, conservation areas including lakes, ponds, parks...etc.

Engage young adults in opportunities to become civically involved with the community. Promote unity via neighborhood events that extend to various areas of town.

Attract, investigate and approve quality, long term new business development.

We must find solutions for those impacted by well water contamination because all people deserve to have clean water flowing through their faucets.

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

Due to my business acumen; I owned my first home at age 21 and was successfully corporately retired at age 44. In retirement, I opened my own businesses. My proven track record via corporate to small businessowner knowledge and experience makes it easy for me to understand the varying needs of all citizens.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

When someone shows you who they are the first time, believe them. - Maya Angelou

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

I am running for office for all people in Tolland regardless of their afflation because the youngest to the oldest of us deserves to be well educated, live in a safe, thriving, beautiful and fiscally responsible hometown.

Although my name is Merry C., I was not born in December. I am not good at it but I like to go fishing deep sea and freshwater. I enjoy creating mixed media art, reading, gardening, hiking, button history and vintage inspired dressing.