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07/21/2017 01:00 PMLed by the team of Lynda Mollow for First Selectman and Jack Ahern for Second Selectman, expectations are running high among members of Branford's Democratic Party, which endorsed a full slate of candidates at the town's Democratic caucus July 20.
This marks Mollow's first foray into a race for Branford's First Selectman's seat, and her second elective contest in town. In 2015, Mollow won her first bid to become a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, representing District 7. This June, the nurse and civic advocate announced she would seek the nomination for Branford First Selectman, with current Third Selectman Ahern as her running mate. The Board of Selectmen consists of three members.
Following the last municipal election cycle (November 2015), Branford's Democratic team is currently in the minority in elective seats for town government. But on July 20 Ahern transmitted the party's excitement for the November 7, 2017 municipal elections, saying the Democrats have selected "awesome" candidates.
"The campaign started early and it started strong. We have several key positions in place and have strategies going forward," Ahern said.
Mollow told Zip06/The Sound she's "...running to change the way things are done."
"My biggest issue is that I would like to have more people getting involved in decision-making in town," said Mollow. "I understand historically the way things are done; and it would be nice to try to bring people in a little more."
Mollow said as First Selectman she would incorporate "outreach" to invite more citizens to become involved in decisions impacting the town.
"We want to get enough input so people feel comfortable with the decisions we're making," she said. "It does feel that sometimes people don't quite understand what's happening until it happened."
Saying he's gained much political experience during his first term with the Board of Selectmen (2015-17), Ahern said Mollow has done the same during her first term with the RTM. He added that while Mollow may not be a Branford native, as a resident raising a family here, she has demonstrated her volunteerism, caring and "love of people," all of which show she's the right type of leader for Branford.
"We have an awesome First Selectman candidate in Lynda Mollow," said Ahern. "She is compassionate, intelligent, hardworking, family-oriented and an individual that has hit the ground running, and running hard." "
"I'm proud to call Branford my home," said Mollow. "I love the way our community always comes together in support, but also in celebration. When this town engages to protect what we hold dear, it really, truly is inspiring to me. That's what's important to me, and what I always try to encourage in my kids as much as possible; to be part of the community. However, I believe it's time for new leadership in our town. In addition to new leadership, we also need someone at the helm with new vision; one that's financially responsible and creates a sustainable future, but also is attentive to the concerns of our taxpayers."
The Democratic party also endorsed both incumbents and new candidates for the 2017 municipal elections, including RTM seats in Branford's seven districts, Board of Education seats, Board of Assessment Appeals and Constables. In addition, the caucus unanimously approved candidates Roberta Gill Brooks for Tax Collector, Margaret Bruno for Town Clerk and Kurt Schwanfelder for Treasurer.