Patch Candidate Profile: Kelli Carr, East Haven Town Council

EAST HAVEN, CT —The 2023 municipal election is heating up in East Haven and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

East Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Kelli Carr, 32, is seeking to be elected to the East Haven Town Council, District 2.

Education.

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice

What is your occupation?

Judicial Employee

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

Parents Jim and Diane Carr, Siblings Jim Carr and Kim Foust. I reside with my boyfriend, Nick Lamberti and our dog, Abby!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

No

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've been an East Haven resident my entire life and in 2022, I purchased a home in district 2. I love my neighborhood and this town. I've served the East Haven community in various professions and would now like to serve my neighbors as their councilwoman. I am passionate, reliable, and hard-working and would use these traits to advocate and represent the residents of district 2.

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

An increase in crime. This issue is not limited to East Haven, but surrounding towns as well. Ensuring our public safety officers have sufficient staffing and resources would be my priority.

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

I have a strong connection to the community. I attended Momauguin Elementary School, Joseph Melillo Middle School and East Haven High School. I was involved in youth sports and as a teenager and young adult, I worked at several businesses in East Haven, most notably, Jennifer's Ice Cream. I never strayed far from my roots here. Although this is my first time running for office, I'm confident that my constituents would be pleased with my commitment to bettering East Haven.

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

I wouldn't say the incumbent town council members have failed the community, but I do think it's time for a change. I've had neighbors tell me that they've reached out to the town council with concerns about the neighborhood and those concerns were never acknowledged or addressed. Rest assured, if someone were to come to me with an issue, I'd leave no stone unturned to help get it resolved.

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

The education system and safety of students.

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

I'm proud of where I am in life right now. I worked hard in the private sector for 7 years before landing my dream job. Purchasing my home was a huge accomplishment as well. These personal accomplishments speak to my work ethic and persistence when it comes to advocating for myself and others.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I've ever received was "hard work pays off". My parents instilled this motto in me from a young age and I apply it to all areas of my life.