Patch Candidate Profile: Jo-Anne Basile For Branford RTM District 7

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:
Jo-Anne Basile

What office are you seeking?
RTM District 07

What town do you live in?
Branford

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Recently retired from a public policy and advocacy career at the local, State and federal levels.

Family:
Proud dog mom of Max, a rescue from Branford's animal shelter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
Branford is the town I chose to live in. I have a strong commitment to participating in the community where I live and believe representing my community through the RTM and volunteering with several Branford non-profits is a tangible way to give back. I chose Branford for its beauty, diversity, and sense of community. As a member of the RTM, my goal is to serve my neighbors and ensure that Branford is the town people want to live in, work in, grow their families in, and stay in for their retirement years.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The most urgent concern raised by my constituents is the problem of speeding on the main roads in our district. Although this issue is not new, I believe there is a growing determination to address it. As we enter the new year, I plan to collaborate with both our police department and my fellow RTM members to identify and implement road calming solutions that are both secure and practical. Additionally, it’s important to acknowledge that increasing property taxes remains a primary concern for many residents. Serving on the RTM allows me to help ensure that any spending proposals from the administration are thoroughly vetted, in order to create a budget that is both equitable and fiscally responsible.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Volunteering for your community by serving on the RTM is a serious responsibility that takes time, commitment, and the strong desire to represent your neighbors and friends. All who run for this elected office should be commended for taking on this important community mission. Throughout my career in government relations, I have consistently worked to ensure that constituent voices shape the decisions affecting our community. My ongoing commitment to listening and advocating for residents means that I approach every issue with care and respect for the perspectives of Branford’s citizens. By combining professional expertise with a personal dedication to service, I aim to strengthen our town’s future and foster a sense of inclusion in municipal decision-making.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Local elections are important, and hearing from constituents about their concerns drives me to work tirelessly for the betterment of our community. Along with my Democratic RTM colleague in Branford's 07th district, I am committed to working on the following priorities:

• Safe streets by introducing traffic calming measures to enhance protection for all;
• More sidewalks to connect neighborhoods and improve pedestrian safety;
• Preserving Branford’s natural resources and protecting our extensive shoreline;
• Helping Branford seniors stay in their homes through progressive property tax policies;
Our commitment to responsible budgeting remains unwavering. As we did this year, we will fight for budgets that manage Branford’s resources wisely and efficiently, always prioritizing the needs of our residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My tenure on the RTM began recently when I was selected to fill a vacancy; however, my professional background equips me with substantial expertise in public policy and advocacy. I have worked across local, state, and federal levels, focusing on critical areas such as education, health and environmental issues, telecommunications, and animal welfare. In addition, I have consistently collaborated across party lines to ensure that effective and thoughtful public policies are created to serve the best interests of our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Be kind, listen to others, and be transparent in decision-making.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
As a lifelong Connecticut resident with longstanding family roots in Branford, I bring a deep understanding of our shoreline community. I am the proud dog mom of Max, a rescue from Branford's animal shelter. My professional background spans government relations, where I have served as a public policy specialist, senior staff for Members of the US Congress, and an advocate before the Congress, Connecticut State Legislature, and federal agencies. My work has centered on key issues such as telecommunications, education, health and environmental initiatives, and animal welfare. This experience, coupled with my dedication to ensuring that the voices of my neighbors are truly heard, uniquely positions me to represent the interests of Branford’s 07th District residents.