Vernon Candidate Profile 2019: Ann Letendre, Town Council

VERNON, CT — Vernon'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.

Ann Letendre

Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019)

80

Town of Residence

Vernon

Position Sought:

Town Council

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband Bob, four daughters (Denise, Lise, Amy, Julie), ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA - Business & Economics, 1960 - University of Massachusetts; MBA - Finance, 1986 - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Occupation

Now retired; 30 years at United Technologies Research Center, Financial & Project Management

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

• Elected - 3 terms, Town Council
• Appointed - 19 years, Vernon Conservation & Inland Wetlands Commission
• Appointed - 19 years, Chairman, Vernon Open Space Task Force
• Appointed - 29 years, Chairman, Vernon Hockanum River Linear Park Committee

Campaign Website

vernondemocrats.com

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

Property tax burden on all citizens, but especially on those with fixed or limited income. I plan to re-examine the tax credit in Vernon for seniors, and what can be done for limited income households. A property owner on limited income with a 900 sq ft home should not have to pay $4000 in taxes!

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

Experience - both life experience, and hands-on experience with Vernon's land use commissions. Since 1970, I have been involved in preserving and caring for the outdoor places that make Vernon special, and that are important for the future health of our planet.

List other issues that define your campaign platform

I'm very concerned about TRANSPARENCY and openness in governing, especially at the local level. If our democracy is to survive, voters must be given true facts and information. We much ensure that all voices are heard, and that those voices have the tools for good decision-making.

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

(1) Most recently, guided a 5-year preservation effort to save the Strong Farm pastures. (2) 45 years ago envisioned a linear park along a cleaned-up Hockanum River. Stuck to that vision and made it happen, finally!

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

1. Your credibility and reputation will be your most valuable assets in life.
2. "Before you judge a man (or woman), walk a mile in his shoes".

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

I care about the people in Vernon, and I care about what we do with our precious open spaces and natural resources. For 49 years I have worked to make these places in Vernon the best they can be.