June 13, 2017: This afternoon, Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, nurse and local advocate Lynda Mollow announced that she will be seeking the Democratic nomination as a candidate for First Selectman in this November's municipal election.

"I have dedicated my entire life to service and serving those in need," said Mollow. "With a career in nursing that spans over 20 years, I have spent my life caring for people--people requiring support for AIDS related conditions, receiving cancer chemotherapy treatments, and coordinating stem cell transplantation. However, this dedication to help those in need has reached far beyond my career in health care."

Active and engaged in local educational and economic issues, Mollow grew concerned that citizens felt they did not have a voice in local issues shaping the town of Branford. Turning these concerns into action, Mollow was successfully elected to represent the 7th District as a member of the RTM in 2015 and was selected to serve on the RTM Education Committee.

"Helping Branford youth connect with opportunities for growth is one of the best investments that can be made in our town," said Mollow. "That is why I worked to help introduce the national "Fuel Up To Play 60" program in both Branford and East Haven public schools. This program has awarded numerous grants, prizes, and scholarships that have benefited many students and teachers. In addition to this program, I was proud to partner with Branford families and local businesses to help create many before and after school programs that led the way for a successful Recreation Department pilot project."

Dedicated to encouraging leadership in Branford schools, Mollow has also been working with Junior Achievement of Southwest New England and Branford School Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez to bring free programming to Branford schools, that is designed to empower young people to own their financial success.

Active on the Board of Directors at the Community Dining Room, Mollow has joined the efforts of staff and volunteers, to provide food, support and companionship to shoreline neighbors. Mollow has called Branford home for over fifteen years with her husband Dr. Michael Mollow and their two children, William and Evelyn.

Running alongside Lynda in this year's election, will be longtime former Branford Fire Chief Jack Ahern. Born and raised in Branford, Ahern spent over three decades as a local firefighter, with 12 of those years as the town's chief. Retiring in 2014, Ahern was called to continue his service to Branford in a different capacity and was elected as a member of the Board of Selectman in 2015.

"Born and raised here in Branford, I've always had this town in my heart," said Ahern. "My dedication to serve the people of this community has extended beyond the firehouse and a career as a fire officer. I have worked hard throughout my career to obtain several large community grants to help provide communications, vehicles and building components--all of which saved taxpayers significantly."

Ahern and his wife Lisa have raised all five of their children here in Branford, all attending Branford schools.

"Jack and I look forward to getting out between now and Election Day and knocking on our neighbors' doors to hear what concerns they may have and what we can do to improve our town. We also look forward to sharing our ideas on further strengthening our schools, community and supporting Branford's local economy," said Mollow.

The election will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

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