Abigail E Adams shares with Patch why she should be elected to the Branford Representative Town Meeting, District 5.
BRANFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate's Name: Abigail E Adams
What office are you seeking? Representative Town Meeting representative
What town do you live in? Branford
Party Affiliation:Democrat
Occupation: Anthropologist, retired university professor, 32 years
Family:My mother's side of the family are longtime shoreline residents. My family also includes my daughter and son, grown and flown, and my dog Sheba
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?None
Previous public office, appointive or elective:I was elected to the Branford RTM in 2023 for the town's Fifth District.
Why are you seeking this office?My time to step up to serve my community and contribute to good governance and environmental and fiscal stewardship
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:destructive polarization, As a U.S. citizen, anthropologist, Quaker --and parent!, I value working constructively and respectfully with people of many different backgrounds, perspectives and languages (I am fluent in English and Spanish). It is critical that members of Branford’s politically diverse RTM work together to craft the best possible budgets and policies for our townspeople. A range of perspectives and analyses are an asset for our work and we must not yield to destructive polarization.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?The breadth and depth of my experience (as a journalist and anthropologist) in communities facing similar and related challenges, and developing paths forward.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?I will continue to work for Branford’s equitable, inclusive and smart development, above all protecting its breathtaking natural environment and its welcoming close-knit neighborhoods.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?I’m a professor emerita of CCSU Anthropology and co-founder of the university’s award-winning environmental sustainability program. I’m a certified Tree Warden and serve on Branford’s Community Forestry Commission. I volunteer with the Community Dining Room, Sanctuary Kitchen and on several non-profit boards, including the Friends Committee on National Legislation (a Quaker lobby).
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?Listen first and confirm that I've understood fairly what has been expressed.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?Part of my "job" as an RTM member that is NOT in the official description are what I call constituent services. When fellow District 5 residents contact me with a situation, problem or question, I do my best to provide them with answers and resources,