Meet the Democrat: Dee Ahern

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Southington Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate.

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 8.

This week, we start with a look at two Board of Education candidates before shifting gears to focus on Planning and Zoning Commission candidates. Be sure to look back at the Town Council and Board of Finance, which we featured the last two weeks, and stay informed.

Name: Dee Ahern
Age: 47
Party, Position Seeking: Democrat, Southington Board of Education

Family information: I’m married with two children, both in high school. My husband and I were born and raised here in Southington and have lived in the Lawncrest Drive area for 21 years.

Occupation: Office Manager

Political Experience: Not applicable.

Other Experience: I was Southington PTA president and was an advocate for teachers, parents and students. I have been a CCD teacher for Mary our Queen Church for 8 years.

Why did you run for office?
I am passionate about education. It inspires me to see children succeed. I want to get involved and do more to support our teachers and students.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
I would like to look at the current class sizes in our schools, keep our schools safe and I would also like to get into the special education areas to make sure we are doing all we can do for these students and families.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
I would have to say the biggest challenge facing Southington today would be the fact we are currently in a depressed economy and we have to find a way to maintain the current level of quality education while keeping our tax rate low for all of our residents. With funds on the federal and state level decreasing, it is going to be a big challenge to balance all the budgets.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
I owned and operated two businesses in town, which helped me to manage finances. I ask questions for two reasons. To learn and to spark conversations amongst everyone in hopes that it will create new ideas or better ways to improve current practices.

Anything else you would like to share?
I am very passionate about the quality of education that not only my children receive but that of what every child receives. Our school system needs to keep moving forward with new and innovative ways of learning so that all of our students have the ability to reach and strive for excellence.