Candidate Profile: Seanice Austin, New London City Council

NEW LONDON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in New London and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

New London Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

New London resident Seanice Austin tells Patch why she should be elected to the New London City Council.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

53

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.nlgreens.org/

Please give us your party affiliation.

Green Party

Education.

Bachelor in Human Services, Graduate Certificate, Securities/Investment Licenses

What is your occupation?

Financial Services; Investments, Mortgages, Insurances

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

Proud parent of two adult children who both graduated from New London Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None in New London, however, my family members are politically engaged citizens.

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

- Commissioner, NL Economic Development (Co-chair).
- Appointed (Mayor Passero), Health & Human Services Committee 2021 - 2022, (Co-chair).

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe that our city is poised for opportunity, but we cannot mismanage that opportunity as it has been done in the past. My vision is to have a City Council that is viewed as a microcosm of our city which means we must have representation from various parties, affiliations as well as individuals. This will only lead to improved decision-making by leadership will benefit residents as well as other stakeholders.

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

People's lives are complex, so stating a single issue does a disservice to so many of our constituents. What I will say is very pressing for many residents is the issue of housing from all spectrums. Renters are looking for housing that doesn't require 50% of their monthly income. Homeowners looking to purchase properties that don't start at a half a million. Property owners not have to subsidize commercial development. The solution starts with having a City Council that is aware of long-term impact of their decisions. If elected, I plan to implement a City Policy Scorecard that is designed to assess the potential impact of proposed actions and ordinances on the community. It aims to ensure that decisions made by the city council align with the best interests of all community members.

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

The value I bring to city council is an understanding and background in finance and investment. As we review projects and plans with companies and developers looking to "invest" in our city, it is critical that we have a city council that understands business and their goals so we can have better outcomes for our city. I also bring years of experience working with various stakeholders over my over 20 year career at the University of Connecticut. I developed programs with corporate partners as well as met the needs of the university, parents and students.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Leadership that doesn't look for the best individuals and focuses instead on party affiliation fails, our community. Any incumbent who doesn't fight to show the voters EVERY election season why they are best individual suited for the role to lead our city government, fails our community. I strongly believe that incumbents should not take the voter's trust for granted. It is a privilege to serve the community, not a right.

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

If elected, I will work to:
• Develop and implement a City Policy Scorecard. Creating a "Policy Scorecard" is an excellent way to evaluate proposed actions and ordinances to ensure that the impact on the community is thoroughly considered. Below is a template for such a scorecard, which can be adapted to your city's specific needs and priorities.
• Address historical economic, housing, and health disparities in your city and provide redress to those who have been impacted by this history. It is a crucial step towards building a more equitable and inclusive community. In addition to incorporating this perspective into our Policy Scorecard, I would propose specific actions and policies in the context of historical redress and community advancement.
• Partner with local businesses throughout the city is a primary initiative that can have a positive impact on the community. Supporting local businesses is not just about short-term gains but also about building a sustainable and resilient local economy. By fostering a strong relationship between the community and local businesses, we can contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of your city.
• Support the development of youth as it’s crucial for the well-being of any community. Involving young people in the decision-making process is essential to creating policies and practices that truly meet their needs. By taking these steps, we can contribute to the development and empowerment of youth in your community.

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

In addition, to my professional career as the director of diversity & inclusion for the School of Business a UConn and being a small business owner and entrepreneur in financial services, I also served as a commissioner for the New London Economic Development Commission. Three years ago, I co-authored a State legislative bill proposal that State Representative Anthony Nolan sponsored. Lastly, I served as co-chair for the Health and Human Services committee that was established by the Mayor's office to address the communities needs during the Pandemic.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

This isn't advice that someone has given me but it is a proverb I believe in; "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others".

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

I believe that our city is poised for opportunity, but we must manage that opportunity better than we have in the past. I envision a city council that is a microcosm of our city and includes a varied membership that represents different parties, affiliations, life experiences, skills, and perspectives. I would feel honored to be part of a group of city leaders committed to making well-informed decisions that benefits our residents first. I hope that those voting on November 7th can see and share my vision!