Karen Tracy

With a dual background in biology and computer science, Karen Tracy brings a problem-solver’s mindset to local government. Over the course of a long and successful career in software engineering, she led the development of multi-billion-dollar systems as a director of application development. Her strength lies in taking large, complex challenges and breaking them down into achievable goals, an approach she believes Stratford sorely needs on its Town Council.

 

For the past 15 years, Stratford has been her home. During that time, Karen has served as President and Treasurer of the Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS), helped grow award-winning community programming, and played key leadership roles in local and state political campaigns. She currently serves as Political Director of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee, where she has helped recruit, train, and support new leaders committed to progress.

 

Karen is running for Town Council because Stratford is at a crossroads. The town’s boards and commissions must be modernized, and its decision-making processes streamlined to meet the urgent needs of residents. Stratford cannot afford to wait for the next budget cycle to respond to national shifts that directly impact the local economy. She joins Councilor Green in supporting the creation of a community-led Finance Board to help the Council act with greater foresight and transparency.

 

Karen views the Town Council as a vibrant branch of government – an agent of inspiration and innovation – and believes it can do more than maintain the status quo. “We are capable of doing big things for our small town,” she says.

 

She also believes deeply in the power of volunteerism. Stratford is home to national award-winning organizations, many of which fly under the radar. Karen proposes an annual Stratford Community Organizations Summit to showcase the incredible work happening across our town and strengthen the connections that make our community special.

 

Karen’s record reflects what she brings to the table: experience leading multi-year infrastructure projects, a deep commitment to civic life, and the trust of fellow volunteers and community leaders. Being chosen by STARS members to serve as president of an organization she holds dear remains one of her greatest honors.

 

At home, she has been married for 27 years and shares life with her wife and their three beloved dogs. She is the youngest of five children, the proud daughter of a World War II Pacific veteran, and inspired daily by her mother who ran for local office in her late 70s. Though quiet by nature, she is fiercely competitive – just ask anyone who remembers the day she won the 2008 Orange Hills Golf Championship.

 

Karen is ready to serve District 10 and ensure Stratford’s future is one we all have a hand in shaping.