Patch Candidate Profile: Nina Gagnon For Monroe Town Council

MONROE, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name: Nina Gagnon

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? Monroe

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Teacher, 6 years

Family: I have been married to my college sweet heart, Jay, for 16 years. Together we have two boys, Cooper and Oliver ages 12 and 10 respectively.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I have been on the Monroe Historic District Committee for the last year and half.

Why are you seeking this office? I want to see a positive change for Monroe. For too long our town has been struggling because it is constantly in a state of reactive action. I would love to bring a proactive approach to the town through a position at Town Council.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Over crowded schools. I will press the First Selectman to make a decision regarding our steps forward to solve the over population of our schools. It is a problem that years over due and we absolutely need to make a long term plan. We risk the safety of our youngest citizens and the primary reason why people choose to live and work in Monroe.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? The new and incumbent candidates are all capable, responsible, well-educated people. However many of them lack a back bone and look to their party line for decision making. I am not afraid to speak up and voice my thoughts even if they differ from others, regardless of political affiliation.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I would love to help the seniors find relief from the ever growing taxes. In addition I would like to look into ways to bring people into Monroe for commerce and entertainment.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? When I first moved to Monroe I got involved with the Monroe Playground Foundation and quickly became a board member until the completion of the project in May 2022 where I volunteered as building captain managing there different sets of volunteers each day. I have also volunteered with Monroe Cub Scout Pack 262 for four years and I have spent countless hours helping at various events around Monroe including helping the Monroe Farmers' Market, PTO with school store, book fair, and school events, and more. These experiences have helped me grow closer to our Monroe community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Be true to yourself and always lead with kindness. Even when you have nothing to give, you always have kindness and compassion.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I implore the tax payers of Monroe to do their research when preparing for election day. Ask questions and be critical of their candidates, even if they fall into their party line. But most importantly… Go vote!!! Make your voice and opinions heard!