Patch Candidate Profile: Veronica Lenzen, Trumbull Town Council

TRUMBULL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Trumbull and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Republican Veronica Lenzen, 49, is a Trumbull resident running for the Town Council in District 3.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Special Education from Wagner College. Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University.

What is your occupation?

Administrator of Specialized Learning and Student Services 7 years; Special Education Teacher 22 years

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

Husband of 19 years, Christopher Lenzen - lifelong Trumbull resident, avid golfer. Daughter Molly, 17 years old. Son Christopher Jr, 14 years old. Both attend Trumbull Public Schools, and participate in local sports teams. Rescued pets: Fiona (cat) and Orville (dog).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Trumbull Day Commission 2008. Currently serving on Town Council as District 3 Representative, and I serve on the Rules and Research Sub-Committee.

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?

I want to give back to the community that has provided a safe and nurturing environment to raise my children. I want to engage families in local activities. I want to improve resident access to Town Facilities. I want to see Town Projects move past study phases into completion, especially the Veterans Center, the improvement of our school and senior facilities, and town road repair. I also want to see how all the new construction is going to impact the town, specifically the apartments, before more additions and changes are made. I think it will be important to see how these additional buildings are going to impact our infrastructure, including emergency services, water and sewer lines, traffic patterns, and the school system. I believe in transparency of government, and the importance of keeping the hard-earned money of the residents of Trumbull in their own pockets. I believe in responsible spending. Lastly, I believe in the sanctity of families, and the rights and responsibilities of parents to make decisions for their children.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the high taxes in Trumbull. As a Town Council Representative, I will work with my fellow council members to hold town departments accountable for adhering to their budgets and being transparent when supplemental expenditures are necessary. By keeping spending in check, and not spending more than the town has, I believe we can get the ever-rising tax rate under control.

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

I believe I bring a fresh perspective to the table. I am proud to be running on a united ticket (United for Trumbull), with candidates from many political affiliations. It's not about the politics; it's about unifying this town. United, we can do so much more for ALL the constituents of Trumbull! See things through to completion! Spend less time worrying about what makes us different, and focus on what's good for Trumbull Residents.

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

I just want the people to know that I am running for election because I want to serve the Town. I want to listen to what the residents have to say, and I want to work for them. My campaign isn't about higher office, or about party lines; it's about my neighbors, my friends, and their parents and their children. I want to make this Town better for them, and for my own family.

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

I was recently recognized by Trumbull Rotary for my service to the organization as a member this past year. I have served on the boards of many organizations in and out of town since moving to Connecticut in 1998. (Tashua PTA, Trumbull PTSA, IMPACTrumbull, to name just a few). I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Trumbull Town Council during this current term. I currently hold an administrative position in a city school district. I serve as an advisor to the SCSU chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha. I see personal and professional responsibility as an honor. I don't shy away from hard work. I meet it head on, roll up my sleeves, and get it done.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My dad never allowed me to say, "I can't." He'd say something along the lines of, "There is no 'can't', you just do it." After he passed in 2018, I found myself experiencing many of my life's greatest accomplishments; promotions, recognitions, that I never thought were possible, but I just kept reminding myself that there is no 'can't', I just have to do it. So, I imagine that he's saying "I told you so" somewhere up there in heaven.

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

I promise to serve you with fidelity and transparency, to the best of my ability, for as long as you'll have me.