Manchester Candidate Profile 2019: Sarah Jones, Directors

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester'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. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and has been publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Sarah L. Jones

Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019)

45

Town of Residence

Manchester

Position Sought

Director - Board of Directors

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am an employee of the State Education Resource Center - a quasi-public state organization that provides supports to schools.

Education

Bachelors: University of Connecticut; Masters Springfield College

Occupation

I've worked in education since 1998. First at Manchester High School until 2012, then at the THINK Global School; most recently I am a consultant at SERC in school climate and racial equity.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Director (elected 2015; re-elected 2017)

Campaign Website

www.manchesterctdems.info

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is needing to do more with less. This isn't a unique problem, however, at a time when towns are agonizing over budgets and cutting essential services, Manchester is making critical investments in our infrastructure and programs to ensure we are ready to meet the changing needs of our community. This does not mean simply improvements to our parks and Main Street, but also to programming around racial equity to ensure that our residents feel safe, welcome, and valued as members of our community.

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

I, as well as other members of the Democratic slate, are committed to ensuring that our vision for the community is realized. That vision includes: valuing ALL residents in our community and the gifts and talents they have to offer; improving vital infrastructure like schools and town properties to provide high quality services for the generations to come; and creating livable, walkable, and vibrant neighborhoods. I believe this is distinct from other candidates because they have not articulated such a comprehensive vision for a thriving community.

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

As a member of the BOD, I have worked to ensure that our policies and practices are viewed from multiple perspectives. At my request, the Manchester Police Department established a liaison to the LGBTQIA+ community in the hopes that the position would demonstrate our commitment to being a community that welcomes ALL, and that can preclude the kinds of tragedies that have impacted other communities.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Never settle!

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

I would like voters to know that I have made Manchester my choice over and over again in my adult life, and I will continue to make that choice on our collective behalf.