Vernon Candidate Profile 2019: Julia Anderson, 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.

Julia Anderson is running for Town Council as a Democrat.

Occupation:

University of Connecticut Rainbow Center (an LGBTQ Resource Center): Center Coordinator – May 2019-present (5 months); Program Coordinator – May 2018-May 2019 (1 year); Graduate Assistant - August 2016-May 2018 (2 years, 1 month)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:
N/A

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

I think the most pressing issue in town is safety. Safety for all will be my priority, as the people of Vernon deserve to know that they are safe in town. I support the measures for safety that our slate and Claire Janowski have proposed, including support for those with Crumbling Foundations as they make their houses safer and road improvements. Beyond this, I will advocate for all Vernon residents in Town Council meetings, especially renters. In the split between renters and owners in town, 47% of the people in town rent (according to the 2018 American Communities Survey). I plan to advocate for their safety, as I am a renter myself. With safety comes retention, a stronger economy, and more jobs in town - ideas that I think all residents will support!

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

One of the forefront things people seem to note is my age. While campaigning, I have heard, "and how old are you?" several times. I believe that having a Town Council that represents a wide range of ages, identities and demographics an asset to all, and I hope to play a part in that. I have critical experience with digital communication and social networking, and I hope to use my skills to involve more residents in local government. I hope to hear the voices of our citizens who have often been unheard.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Sustainability - I plan to support initiatives that can reasonably help Vernon move toward sustainability. Our town deserves the best for its citizens – both short- and long-term, and sustainable practices pave that path.

Community Engagement - I hope to increase citizen engagement in local government, in town events, in school programs, and more. The more that this town engages together, the more we will be able to support one another and improve our community.

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

In my work at the University of Connecticut Rainbow Center, I have drafted and edited policy, advocated on behalf of the students, faculty, and staff I serve, and represent the interests of our community in committees. When it comes to representing Vernon’s residents, I will bring this experience to the job. I have served on social media campaigns that made millions of impressions in their first year, which will help me use new platforms to engage our residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Even if nobody's watching, even if it's unpopular, even if it's tough - do the right thing.

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

I welcome your questions, thoughts, and concerns. Please contact me at juliatowncouncil@gmail.com with anything you'd like me to know!