Patch Candidate Profile: Stacy Gravino, East Haven Town Clerk

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 Stacy Gravino, 54, is running for East Haven Town Clerk.

Education.

Graduated from East Haven High; Graduated from Albertus Magnus College with a B.A. in Biology

What is your occupation?

Deputy Town Clerk in Stonington, CT from January 2022 to present; Previously Town Clerk in East Haven, CT from 2009 to 2021; received State of Connecticut Town Clerk Certification in 2013

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

Mother- Beverly Gravino; Cousin- Mark Gravino

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes; Elected Town Clerk in East Haven from 2009 to 2021

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 held the position for 12 years during such time I modernized the office through the use of technology. I enjoy working with the public.

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

Access to information and I plan to continue what I had started by supplying more information online.

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

I am qualified, certified, I can run the office and answer all questions which come across my desk. I work well with the public as well as those within Town Hall. I am able to multitask and do the work of others in the office in times of crisis, such as the 2020 Covid pandemic shutdown. I was able to keep the office functioning alone.

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

Has failed to learn the duties of the office and help the staff

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

Make sure the voters of East Haven are aware of my qualifications and my dedication to the office of the Town Clerk.

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

Improved the overall technology of the Town Clerk’s Office. Made it easier to access information online. Rental of copier so as to be able to copy and scan maps in house instead of outsourcing. Streamlined procedures in the office.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Keep moving forward with my chin held high.

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

I am passionate about providing the best customer service to each person who enters the Town Clerk’s Office.