Candidate Profile: Rachael Franco, Groton Town Council

GROTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Groton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Groton resident Rachael Franco tells Patch why she should be elected to the Town Council.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

54

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://grotondems.org/

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

Accounting, AS

What is your occupation?

Accountant

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

I am a wife to David; Mother to Jake, Jack, and Anthony; and a doggie Mom to Bernie, our Chocolate Lab.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have been a Groton Town Councilor for three terms (2017-2023).

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 would like to continue serving the great people of Groton, so I may bring forward and support initiatives that will enhance the lives of our residents. Over my past three terms, I have worked to be the voice of those in my community who do not have a podium, when I place a vote, I have done so with all Groton residents in mind.

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

I believe housing is of the utmost importance. The available rental supply is tight across all income spectrums. We should grow our partnership with the Groton Housing Authority who provide deeply subsidized affordable housing and have the expertise in how to increase affordable housing, while leveraging our public land for additional housing production. We should promote our rental assistance programs, while advocating for enhanced Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) policies, explore pocket neighborhoods, increase Mobile Home Park protections, and support responsible zoning changes.

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

I am a resident who has stepped up to give back to my community, while helping to make my community a better place to live, work, and play. I do my homework and research all issues with which I am presented. I am a sensible, resolute, and analytical businesswoman who fights on behalf of those who cannot. I truly care about those in my community.

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

I find the following issues central to enriching our great community: economic development, community safety, infrastructure, education, community beautification, responsible spending, and climate change, and as well as listening and acting on the concerns of my Groton neighbors.

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

My record as a three term Town Councilor shows that I consistently work to find solutions for issues within our community. I successfully brought forward a motion to combat opioid and substance abuse within our community with funding from the opioid litigation lawsuits. I successfully brought forward a referral creating a payment formula policy for Groton's State owned property, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) funding to the Fire Districts; with unanimous support of all Groton Fire Chiefs and Council. My advocacy to address the shortage of sports fields in our community lead to a Sports Field Taskforce and currently the study being conducted to address the issue. As our schools are being sold/repurposed, I am working on a referral to bring neighborhood playgrounds to areas lacking such amenities. I proudly created the Beautification Committee, in which volunteers are enriching our community with beauty.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

As I've been told and witnessed, many people change after they are elected, though I was given this wise advice... "You should always stay true to who you are. Who you are is why people like you and voted for you." I have always stayed true to this advice.

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

In closing, it has been an exciting six years serving as your Town Councilor, and I have met many wonderful amazing people who truly care about Groton. Although so much work has been accomplished, my work is not finished. I am asking for your vote this November, and if I receive it, please know I will work just as hard for you in the future as I always have.
Thank you so much and remember to vote Nov. 7th.