Democrat Shawn Tiernan, 63, of Branford, shares why he's running for a seat on the Board of Education.
BRANFORD, CT —The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Branford and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.
Branford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.
Democrat Shawn Tiernan, 63, of Branford, is running for a seat on the Board of Education.
Education.
I attended St. Mary’s Grammar School here in Branford, then went to Branford High School where I graduated in 1977. I received a BA from Hampshire College in 1981, and a JD degree (with honors) from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1986.
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What is your occupation?
I’ve been an attorney for 37 years, virtually all of that time working as an Assistant Public Defender in the Connecticut Superior Court until my retirement last year.
Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.
My wife Cheryl and I have been happily married for 28 years. She is a physical therapist working in home care in the area.
We have two adult Children. Our son earned his CPA this year and is working for a large accounting firm in Philadelphia. Our daughter graduated from college this year and is presently seeking a PhD in chemistry at Dartmouth College. Both of them attended Branford Public Schools and greatly benefitted from their time in our school system.
And I am a part of a large and accomplished extended family, the middle child of five. The Tiernans moved to Branford in 1961, and we all attended Branford Public Schools. My mother and my late father instilled in us the importance of public service, and I think we’ve all lived up to that.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My brother, Chuck Tiernan, was elected the Probate Judge for Branford and North Branford last year.
Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
No. I’ve worked over my lifetime to get people elected to various offices, but this is my first time running for anything.
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 care about Branford and I care about Branford education. Our town's education system has given me, my siblings, and my children so much and now I have the time to give back. Serving on the board is a volunteer position but a complex and compelling one. I believe I have the experience, expertise and energy to maintain Branford’s excellence in education.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.
In Branford education, the most pressing issue facing my constituents is how we maintain the high standards that the school system has set for itself. As a member of the Board of Education, I would be contributing my efforts towards that goal—working on hiring and retaining great teachers and staff, looking out for the needs of all kids, and providing a learning environment that is stable and secure.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
We’re all very different people—all six of us. It’s a testament to the variety and diversity of Branford that so many different choices are available to the voters. I respect that all of us running care about kids and care about Branford.
I think if I’m bringing something unique to this election, it is perspective—the perspective of having decades of interaction with the Branford School system. I’ve spent my whole life in Branford. My siblings and I all went to Branford High. My own kids have been through the Branford School system (and are much the better for it). I know where we’ve been, and I can appreciate what we’ve achieved over time to create a great school system, and what’s needed to keep it going forward.
And my career has given me enormous perspective on the societal issues that teachers and staff address in schools on a regular basis, and how to deal with them.
If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
Not applicable.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Branford has been largely immune from the culture wars that have plagued school boards across America. Branford has always kept its eye on the ball, simply focusing on giving every kid a great education. I’d like to keep it that way.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Being a public defender for 32 years involved dealing with a lot of damaged adults who would have benefitted from a better young life. I gained an enormous appreciation of the importance of the start everyone gets in life, the importance of stability, security, support, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn from your mistakes without lifelong consequences. Providing a great education doesn’t just help our kids, it’s really critical to society as a whole.
And anybody who knows me knows I’m someone with a broad range of interests who has always craved knowledge about pretty much everything. I got my first library card at the Blackstone Library in 1967, and I’ve renewed it ever since. To me, education is everything.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
We’re all equal. No task is beneath you. Work hard and don’t be a show off.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want your kids to succeed, and I’ll devote myself to making that happen.
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