My name is Portia Bordelon, and I’m proud to be running for re-election to the Groton Town Council. I’m a lifelong Groton resident, a graduate of Fitch High School, and the mother of two sons. My older son, Isaac, serves as a Submariner in the U.S. Navy, stationed right here in Groton. My younger son, Aiden, is a midshipman at Maine Maritime Academy, studying Power Systems Engineering Technology on an NROTC scholarship. It’s been my honor to serve our community as an elected official for nearly eight years.
During my time on the Council, I’ve served on the Public Safety Committee, Long Term Recovery Committee, and various task forces—including those focused on Short-Term Rentals, the Groton Long Point Bridge, and Athletic Fields. I’m particularly proud the referral I made that led to the formation of the Property Reuse Committee. Together, we drafted the 2023 Town-Owned Property Evaluation Procedure—a transparent, accountable, and community-driven approach to managing public land.
Though it hasn’t yet been adopted, I hope the next Council will revisit and implement it. I will advocate for it to be installed as the guiding document in time to become the procedure by which the future of the S.B. Butler property is determined. Historically, I’ve been a vocal advocate on some of Groton’s most pressing issues: calling for early action on the Mystic Oral School situation, opposing the failed Data Center proposal, and standing with Branford Manor residents during their health and housing crisis. Likewise, I support the community around S.B. Butler in their efforts to organize and advocate on their own behalf.
Throughout my service, I’ve consistently advocated for:
• Equitable and enriching education,
• Environmentally responsible, community-rooted economic development,
• Support for seniors, youth, and military families, and
• Fair representation across every neighborhood in Groton.
This past term, once again, I urged the council to craft an inclusive, community-based approaches for allocating opioid settlement and cannabis revenues. Although no official process was established, under pressure from the community, the council did move in that direction as it referred the agenda item to be considered by the Public Safety Committee of the incoming Council. I continued to push for using nip bottle redemption funds to install more solar-powered trash and recycling compactors, building on this successful, directly impactful, and community-appreciated use of revenue. Furthermore, and most importantly, this past term I, once again, confronted my fellow councilors about the need for transparent, accountable, accessible, and equitable processes in appointing residents to town committees. I’ve also raised concerns about restrictive procedural rules that limit discussion, reduce transparency, and sideline elected councilors. One reform I’ll push for is to craft a Town Council Policy or Rule that guarantees all elected members the opportunity to serve on at least one of the three standing committees. The Board of Education already follows this model—and so should we.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to restoring public comment to five minutes per speaker, with no overall cap, and ensuring public input is welcomed at both regular and Committee of the Whole meetings. I believe limiting public comment was not only improper—it was a disservice to our residents and a failure of democratic responsibility. As a Councilor, I strive to be Present, Proactive, Passionate, and Persistent. I believe our role is to be honest brokers of information, to facilitate civil discourse, and to stay engaged with the community we serve.
Representing Groton’s diverse and dynamic community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I hope to have earned your trust and your vote to continue this important work. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. You’ll find my name on the ballot in Position 6A.
A vote for Portia is a vote for progress.
Thank you for your time, your engagement, and your support.