Patch Candidate Profile: Holly Mulrenan, 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.

Holly E. Mulrenan is running for a seat on the Board of Aldermen in Milford to represent the 3rd District as a democrat candidate.

Mulrenan holds an MS in Health Promotion from the University of Connecticut, a BNS in Nursing from Southern Connecticut State University and works as a nurse and educator.

Mulrenan’s family includes her husband, Frank Giustino, her twin sons, Rocco and Thomas Guistino, her singleton son, Cheech Giustino and daughter-in-law Cass and Steph. Her three sons are graduates of Milford Public Schools and the University of Connecticut.

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

City Clerk Karen Fortunati, Treasurer, 2023; Board of Aldermen 2022-2023; Board of Education 2021-2022; City of Milford, Board of Health, Vice Chair, 2011-2021.

Why are you seeking this office?

Experience and background matter.

My first and successful political office run was for the Board of Education. Reasons why I ran in 2021: a strong advocate of public education, my family’s positive Milford Public School experiences, and an opportunity to pay it forward, to give back to the City I am so proud to call home.

March 2022 3rd District’s Alderman, Marty B. Hardiman, passed away and left a vacancy. I moved from the Board of Education to the Board of Aldermen to complete Marty’s term and assume his aldermanic responsibilities. Marty was an alder for 18 years, a staple in the community, and a dedicated public servant. It was important to me to embrace my role as alder as well for Marty and his wife, Linda, one of our beloved City’s Constable.

I am currently seeking this Board of Alderman position because of my experience and commitment to Milford. I believe my combined time on the two Boards has provided me with great insight into understanding and appreciating the inner workings of city government. Serving on these Boards along with my steep Milford roots, and professional background as a nurse, educator, and tutor brings a unique perspective that I believe is desirable for an elected city official.

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

Controlling costs and taxes.

The single most pressing issue facing us is controlling costs and taxes for the 2024-2025 budget and safeguarding fiscal responsibility.

The 2024-2025 budget has known challenges ahead. To name a couple: most ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act-better known as COVID-19 Relief) are ending, and the Board of Education has indicated a budget increase will be requested. More needs are likely to be identified as the budget process gets underway.

I will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility. I will approach the budget as I have in the past. That is before I reach a decision I will: prepare, research, listen to all budget presentations, ask Department Heads data driven questions, listen to public comment, respond to public inquiries, assess the information, deliberate, and be mindful of the impact on the services and costs to Milford taxpayers.

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

I am present; I am engaged. I listen and I follow up.

When constituents reach out, I respond. I take great pride in connecting with constituents and addressing their inquiry or concern. I enjoy people and more importantly there is a natural tendency for me as a nurse, educator, and tutor, to want to help people and work toward solutions.

As an alder, I am visible in the community, and I am accountable and embrace my aldermanic duties. I attend meetings, including my liaison assignments to the Board of Health, Golf Commission, Permanent School Facilities Building, and Ordinance Committee. I can assure voters I have taken on my role with sincerity and thoroughness.

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

Passed a Fair Budget for FY 2023-2024.

The 2023-2024 budget was challenging with the Board of Finance’s budget reduction to the Board of Education. In the end I am proud of the outcome, and I believe the Board of Education, Milford Police and Fire Departments, and Milford residents are satisfied, too.

During the budget process, there was mounting pressure to immediately reinstate the funds to the Board of Education; however, I am proud that I was steadfast in following the process I outlined in a question above. To help me understand the core issues, I listened to the Board of Finance and the Board of Education multiple meetings. Additionally, I was responsive to the many phone calls and emails that I received from constituents. Although unpopular with some constituents, I did not rush to a decision. Conversely, I continued to gather the facts, ask questions, and sift through the data from all the city departments because it was the prudent way to reach a fair and reasonable decision.

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

As a proud lifelong Milford resident, I am invested in ensuring the quality of Milford living. I am a devoted public official, and I am available to all. It would be an honor to continue to serve the beautiful people of Milford.

I understand that there are many important issues facing our community like flood erosion, coastal resiliency, affordable housing, economic development, local businesses, infrastructure, and the list goes on. I am aware, tuned in, continue to learn, and become more knowledgeable so that I may respond to these matters while simultaneously maintaining stability and fostering progress.