Patch Candidate Profile: Ellen Beatty, Milford Board Of Aldermen

MILFORD, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Milford, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Milford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Ellen Russel Beatty is running for a seat on the Board of Aldermen in Milford to represent the 5th District as a Democratic candidate.

Education.

Master of Arts Degree NYU, Master of Education Columbia University, Doctorate in Education, Columbia University.

What is your occupation?

Professor Emerita, Southern CT State University, Public Health and Nursing, Emerita University Administrator.

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

Three adult sons and four grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes, Board of Aldermen, Milford, CT. 4th term.

Why are you seeking this office?

I wish to continue to serve in an elected capacity, to utilize my professional experience to give back to the community of Milford. My commitment is to live in a town governed by judgments honestly made, supported by evidence, accountable and transparent.

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

The very real, ongoing challenge is to continue to demonstrate fiscal stability while providing essential services. To maintain our excellent record of sound fiscal management requires much more than statements to keep taxes down and stable. My extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, a strong background in strategic planning including budget allocation has proven effective in my role as elected official. I am proud and eager to continue to move Milford forward by careful governing.

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

I believe that I payed a major role in examining the recent budget to determine how we could accommodate costs levied against it.

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

There is a significant difference between campaigning and governing. One cannot declare political support for mental health, education, seniors or small business without creating policies and sound budgets to support such advocacy. The track record of my incumbency, four terms of service on the Board of Alderman, reflects my effectiveness in this regard.

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

I listen to the community, all residents, including directors and department heads to understand the issues facing Milford. My approach is to study, prepare and seek reliable information in order to respond. Support of small business, infrastructure, education, public safety and city services remain in the foreground. My professional life has been actively involved at a policy level of support to seniors, health care and education. This commitment takes not only advocacy but concrete actions. My most recent accomplishment was to utilize my experience, knowledge and leadership as a majority leader of Board of Alderman as we collaborated to enact a realistic budget that supports, law enforcement, fire/medical services, seniors and public services going forward. This was not easy and represents informed and courageous governing in a time of financial challenge.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My family encouraged me to read, learn and reflect in order to be able to care for others and the community and to look to literature and poetry for inspiration. "Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, For as long as you can " by John Wesley

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

My professional life prepared me to listen and learn from others. The Board of Alders has a responsibility to be engaged with the community. Many important issues for Milford and the future of Ct. will emerge from discussions, analysis and consensus development. We all live in challenging times and desire a secure, high quality life. To ensure this opportunity for all, we must gather our best people and thinking to discuss ideas about affordable housing and strong town development. It will take collaboration to attend to the various needs of seniors, families, small business and young adults. I welcome the opportunity to be part of solutions in our beautiful, vibrant town of Milford.