South Windsor Candidate Profile: Anitha Elango, Town Council

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in South Windsor, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Name: Anitha Elango

How old will you be as of Election Day? 54

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

https://swdems.org/2023-candid...

What city or town do you live in? South Windsor

What office are you seeking? Town Council

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, UConn, Masters in Biochemistry, UConn

What is your occupation? Teacher

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

Married to my husband Bala for 29 years, two kids, a son and a daughter, ages 25 and 17

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

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

South Windsor Board of Education 2019 to 2023, South Windsor Treasurer 2017 to 2019

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 have been serving the South Windsor community in various roles since 2017. I was appointed to the town council in July of 2023 which was an honor. I have lived in South Windsor for 25 years and my children grew up in this welcoming town. I want to continue to give back to my town if elected to the Town Council, by making thoughtful and sincere decisions on the current issues as well as the future of my town. I would like to make sure that the town remains a welcoming and dynamic place to live in.

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

The rising tax burden on homeowners needs to be addressed in thoughtful ways.
South Windsor provides many services that towns similar to us charge their residents for and a range of well attended activities and facilities for all age groups. The cost of offering these services has drastically increased post pandemic. Add that to the fact that we are the fastest growing school district in CT (due to excellence of our schools). South Windsor is one of the most competitive real estate markets in CT, which has increased the assessed value of homes in the recent state mandated home reevaluations. Managing town spending and revenue to be more sustainable while maintaining services and the quality of our schools is my primary focus if elected.

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

As a long time resident of South Windsor I am aware of how much it has changed in the last decade, including the growing diversity in residents. I am of South Asian origin and as such better represent the changing demographics of our town. Town governance needs representation. Additionally, as a hockey/lacrosse mom, a PTO mom, a teacher, a scientist and with years of experience as an elected official, I believe I represent our entire community.

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

Preserving open space. Supporting progress that keeps South Windsor dynamic and ready for the future.

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

During my tenure as the Town Treasurer and member of the Board of Education gives me experience with budgets. I worked on our BOE from 2019 to 2023 to bring the 10 year elementary schools plan to completion on time and within budget. I advocated for academic rigor and STEM. The elementary school in my home district ( P.R. Smith) has the distinction of being a blue ribbon school. I am proud to have worked with the rest of the board to effectively support our teachers and administrators.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My parents, both of whom passed away in the last three years, always advised me that hard work and sincerity are always their own reward.

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

I serve a wonderful non-profit in town, the Friends of the Wood Memorial Library and museum as co-president for the board of directors. It is a wonderful community organization that helps keep the history and culture of our town alive.