Patch Candidate Profile: Tracy Everson, Branford RTM, District 5

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 Tracy Everson, 59, of Branford, is seeking election to the RTM, District 5.

Education.

BA in Political Science

What is your occupation?

Real Estate Agent, 7 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Two Jack Russell Terriers

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, running for my third term on the RTM and currently serve as the Minority Leader

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?

To continuing to listen to and serve the community where I live, keeping in mind what is best for all

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Coastal Resilience; with projected sea level rise of 20" by 2050, Branford needs to focus on preparing for how it will change our 20 miles of coastline.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a proactive, roll up your sleeves kind of person. Only one of the Republicans (who hold 4 of 5 seats and are in the majority in this district) has reached across the aisle to work together on issues that impact constituents.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Many of the incumbents have served for many years, and it's time for fresh voices and new perspectives, and the RTM can provide an important checks and balances in local government by becoming a Democratic majority

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Taxes: with a $30 million surplus, Branford could have afforded another zero percent tax increase this year. The Cosgrove Administration proposed over 7%, and the Board of Finance whittled it down to 1.7%. Also: safer streets. So many constituents bring up speeding above the 25 mph on local roads, and ask for sidewalks and bike lanes, so all can safely share the road.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a non-partisan advocate for constituents, I was instrumental in getting the state to conduct a Road Safety Audit in May 2022 of Rt. 146 in Indian Neck from the Branford River to Limewood Ave that lays out specific public safety and traffic congestion solutions including sidewalks. When a constituent reached out about dangerous speeding in Maple Street’s 25 mph zone, I worked with the Branford police who installed a speed safety monitor reminding motorists of how fast they are going. I support Branford residents concerned about the potential Tweed Airport expansion’s harmful impact on our health and environment, as well as the noise concerns of constituents who live near the Stony Creek Brewery.

Always mindful of our senior citizens on fixed incomes, I fought for a zero percent tax increase in FY ‘24 because the town’s $30 million dollar undesignated fund balance more than doubled the amount recommended by the Board of Finance. When Branford received $8 million from the American Rescue Plan, she and her democratic colleagues asked residents for suggestions and urged them to speak up regarding the town’s use of the funds. The administration was asked to focus on the people and the impact COVID had financially in our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Knock doors and talk to constituents so they know you care and are working to represent them

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My professional background includes an award-winning 23-year career in journalism focused on politics and government in Westchester County and New York state. In 2009, I changed course, managing communications for two top elected women leaders in law enforcement and legislative/constituent services. I now share my deep local knowledge with clients as a Realtor with Century 21 AllPoints.