West Haven Election 2023: Heather Shea Running For Board Of Education

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in West Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council, Board of Education and more.

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

Heather Shea, 52, is running for election to the West Haven Board of Education as a Democrat.

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

https://dorindaborer.com

Education.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SCSU

What is your occupation?

I have been a Registered Nurse for 25 years

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

I have been married to Rick Shea for 29 years, who is an educator in Milford. I am proud mom to two amazing daughters and they both went through the West Haven school system. Elizabeth is 17 and a freshman at SCSU. Rebecca is 28 and is an LCSW.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am the first person in my family ever involved in politics.

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

I am currently the chairperson of the West Haven Board of Health.

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 have always had a commitment and focus on community service since my children were young. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and within our school’s PTAs. I have volunteered for West Haven United and am an Elk. Through the years, I became increasingly involved in PTA, eventually becoming President of WHHS PTSA and VP of West Haven’s PTA Council. I was appointed to the Board of Health and became chairperson in 2020. During Covid I volunteered with West Haven’s health department as a vaccinator. When my youngest daughter graduated high school, I decided I wanted to increase my involvement within our city’s government by running for Board of Education.

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

I truly believe the youth of our city represent the future of our city and face many challenges, especially post-Covid. Youth Mental Health is a huge need for focus in my opinion. I believe West Haven has wonderful resources for our students and families. That said, I believe we can always do more to help support and look for ways to keep increasing what we have already. My plan is to become a voice for our school system’s students, families and staff. As a nurse, the wife of an educator, and a parent of students who have gone through our school system, I believe I have the unique ability to use both my Nursing and my personal experience to help bring new ideas to our board.

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

As a candidate for the Board of Education I believe I am the right choice because I have experience as a nurse, as a manager, as a mom, as the wife of an educator, and as a PTA Board member in West Haven. These combined experiences allow me the ability to look at things from a different perspective. I have also built relationships with the school system and feel I have proven to be an advocate for our students, families and staff.

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

No other specific issues but I will always listen to those I represent and be a voice for their concerns.

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

In all of my positions, whether an employee or volunteer, I believe I am found to be a trustworthy, dependable, hardworking, ethical person. I believe that I can be a strong member of our Board of Education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Definitely that I can’t please everyone or fix everything but if I help one person that is more than enough. My goal is always to help where I am able and to make a positive difference.

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

I am not asking for their support as a candidate lightly. I will work hard to be sure that they know they have elected the right person.

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