South Windsor Candidate Profile: Elizabeth Pendleton, Town Council

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in South Windsor, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

South Windsor Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Name: Elizabeth E. Pendleton

How old will you be as of Election Day? 62

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://swdems.org

What city or town do you live in? South Windsor

What office are you seeking? Town Council

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Some College in the Military

What is your occupation?

Mayor - 2 years, Deputy Mayor - 2 Years, 12 years total on the Town Council

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Husband, Robin (Packi) Pendleton who is a Selectman, Fire Fighter and Retired Marine. 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Robin (Packi) Pendleton - Selectman

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, Patriotic Commission, Town Council

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

As a native of South Windsor (born, raised and graduated from SWHS), I care deeply about how government choices affect all residents and the town as a whole. Since first elected, I have taken this position extremely seriously and to heart. I believe it is my responsibility to advocate for you and our community regarding economic development, local business needs, first responders, families, seniors, taxes, and our children’s education.
As my record demonstrates, representing the interests of every town resident is and has been always my #1 priority and it will continue to be my goal, working always for “the best interest of all” in mind.
I am committed to keeping South Windsor a GREAT place to Live, Work, Play and Educate by:
• Increasing the grand list through smart growth Economic Development & Re-development
• Supporting our Board of Education
• Supporting our First Responders
• Supporting our Seniors
• Supporting our Park and Recreation
• Addressing the needs of our Community, Citizens and Businesses
• Stabilizing taxes in the best way possible based upon our community’s needs

Experience
• Member: Town Council – 12 years, Mayor- 2 years, Deputy Mayor – 2 years.

• Created the ordinance that funds Capital Improvements on a yearly basis; increased the Veterans Exemption; ensured that First Responders had everything they needed to operate efficiently.

• Created the Quad Board Working Group: Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and the Economic Development Commission.

• Town Council Present: - Capital Improvements Chair, Personnel Committee Chair. Member on the Pension Committee and Naming Committee. Liaison to the Patriotic Commission.

• Past Experience: Patriotic Commission member, Capital Improvement member and now Chair, Water Pollution Control Authority Liaison, Assistant Town Clerk for the Town of Vernon and South Windsor.
Education
• South Windsor High School
• College courses in the Military
• Veteran: U.S. Air Force

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxes is the most pressing issue. I intend to continue the progress we have made concerning Economic Development and Re-development to increase the Grand List and continue to evaluate the budget for cost savings and reductions.

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

My love for my community, since I was born and raised her, I truly care about South Windsor and the residents and businesses. Being an advocate for all and making decisions based off the best interest for the town.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I look for ways to reduce the budget, not add to it and still continue to meet the needs of our community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Smart Economic Growth and Re-development to increase the Grand List and ease the tax burden on the tax payers. Find a permanent location for the Park and Recreation Departments. Continue to look for savings and reductions within the Town Government budget. Continue to promote Diversity and Inclusion!

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

I created the Tax Stabilization Fund to help off-set the years where our budget may be higher. I also created the Budget Working Group, where three Town Council members digest the budget line by line in every department to find savings and reductions. I also, created the Quad Board Working Group, where the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and Economic Development work to together on the future of South Windsor.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To always do what is right and in the best interest of the community.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am very committed to our community only missing three Town Council meetings in 12 years. I always make my decisions based on the best of the community. I am a problem solver. I think out of the box to come up with solutions or ideas to achieve accomplishments, such as the Maintenance/Replacement Schedule for Capital Improvements.