Patch Candidate Profile: Julia McNamee, Trumbull Board Of Education

TRUMBULL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Trumbull and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Trumbull Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Julia McNamee, 65, is a Trumbull resident running for the Board of Education.

Education.

I have a BA in Political Science and Russian from Williams College and an MA in English from University of Massachusetts at Amherst

What is your occupation?

Quinnipiac University adjunct professor of composition and young adult literature.

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

Two daughters, Alexandra and Cadence.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Both work in government but not in Connecticut.

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

Board of Education, Library Board.

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?

Public education is at the heart of a strong democracy.

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

Balancing the intense needs of education in Trumbull with the ability of taxpayers to support education. I have worked hard on the BOE's Finance Committee and the board itself to ensure that our money is spent in alignment with town values.

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

As a single mom with two daughters in Trumbull schools when they were young, I continue to recognize the challenges parents face, especially those who have little money to spare. I have worked in education most of my life, as a teacher and administrator, so I bring significant experience to the table.

Since my professional experience has been in towns other than Trumbull, I bring a different perspective. I work hard to incorporate voices of marginalized students, teachers and parents into our conversations and policy.

Finally, because I have many colleagues and partners in various town bodies, I frequently am able to work on behalf on Trumbull schools.

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

A budget that aligns with town values; an inclusive and high-level curriculum that meets all our students' needs; as transparent a Board of Education as possible.

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

I have worked hard to question our budget, make recommendations, and work with others on the board. I have also worked to support changes in our curricula that make Trumbull education more inclusive and also higher-level. I have tried as best I can to ask questions and open up the Board of Education processes.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The greatest of these is love.

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

I am always available and hope to hear from you about your needs. I am relentless in fighting for you even when there is significant opposition.