Patch Candidate Profile: Tina Hedley, East Haven Town Council, Dist. 4

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.

Democrat Tina Hedley is running for Town Council, District 4.

What is your occupation?

IT Support

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

Yes! I'm married with two boys and family means everything to me. My husband, Keith and I met in 2006. My boys are, Jason (14) and Vinny (11). My parents (Cindy & Mike Barrett), also lifelong East Haveners, showed me the importance of family values, which I now practice with my boys.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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 am a public servant, it's what I do! I look to serve others in my community in many different roles. I can bring my wide range of experience in town to continue to serve East Haven Residents. This leadership has been moving East Haven forward since 2019. I want to see East Haven continue to grow and thrive, continue to support our families, children and be inclusive to all. What better honor then to serve on my local town government.

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

Quality of life. Keeping East Haven a town where families want to raise a family. Town wide concerns would be; education, infrastructure, roads, buildings, public safety, taxes, and town services & engagement. What do I intend to do about it? Vowing to keep all residents and taxpayers in mind while making any decisions when elected to the town council. Any of these concerns mentioned above will be made in our town's budget process. We need to continue to provide such updates and improvements while keeping the budget balanced and being fiscally responsible.

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

I pride myself on listening to residents' concerns, taking the time to learn why a concern is important to them and how it may impact their life. Having worked in various civic organizations and working for the town over the past 4 years, I have developed the necessary relationships to help resolve the issues, cooperatively, finding creative solutions.

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

I'm always ready to support my community and always bipartisan!
I've proven that I work hard for my community and all of its residents. Every day, I give 100% of myself to my Town and its people. I think my record the past 4 years, is evidence that I can handle any task thrown my way.

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

I will continue to be a voice for East Haven Residents! Electing me to Town Council will give me a greater voice to continue the hard work this town needs.