Vernon 2023 Election: Laurie Bajorek, Mayor

VERNON, CT — Laurie Bajorek is running for the office of mayor in Vernon.

Name

Laurie Bajorek

How old will you be as of Election Day?

49

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

https://www.laurieforvernon.co...

What city or town do you live in?

Vernon-Rockville

What office are you seeking?

Mayor

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

I am a life-long learner. Formally, I have a BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from Sacred Heart University. Additionally, I have been trained as a Sexual Assault Crisis counselor (1995); a health insurance call-center agent (1996) and manager (1997); an insurance operations risk and controls auditor (2001); and have received professional development certificates for: Family Engagement in Education by Harvard Graduate School in Education (2016); Leadership Institute by CT Association of Boards of Education (2017); Parents Supporting Educational Excellence (2018) by the CT Centers for School Change; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida (2021). Additionally, having a neurodivergent child led me to over 10 years of “on the job” learning that included CT’s special education system and 504/IEPs.

What is your occupation?

I’m a service professional. For 35 years I have been fulfilling the needs of others in a variety of paid and unpaid roles in the non-profit sector, small businesses, the insurance industry, and public service. Since 2003, I’ve raised two children while managing the care of a family member disabled by stroke (passed in 2019), while working part-time as an independent consultant and volunteering with multiple community organizations, as well as serving on the Board of Education (2015-17). Currently, since 2018, I am President of the Vernon Education Foundation and a member of the Vernon Community Network and Vernon Volunteers Collaborative; and, since 2021, I am employed as the Office Manager for a labor union, the CT Federation of School Administrators, as well as an independent consultant with The Friends of Valley Falls.

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

After 23 years of marriage, I am the divorced single mom of Ian (20) and Abigail (18), both former students of Center Road School, VCMS, and graduates of Rockville High School. Both attend CT state colleges. We have two cats. I had the great privilege of growing up with two sets each of grandparents and great-grandparents through college and just recently lost the last. My parents, Richard and Cheryl, are about to celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary and reside in Florida. My sister and her family, after 26 years in Miami, recently relocated to New Hampshire.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

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

Served on the Vernon Board of Education 2015-17

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 was not the least bit interested in politics when I began attending Vernon Board of Education and Town Council meetings 12 years ago. I was infuriated to find ego, ignorance, and political partisanship driving decisions that impact the lives of my children and our entire community. Enough is enough. I'm running for Mayor because Vernon needs a leader who believes politics is about people working together to achieve common goals in the best interest of our community's future success, not maintenance of party control. I want Vernon-Rockville to be a town where as many people as possible - residents, employees, business owners, volunteers - feel seen, heard, respected, and supported. We have a great town with great people who live and work here, but we could do a lot more to attract and keep people here if we come together and get to work.

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

It is harder to work and live in Vernon than it should be. That said, the single most pressing issue facing my constituents is political divisiveness. Costs of living and lack of resources are a symptom of the problem, but not the problem itself.

I intend to:
open town government to all residents through direct channels of communication rendering full transparency and accountability;
recognize and respect all town employees for their significant contributions to the town's daily operations;
and facilitate fully informed decision-making by the entire town council, per the town charter.

When we all work together, we can figure out supportive, profitable, long-term solutions that will benefit our entire community and make living and working here in Vernon just a little bit easier.

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

My personal beliefs and values are in alignment with those of today’s Democratic party and I’m not afraid to be clear about that. I believe the role of government is to create a fair and equitable system that ensures all residents can thrive; provides a roadmap for ongoing, future success; and protects against those who prioritize self-interest over the greater good. While the Mayor is responsible for oversight, I will not take credit for the work of our Town Administrator, Assistant Town Administrator, Finance Officer, and the other department heads and staff who handle Vernon-Rockville's daily operations.

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

Our community is currently run on the premise of scarcity, fear, and disregard. I believe there are great opportunities for all of us to thrive when we work together.

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

I have run my campaign with integrity and honesty. I have been able to meet members in every part of our community. We are often a town divided and the experience can vary from one part of town to another. Still, as much as the experience varies, the character of our constituents doesn't. The people who live in this town are good and hardworking but aren't supported enough by the people who represent them in town hall. I aim to change that.

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

As most people understand, even when you have certain privileges, life often isn't easy. I have had my share of times in my life when I have had to dig deep to find strength and courage. Moments when I have had to think hard about the path forward. In those times I have always been able to lean on a wide group of friends and mentors. Something I have learned through my experiences is we can do hard things if we bring in the right people, close out some of the noise, and roll up our sleeves to get to work. Working at various nonprofits, and even in my family life, I have done well by bringing in stakeholders and making a plan before forging ahead. I have learned how to bring people together to find a common goal and I will help our town do this as Mayor.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

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

Our community is what we all make of it when we work together. The first and most important step you can take is voting for me and my team November 7th.