Patch Candidate Profile: Richard Jennings For Branford RTM

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:
Richard Jennings

What office are you seeking?
Branford RTM

What town do you live in?
Branford

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democratic Party

Occupation:
retired Midwife. 40 years

Family:
wife, Mary. Three grown married sons, Christopher, Joshua, Brian married to Lisa, Chi, Eva

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
As a midwife caring for women and their families, my public service was ingrained in my work. Once retired and seeing the risks to our democracy, I felt the need to serve in a different way. I was recruited by Robin Comey to run for Branford's RTM. It felt right. I hope to serve the interests of my district and the entire town by listening to my constituents and becoming a student of our town's government.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
In my Voting District 3, roadway safety is the single most pressing issue. Everyone with whom I have spoken has mentioned the issue of speeding, running stop signs and loud vehicles as their major concern. I will engage the RTM, our Selectmen, our police department and our state legislators to explore all possible solutions. Examples: enforcement of traffic laws (giving out tickets!!!) by engaging with Branford's Police Department to understand barriers to more police vigilance. Explore possibility of well placed video cameras. Public relations campaign to increase awareness.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The most striking difference is that I am a Democrat while my opponents are Republican. Sadly, the Republican Party has become a party of Trump. I, as a progressive Democrat, support women's rights, worker's rights, immigrant's rights, constitutional rights, voter's rights, reproductive rights, civil rights, environmental rights, healthcare for all (as every other developed country provides), Social Security funding, science, access to vaccines, medical research, an independent media and the speaking of truth. As a RTM Member representing my District 3 and the town of Branford, I will try my best to live up to the ideals of truthfulness, fairness, fiscal carefulness and transparency. I will continue the conversations started during my door knocking and phone calls. I intend to communicate with all my district constituents, whatever their party affiliation.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
1. support of environmental efforts e.g. the pollution campaign. 2. Tax increases 3. Property tax freeze for seniors on fixed income.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Vast administrative experience. Director of Midwifery: Bellevue Hospital, NYC. Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia Booth Maternity Center, Philadelphia Methodist Hospital, Philadelphia Presbyterian Hospital, Philadelphia Director: Faculty Midwifery Practice, Yale School of Nursing Prenatal Program, Gouverneur Healthcare Services, NYC, largest outpatient facility in New York State Chairperson: American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), Pennsylvania Chapter ACNM National Taskforce to develop a direct route to certification ACNM CT Affiliate Legislative Committee Member: Patient Safety Committee, Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) Credentials Committee YNHH Board of Directors: New York State Association of Midwives CT Affiliate of ACNM these experiences and others have provided experience in leading meetings, participating in meetings, group decision making, conflict resolution and teamwork.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
A patient will know if you like them within a millisecond. I extrapolate this advice to any person I meet.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am the son of an Irish immigrant. My dad was able to elevate our family from working poor to lower middle class by acquiring a union job with a living wage. He and my mother had 8th grade educations. My brother and I were the first in our extended family to graduate from college. My background sensitizes me to the plight of immigrants and working families. My midwifery experience sensitizes me to women's issues especially reproductive rights, birth outcomes, childcare et al. I look forward to bring my experience to the RTM as I learn from my fellow RTM members