Vernon Candidate Profile 2019: Jesse Schoolnik, Town Council

VERNON, CT — Vernon's election season is at its peak, 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.

Jesse Schoolnik is running for Town Council as a Democrat.

Occupation:

Regulatory Affairs Manager, UnitedHealthcare (four years); previously, over a decade of working in the political arena and on grassroots advocacy issues.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Member, Vernon Planning & Zoning Commission

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is the partisan divide we see in town hall. Our government can accomplish the most when elected officials work together to do what is best for their constituents. If elected, I will reach across the aisle because a good idea is a good idea, no matter where it comes from. When the town council works as a team, it's able to better address the issues facing Vernon.

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

I not only have experience working in politics, but will bring a fresh perspective to town council. Many seem to be happy when things just don't get worse, but I'll fight to make sure they get better.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Bipartisanship, revitalizing down town Rockville, bringing in new businesses while supporting our existing ones, make Vernon a destination for people from neighboring towns to spend their day and spend their money.

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

As a former Capitol Hill staffer, I have first hand experience on how to successfully run a government as well as what to avoid. Through my advocacy work, I successfully secured millions of dollars that were desperately need for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research. I know how the process works and have navigated it in the past with extremely positive results. Now I want to take that experience and work hard for Vernon.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

To fight for the causes I believe in. It's easy to sit back and let someone else deal with a problem, but someone needs to work for change. If not me, who? If not now, when?

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

I want nothing more than to represent the people of Vernon-Rockville. Campaigning has allowed me to meet so many people in town and to listen to their stories. I promise to put aside any partisan politics and work for the people of Vernon. I'd be honored to serve on town council and I look forward to that opportunity.