Hamden Candidate Profile: Jody Clouse For Legislative Council

HAMDEN, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Hamden and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Hamden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jody Clouse is running for Legislative Council At-Large as a Democrat. She is currently representing Hamden's 1st District on the Legislative Council. She has worked as a Special Educator for 12 years, a massage therapist for seven years and a swim/dive coach for six years.

Clouse has a bachelor’s of art degree in Psychology and Special Education and a master’s degree in Special Education. She is married with twin 14-year-old daughters.

Are you running for office in Hamden? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Hamden Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Balancing our financial obligations with positive growth

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I plan to encourage economic development by supporting business incentives that will grow our grand list. We also must continue to provide the services expected by taxpayers while responsibly paying down debt.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Equity in access to education and resources is important to maintain the diverse nature of our town. Hamden's diversity in all aspects - from economic to racial to cultural to environmental- gives us a unique opportunity and responsibility to positively engage and support all of our residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My voting record is representative of my views and what I believe is best for Hamden. One highlight from my past term as councilwoman was ensuring protections for LGBT workers in town contracts.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"Look at how your decisions affect the future, not the now."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My priorities for responsible funding - as a member of the town's fiscal authority, lay in education, equality and the environment.

Campaign website:

https://www.facebook.com/JodyE...