Patch Candidate Profile: Kate Brambilla For New Canaan Board Of Education

NEW CANAAN, 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:

Kate Brambilla

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

What town do you live in?

New Canaan

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Democrat

Occupation:

Manager of Member Services, Staying Put in New Canaan

Family:

My husband, Charles Antin, works in fine and rare wine auctions and is a skilled charity auctioneer. Our daughter attends East Elementary here in New Canaan.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

There are a few reasons I am seeking a position on the Board of Education. First, I want to see more balance. We currently have a board that is 6 to 3 republicans to democrats and more balance is always better. Second, I want a board that takes the roles seriously. We should be attending the meetings, we should be on time, and we should be engaged with the process. There is room to improve here and I intend to bring that sense of responsibility. Third, because of my work and my volunteerism I am uniquely poised to represent community members of all ages. I work with seniors daily who are committed to this town and the schools. I am on the PTC at my daughter's school where parents are obviously deeply committed to the public schools. It is the single biggest line item on the town's budget. Everyone should have a voice.

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

Maintaining our high standards and rankings and I intend to support our amazing superintendent, his staff the administration and the teachers who provide skillful and compassionate education to all our students.

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

A couple of key distinctions of note: I am able to represent a wide range of ages-- from our littlest elementary school kids, all the way through our 90+ community. I am constantly working with and engaging with every age in our town; and I love it. There is currently no East Elementary representation on the board and it is our biggest elementary school. Let's change that. And finally, I am someone who will show up, take the job seriously and be respectful of everyone's time.

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

I intend to lead by listening. If I have learned anything in my door knocking, or casual conversations: everyone cares about the schools, their focus may just be on different elements. It's all so dependent on who you are in the community and how the schools relate to you. Whether you have kids preparing for college, or you are empty nesters thinking about downsizing, everyone is thinking about their personal connection to the town. And I am hear to listen to your questions, provide insights and take your thoughts and observations back to our Board discussions.

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

I spent years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in the Brooklyn Family Courts representing youth in foster care. I was tasked by judges to identify and remove barriers to stability for youth. In this role I worked with attorneys, schools, doctors, social workers, families and the youth themselves to establish a plan that kept the child's wellbeing as the focal point of all our conversations. Remaining focused on our future's wellbeing while managing diverse perspectives will be a key component to how I approach my role on the Board.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be impeccable with your word, don't make assumptions, don't take things personally and do your best.

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

I'm here to help. I am here to support. I am here to represent our community. Through thoughtful preparation, active listening and informed questioning I plan to be an additive to the Board of Education. I have no intention of bringing personal agendas, opinions, or party politics into the fray.