FAIRFIELD, Conn. Sue Brand has lived in Fairfield for 20 years and been a part of its local government for the past five. That experience is why Fairfields voters should send her to Hartford, she says.
Over time I think that theres been a greater impact of state decisions on Fairfield, Brand says. Given my background and the issues were facing, I think I can do justice to the needs of Fairfield.
The Democratic Town Committee chose Brand as its nominee for the House of Representatives in the 132nd District, which covers southern Fairfield. But runner-up Kevin Coyner petitioned to call for a primary Aug. 14. The winner will take on Republican incumbent Brenda Kupchick in the general election in November.
Brand has been a member of the Board of Education since 2007 and was its chair for a year. She also serves as a member of the Board of Health and the Cooperative Educational Services Representative Council. Before joining the board, she was president of the Tomlinson Middle School PTA.
On those boards, she gained experience in putting together municipal and regional budgets, crafting policy and working within a political system, Brand says. She now wants to do those same things on a larger scale.
Planned, strategic economic growth is one of Brand's top issues. In particular, she plans to promote grant programs and more consistent regulations to spur small business growth. And as a nurse and a health board member, she also intends to focus on keeping Connecticuts health care system affordable.
Brand also described at least two plans to help Fairfields senior citizen population. She said she plans to pursue state grants for upgrades to the Fairfield Senior Center and to expand subsidies for affordable senior housing projects.
But the economy ties into many issues she would have to deal with in Hartford, Brand says. She emphasized the importance of making sure that funding goes toward improving state roads and bridges and getting the states new railroad cars on the New Haven Line.
She also has ideas for legislation to improve teacher evaluations, driving them away from test scores and toward student interaction.
Education in this state is going to be key, Brand says. We have to look at what were doing with our students currently and making sure theyre prepared for the jobs that are out there.
Check back with The Fairfield Daily Voice in the future for interviews with Fairfields other candidates for state office.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
