Enfield Candidate Profile: Jonathan LeBlanc, Board of Education

ENFIELD, CT — Enfield's election season is heating up, and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to represent their town in November's municipal election. Enfield Patch asked candidates in the town council and Board of Education races to answer questions about their campaigns, and will be publishing candidate profiles each weekday as election day draws near.

Jonathan LeBlanc is running for election to the Enfield Board of Education as a member of the Republican party.

Name: Jonathan LeBlanc

Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): unanswered

Position sought: Board of Education

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: one sister

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government: no

Education: American University, Norwich University BS

Occupation: clerk

Previous or current elected or appointed office: none

The single most pressing issue facing Enfield is: continuing to encourage town pride and when elected I am going to do just that.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post: In my experience differences make for better outcomes and I look forward to working with creative people.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

• Achieving Excellence: The Republican-led BOE continues to make well-reasoned and responsible decisions for our students and taxpayers.
• Education for All: Our children are excelling because we have provided â"need-to-succeed" materials & technology in the hands of our teachers and students.
• STEAM Curriculum from Pre-K to 12, including Head Start.
• Outplaced special needs children will be educated in town at the new Eagle Academy, opening fall 2019.
• We have added more AP Classes and graduation rates are much higher at our high school.
• Our expanded music, arts and theater programs showcase our students talents.
• We have a multifaceted collaboration between Asnuntuck and Enfield High School.
• JFK Middle School renovation begins April, 2020.
• Character Counts: Parents and students can rely on the Republican BOE team to listen, be engaged, and to serve with the utmost integrity.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job: Going through the rigors of ROTC at a military college and understanding the importance of team work and the values of hard work and honesty make me strong enough for anything that may be put in front of me.

The best advice ever shared with me was: from my grandfather who always says when the going gets tough the tough get going.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions: Some may think this isn't the place for a college student, but I think it is the perfect place. Being a coach for the Enfield Ramblers I see the wonder and excitement in the kids' eyes at such a young age and want to ensure they along with every other kid receive the education they deserve and to instill characteristics such as teamwork, and supporting each other in life. My skills may be newer, but my values are not. Honesty, integrity, and leadership are all a part of who I am from life experiences I have gone through. Working, volunteering, and knowing my perspective is respected by others in the community makes me confident I will be an outstanding Board of Education member.