Fostering Community

By GG Cabrera, Orange Town Plan & Zoning Commission Candidate

I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Orange Town Plan and Zoning Commission.

I have a familiar Connecticut trajectory – I grew up in Bethany, went through our wonderful Amity public schools, graduated from UConn, spent 10 years in New York City and recently returned home. Today, I’m proud to be an Orange homeowner who’s deeply invested in the future of our town.

By the way, what are we calling ourselves? Orange-ites? Cuties? Wedges? Orange blossoms?

Growing up in Bethany, I loved knowing my neighbors and attending town events, like spaghetti dinners, the carnival and lobster bakes (you can always find me by the food). This sense of community made me feel accepted by, connected to and supported by those around me. It’s a feeling I bring with me everywhere I go.

I originally left the idylls of Bethany for NYC to play drums in a band. One of the biggest lessons I learned as a musician is that all members in a band need to listen to each other to work together successfully. Today, though I spend more time in the world of digital advertising than behind a drum kit, I still apply that lesson every day. I plan to use this same approach in my prospective tenure on the Orange TPZC. I promise to keep the beat, listen to my neighbors and work with all of you to help Orange thrive.

My vision for Orange is simple and built on our solid base of core values, relationships and local businesses. I see a community that grows stronger over time, where we invest in ourselves, our neighbors and our small businesses. I see a place that is accessible, walkable and sustainable. I see a place where we can all march to the beat of our own drums, but forward together. I hope you can see it too. Let’s make it a reality together.

GG Cabrera

This article originally appeared in the Milford-Orange Times, October 2.