Patch Candidate Profile: Ethel Grant For Naugatuck Board Of Education

NAUGATUCK, 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:

Ethel Grant

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

Naugatuck, CT

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Retired Educator

Family:

I have a husband (Bernie) who is retired and a volunteer tax preparer for VITA and two grown daughters (Kelly and Courtney) who were in law enforcement and a teenage granddaughter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Presently on the Naugatuck Board of Education for 12 years.

Why are you seeking this office?

As a former educator I feel it is important for children to see adults who care about their educational needs and successes and will represent and advocate for them through the boards of education and governing agencies that oversee their education.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

Wanting to be assured that they have a voice in their children's educational life. Parents presently feel very anxious about what is happening in our country and what will happen with providing meaningful educational services. Money is always a big issue.... money for services and where the money will come from. I intend to continue to work with the board to secure as much financial support from our government as possible. I have taken part in 'days on the hill' in Hartford and Washington.... informing legislators of our needs and with the board will continue to do so.

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

Everyone is different - different points of views and styles.....different approaches and will appeal to people who share their particular views.

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

My view is that we need to respect and listen to each other whether we agree or disagree on how to address the needs of the community and our students. We can all learn from each other as we work to achieve the best achievement outcome for our students. The Board of Education works as a team - through discussion -sharing points of view and facts - through discussion working toward the best conclusion we can for the benefit of all of our students. We are always looking for ways to provide the best and most equitable education possible for each and every student.

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

Retired Dean of Students for Kaynor Tech. High School....very active in community organizations: founding member of the Ecumenical Food Bank, board member of Naug Youth Services and Lay Leader in my Church. ... Also, former vice chair of the BOE and I am presently vice chair on the Area Cooperative Educational Services board, a member at large on the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and a delegate to the Government Relations Committee. Also Policy Committee Chair and member of the Curriculum Committee for our BOE

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be yourself and keep smiling.

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

My family has lived in Naugatuck for over 45 years and we have met and continue to meet many wonderful people every day...why I do what I do...meeting and greeting and caring for and about people and their needs.