Patch Candidate Profile: Ray Ingraham For Branford RTM, 5th District

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:
Ray Ingraham

What office are you seeking?
5th District Representative Town Meeting

What town do you live in?
Branford

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Infrastructure Engineering Manager

Family:
Wife Mary Jane Ingraham
Daughters Kristina, Lisa, and Rachel
Grnds - Several

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
5th District RTM 7 Terms

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking to retain my seat on the Representative Town Meeting. I enjoy working with my neighbors and working on our town's direction on taxation and our local laws.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Taxation is the main concern for my constituents. While tax increases are often expected due to negotiated raises and rising costs, it is essential that spending remains efficient and any increases are kept minimal to maximize value.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The main difference between me and my opponents is that I want our town to continue its financial progress, while they propose spending from our savings without offering meaningful budget cuts. Masking increases without reductions is not a sustainable approach.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The problem of bullying requires immediate attention, as it has become persistent and pervasive. Addressing this issue effectively calls for a genuine community-wide collaboration, rather than placing the responsibility solely on the Board of Education or our teachers. We commit to establishing a dedicated taskforce to confront this challenge directly.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
• Enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1979, achieving the rank of Sergeant and serving as a tactical computer operations specialist across multiple assignments.
• Completed two tours in the Middle East during the Iran-Iraq War, providing training to Saudi Arabian officers on messaging and radar systems.
• Developed expertise as a self-taught Information Technology (IT) Manager, leading a team of systems architects, designers, and developers at CIGNA Corporation.
• Held leadership positions within the Indian Neck Improvement Association (INIA), including Co-President, Vice-President, and ongoing service on the day committee.
• Served as Vice President of the Branford Sports Council for three years.
• Established and presided over the Branford High School Softball Booster Club as a founding member and President for two years.
• Founded and led the Branford Friends of Field Hockey as President for fifteen years.
• Contributed to the Branford Festival for seven years, starting as Operations Committee Chairman, later serving as Festival Chairman (2008), and Vice-President of the Festival Corporation.
• Acted as Assistant Coach for Walsh Intermediate Field Hockey and Branford High School Field Hockey teams.
• Dedicated twenty-four years to Branford Girls Softball, with twelve years as Coach, Vice-President, and President.
• Became a member of American Legion Post 83 in January 2010 and has served as Commander since 2025.
• Chairperson of the Branford Republican Town Committee from 2010 to 2024.
• Elected Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member in 2011, serving as Majority Leader from 2013 to 2023.
• Member of the Branford Elks.
• Advisory board member for the Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance.
• Chair of the Veterans Parade Committee.
• Member of the Fireworks Committee.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"Trust, but Verify" - Ronald Reagan