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09/22/2020 04:00 PMWith a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in sociology, Kathy Grant has spent years serving the public through her career, community service, and volunteer work. Grant has lived in North Haven for the past 22 years with all three of her children graduating from North Haven High School. She decided to run for state representative early in 2020.
“I am tired of the same lackluster leadership and I know I can do a better job for children, working families, and the elderly of North Haven,” said Grant, the Democratic Town Committee chair. “I stay abreast of the issues most important to residents at the federal, state, and local level.”
Grant’s professional experience includes a career with the Connecticut Judicial Branch Superior Court for Juvenile Matters and the Support Enforcement Division as a support enforcement officer. Prior to COVID, she also worked at a rehabilitation center in Guilford and as a per diem teacher for Wallingford Public Schools. She is currently pursuing a degree in health information management.
“I see families who struggle with providing care for their aging parents, many of whom are veterans and I want to work towards improving quality of life in the aging community,” said Grant, who noted her father James Spinato’s four years served in the Army during World War II as an inspiration. “Working for the Wallingford Public Schools, I see the needs of public education shifting and now with the pandemic, we need to provide the technological resources for distance learning and we need to secure funding for special needs advocacy during these monumental changes to education.”
In addition to health security and education, Grant noted that economic recovery and the development of small businesses during and after COVID are among her other priorities.
If elected, Grant hopes to serve on the Public Health Committee to address healthcare security, mental health, the aging community, and veteran services; the Education Committee for special education and environmental curriculum; and the Judicial Committee for research-based initiatives to prevent gun violence.
Grant has seen an increase in consumer complaints about healthcare expenses and she said “we need to cap these costs.” She would also like to expand access to preventative care and screenings, review expanding state employee health insurance plans, improve Access CT, and continue COVID tracking, testing, and mask mandates.
“I would also like to continue to provide protection and PPE for hospitals and staff,” said Grant. “I want to ensure funding for mental health services and secure food pantries are staffed and stocked.”
Grant has seen how COVID has affected small businesses and the middle class. Her goal is to gain state assistance to support small businesses. She also wants to focus on residents who are at risk.
“North Haven residents want a fair taxation rate that protects middle-class working people,” Grant said. “The vulnerable populations are most at risk during the pandemic. We need to protect social service programs for the elderly and disabled residents. In addition, we need to help residents at risk with mental illness, depression, suicide, and drug addiction.”
In addition to serving as the chair of the DTC, Grant is also on the Blight Prevention Appeals Board and previously served on the Board of Assessment Appeals. She has also volunteered with many of her children’s activities, including being a room mother at Clintonville Elementary School, a Girl Scout troop leader, a PTA board member at Green Acres, and various sports.
“Putting families first is where we begin to heal and plan for our future, whether it is planning for college, buying your first home, or planning for retirement,” said Grant. “We can reclaim our values built on trust, decency, and respect to ensure a brighter future for all of us.
For more information, visit www.KathyGrant-NorthHaven.com.