Patch Candidate Profile: Melissa Johnston, Orange Board Of Selectmen

ORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Melissa Johnston, 42, is running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in Orange as a Democratic candidate.

Education.

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Sacred Heart University

What is your occupation?

Director of Marketing

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

Married with two children in the fourth and seventh grade.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running because I’m raising my family here. I want my children and others to have the best possible experience growing up and living in Orange. I can bring skills I’ve acquired during my 20-year business career to the board for the benefit of Orange residents.

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

As the mom of fourth and seventh grade students, who are in the Orange elementary and Amity regional school systems, I will work to ensure that we support our teachers and schools to foster the best possible learning environment for our children.

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

I can bring different perspective as a mom raising a young family. I also bring different business skills in marketing, communications, public relations, strategy development, and more that will benefit the Board.

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

I would like to see more communication from our Board and engagement with the community. I would also like to ensure we proactively solicit input from the community on issues.

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

I believe economic development is one area where we need to be very strategic. Not only reacting when businesses approach us, but having a solid, long-term marketing plan that identifies and attracts the businesses Orange residents want. I think we need to take a similar approach to recreation. When it comes to Fred Wolfe Park, I would like to see a data-driven effort to determine what members of the community would like to see there in the future and a plan developed accordingly.

Additionally, residents of Orange would benefit from more communication and transparency. I think we should develop official and active communication channels to keep members of the community connected and informed.

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

My 20 years of business experience and business education have helped me to hone skills in budgeting, negotiations, market research, public relations, vendor management, strategy development, digital communications, team leadership, and more. Additionally, I've lived in Orange for over a decade, have kids in both school systems, and pay attention to what happens in our town.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be authentic.

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

I love living in Orange and will be a representative who listens to all perspectives, helps to engage different audiences, understands big-picture financial challenges, uses sound judgement, and I will draw on my extensive business experience to help move our town forward.

Does your campaign have a website?

www.orangectdems.org/team/melissa-johnston.