Candidate Profile: Robb Meade, Groton Board Of Education

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 Robb Meade tells Patch why he should be elected to the Groton Board of Education.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

34

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democratic

Education.

Bachelors of Sociology from Oregon State University and currently a Master's Student at Harvard University in Educational Leadership

What is your occupation?

Transition Assistance Program Coordinator at Submarine Base New London - 1 Year

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

I have a wife I've been married to for five years. I have a beautiful four-year-old daughter, and a 100 lb. 1.5-year-old German Shepherd.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife is part of the RTM from District 4.

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?

With my daughter entering school age, I'm becoming more focused on the issues our children face these days. Our military families need more support and our homeschool network and support need a complete overhaul. Education needs a champion for education focused on putting family first.

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

Upward mobility, and I intend to ensure both student and family are involved in creating an environment that is successful for students to thrive in whatever their interests are.

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

I can relate to both the military and the non-military communities together with the focus being on finding common ground among everyone for the success of our children. I will put families at the forefront of my policies to not only see our children achieve their potential, but families be empowered to help them get there. I will not be distracted by the division of politics, and Groton will continue to succeed when we put families first.

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

My campaign will focus on listening to our communities, hearing their issues, and addressing those issues. We are here to support our community, and that's what the campaign will be addressing.

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

I spent 8 years in the Navy, so I understand that communities needs in reliable education. I have focused on the importance of Higher Education in the ability for our students to achieve upward mobility. I am continuing the work at Harvard to try and bring the education I could never afford to my family, and want the same for every family here. Our goal shouldn't be boasting about our accomplishments, but instead reinforcing the idea that this job is to put families and our school systems first.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

A role model isn't one person. It is a patchwork of those who give you their heart and soul, and those who continue to see the best in you. Keep meeting people, keep searching for those who will push you to be a better you. They may not be a role model, but a part of them can be.

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

I was medically retired from the Navy. Afterwards my family was homeless for a few months. The thing that brought us out of it was education. When I tell you that I will put education first, I want you to know that I wholeheartedly mean it. Our children deserve the ability to get a quality education, get into quality schools, and thrive as a member of society. Families deserve someone who will fight for them, and I will.