2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Pamela Floyd-Cranford​ Board of Directors, Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — Pamela Floyd-Cranford is running for the Board of Directors in Manchester.

Candidate's Name:

Pamela Floyd-Cranford

What office are you seeking?
Board of Directors

What town do you live in?
Manchester

Campaign Website
https://manchesterctdems.info

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Worked for State of CT for 34 years. Retired from DCF. Currently Educational Consultant at COBA (1.6 years)

Family:
I am a loving mother of two sons, Kevin Cranford Jr. II and K'Ronn Cranford. Both Kevin and K'Ronn are graduates of Manchester High School and have earned their master’s degrees, and are thriving in their careers. Additionally, I am a proud grandmother, affectionately known as Mema, to two adorable grandsons, Kevin III and Noah. I have lived in Manchester for nearly 40 years, and most of my family also resides here.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served on the Manchester Board of Directors since 2017 and am seeking reelection for a fifth term.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking re-election for a fifth term on the Manchester Board of Directors to further enhance the quality of life for families in our community. In my previous terms, I successfully voted to maintain zero tax increases for two consecutive years, and I implemented minimal tax increases afterward, all while ensuring our town services remain top-notch.

I have been a strong advocate for progress in our town, championing ordinances that foster diversity and inclusion throughout all town departments, as well as in our schools and various boards and commissions. My commitment to promoting livable wages for businesses in Manchester is unwavering, and I have actively supported initiatives for school renovations and the development of the new town library.

By continuing this essential work, I aim to keep Manchester a town where residents enjoy a higher quality of life, and our community continues to thrive. Together, we can make a lasting difference for all families in our town.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The most pressing issue facing our residents is the rising cost of living and the need for affordable housing. I have made every effort to keep tax increases to a minimum, alleviating the financial burden on homeowners and ensuring that landlords do not have to raise rents on their tenants. I have advocated for laws and policies that support affordable housing, as well as supportive housing for veterans. I will continue to champion livable wages for companies operating in our town so that families can afford to buy or rent homes. Additionally, I will support and vote for all ordinances, projects, and services aimed at helping families gain access to affordable and stable housing.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I want to emphasize that the candidates on my team share many similarities and common values. However, we also bring our own unique perspectives to the Board. My career in child protection services at DCF has equipped me with a profound sense of compassion, empathy, and advocacy for marginalized populations and families in crisis. I have an innate ability to see individuals beyond their circumstances, recognizing that systemic practices and societal conditions often significantly impact people's lives. This understanding drives my strong advocacy for services and programs that directly support our families. This includes initiatives aimed at addressing the housing crisis, the fentanyl epidemic, and mental health issues. I will continue to use my position on this Board as a collective voice for those who are often not heard.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I have actively contributed to our town's progress by voting for ordinances that promote full diversity and inclusion across all departments and within our school system. I will continue to work in this direction to ensure that all families in Manchester feel welcomed and embraced. Additionally, I will persist in voting for and supporting improvements to our town’s infrastructure, such as state-of-the-art school buildings, a new library and senior center, as well as updated sidewalks, roads, and parks and recreation facilities.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
During our most challenging times due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I collaborated with the Board to navigate the crisis by balancing our budget and ensuring the continuation of essential services for our families. Together, we voted to allocate additional programs and funding to address the mental health needs of many residents, particularly our children. I also made the decision not to increase taxes for two years during the peak of COVID-19, understanding that the pandemic had severely impacted people’s livelihoods.

Our Board remained committed to our goals, and I consistently voted for ordinances that promote full diversity and inclusion throughout the town, fostering a more cohesive and welcoming community. We supported local businesses that provide livable wages and advocated for ongoing improvements to our town’s infrastructure.

I listen to our residents and will continue to lead with compassion as we keep moving Manchester forward.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Do not be afraid to try something different, even if it scares you. Recognize your challenges and plan accordingly.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe everyone deserves a good quality of life. I am proud to be a member of AFSCME and CSEA unions because I understand the power of unions and the strength that comes from having a collective voice. I want to continue serving as a voice for Manchester, and I hope to earn the support of Manchester voters for the Board of Directors. Please vote for me on Row A, number 6 on the ballot. Thank you!