Newtown Election 2021 Profile: Jordana Bloom

NEWTOWN, CT —Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Newtown will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next couple of weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Democrat Jordana Bloom, 56, is running for Newtown Town Clerk in Newtown.

Occupation: Community Volunteer

Family: John Fletcher, husband and Board of Finance candidate here in Newtown . Lived in newtown for 19 years and proud parent of 4 children Jamison Fletcher 25 Jackson Fletcher 22 Hudson Fletcher 20 Hayden Fletcher 18

Experience: Newtown Legislative Council D2 served two terms

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Right now the most important issue is successfully working through the Covid pandemic .We need to rely on medical professionals for proper guidance and we all need to do our part to keep ourselves and our community safe so we can all get back to work and school safely. My role in that process is to set the right example of behavior for the rest of newtown government and the town; to educate people as appropriate on how to limit Covid’s impact and to facilitate safe interactions with the Town Clerk’s office

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I would be new to the Town Clerk’s office but as a two term member of the Legislative Council I have direct experience with their issues and requirements as well as those of other Newtown boards and commissions. I will introduce suggestions to make the Clerks office more open and accessible to all residents and to be more collaborative between all the municipal government offices. My time on the Council has given me a unique perspective on how to improve government and make the clerks office more central to our community going forward.

Accomplishments:

Having owned my own retail small business for years, I understand the importance of efficient, effective and financially sound attention to detail. Customer service is fundamental to creating a warm and open environment where all residents can feel they can come for help and guidance and that their business will get the highest level of thought and care. My experience with town budgets on the Council and a constant effort to keep taxes low, and and listening to voters has given me a broad perspective on the workings of town government. Working as the Vice Chair of the Municipal Operations subcommittee has given me a unique perspective on the town side of the budget and a respect for all that the town employees do to keep our town running.

Other issues:

First and voting has always been a critical issue for me and I believe that we need to make sure that our process and access is open and accurate and encouraged at all levels of government for all citizens. I want to make the Town Clerk’s office a place where diversity and inclusion are celebrated and we make sure that everyone in town can get the service and help they need for all their town business concerns. I think we can do a better job of connecting community residents and town officials on how our citizens can get involved in town governance and take advantage of the services the town provides.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Having run my own small business and raised 4 children I know how important hard work is to success. I am committed to learning and listening and working hard every day to be the best Town Clerk I can.I will bring a fresh perspective and a dedication to friendly customer service to the Clerk job. I hope Newtown residents will consider voting for me this November 2.