CT Patch Candidate Profile: Holly E. Mulrenan For Milford Board Of Aldermen

MILFORD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Holly E. Mulrenan, a Democrat, is a Milford resident running for Board of Aldermen in the 3rd District.

Occupation:

I am a seasoned nursing and allied health educator, an accomplished tutor, and a product of the Connecticut State University System. I am proud to be a first-generation college graduate earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Master of Science in Allied Health with a Health Promotion focus from the University of Connecticut.

Family:
I am married to Frank Giustino, and we have three adult sons (twins Rocco and Thomas, and Cheech) and two daughters in law (Cass and Steph). Our children are proud graduates of the Milford Public Schools and the University of Connecticut. The public educational system has served my family well and I am a strong proponent of public education.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Public Service Experience:
• Board of Aldermen (2022–present)
o Standing Committees: Ordinance, Public Welfare and Safety, Claims
o Special Committees Liaison Assignments: Board of Education, Golf Course, Board of Health, and Permanent School Facility Building
• Board of Education (2021–2022)
• Board of Health Committee, Vice Chair (2011–2021)
Political Involvement:
• Treasurer for:
o Mayoral Candidate Rich Smith (2025)
o State Representative Frank Smith, 118th, (2024)
o City Clerk Karen Fortunati (2023)

Why are you seeking this office?
I strive to make a difference by addressing the needs of all Milford residents, not just those in the 3rd District.

I began my public service on the Board of Education in 2021, driven by my strong support for public schools, my family’s positive experiences in Milford Public Schools, and a desire to give back to the city I proudly call home.

In March 2022, following the passing of longtime Alderman Marty B. Hardiman, I was appointed to fill his seat and continue his work. Honoring Marty’s legacy and supporting his wife, Linda, a revered City Constable, was deeply important to me.

Elected in 2023, I’m now seeking re-election. My experience on both boards, combined with my extensive committee roles and my background as a nurse, educator, and tutor, gives me a strong, well-rounded perspective needed of a public servant.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with thousands of Milford residents—at community events and while going door-to-door. One issue that has consistently been raised is taxes ------------ fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

In the last two years, we’ve experienced a 9% tax increase, yet residents are rightfully asking what, if anything, has improved as a result? On the heels of this sentiment, citizens also express how discouraged they are by the mayor’s repeated attempts to blame others for the tax increases associated with his budgets.

Many seniors have expressed to me that they are deeply worried whether they can afford to remain in their homes. I’ve also spoken with parents who moved to Milford for its strong public schools, only to now question their future here due to three consecutive years of reductions to the Board of Education budget. Their concerns are real, and their confidence is understandably shaken.

How we support our residents, especially our seniors and children, reflects our values as a community. I remain committed to advocating for their needs and ensuring their voices are heard.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
One major difference is that once again this election cycle I, like others on Row A with me, am sharing information about me with the reader; the opponents on the other side of the aisle typically do not.

As an alder, I am available, engaged, and responsive to constituents. I do not ignore residents who contact me.

During meetings and in conversation I tend to listen more than I speak. But when I do speak, it is because I have something to say.

I stay informed by attending committee meetings, being visible in the community, and actively listening to citizens.

My background as a nurse, educator, and tutor reflects my natural drive to help others and make a difference. I am a people person; I aim to be a solution seeker.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I want to be someone who builds bridges and helps close the divide that we are experiencing---- someone who helps bring people together rather than push them further apart.

My commitment is to serve all Milford residents—regardless of party affiliation or what district they reside. I believe we can respect our differences while recognizing that, at our core, we have more in common than we might think.

Through respectful, honest dialogue and open forums where ideas can be shared freely, I’m confident we can find meaningful, lasting solutions. That’s why I will continue to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and seek to understand the issues that matter most to our community.

Together, we can address issues like responsible development, affordable housing (including ensuring that it’s tracked), revising our blight ordinances, and fairly regulating short-term rentals such as Airbnbs. These conversations matter—and I’m committed to making sure they happen with openness, collaboration, and respect.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have engaged with many residents on a wide range of concerns, including the removal of pickleball nets, reductions to the Board of Education budget, increased fees at the McCann Natatorium, the doubling of Community Garden fees, water drainage and erosion issues, parking challenges, affordable housing plans, the replacement of signage, graffiti removal, and questions regarding the proposed mini golf course. I’ve even assisted a resident seeking grant funding to repair the stairs to his home — among many others.

In each conversation, I make it a point to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and seek a full understanding of the issue at hand. I believe that fairness is essential, and it remains at the core of how I approach each concern. I work diligently to gather accurate information before forming a position, ensuring that my responses are well-informed and balanced.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
I have two to share.

Do what’s right—even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard.

Live today as it is your last ---- no one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Milford is home—for all of us.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just recently made it your own, we all share a deep appreciation for our city’s coastal beauty, vibrant community, and unique character.

But truly loving Milford means planning for its future with intention. Our community deserves thoughtful, forward-looking leadership—people who listen, collaborate, and work alongside residents to shape what comes next.

I’m committed not only to protecting what makes Milford special, but also to guiding its growth with care and vision. As your public servant, I’m here—always ready to listen, and ready to act.

It would be the greatest honor to continue serving the incredible people of Milford.