Vernon Candidate Profile 2019: Latasha Hyatt, School Board

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.

Latasha Hyatt is running for Board of Education as a Democrat.

Occupation

Strategic Sourcing Manager, Pratt & Whitney
Over 10 years experience in Supply Chain Management, primarily automotive related

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

NA

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

Our single most issue is that we are a hidden gem. Vernon is a great town to live in but many people don't know. I moved to Connecticut 3 years ago and everyone's advice was to move to West Hartford and Glastonbury. Sadly, most people new to Connecticut will tell you the same is true today and it shouldn't be the case. We don't seem to have enough advocates and/or people that know how great of a town that we have. As a Board member I will work to continue improving Vernon Public Schools while also helping build our brand. Vernon is the only town I have lived in since moving to CT and it was the best decision.

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

There are a few that come to mind. I am a proud African American woman born and raised in the Detroit, MI. Yes you read that correctly, the city of Motown...The Motor City! Some of the candidates have been in Vernon for 20+ years, My daughter and I moved here 3 years ago. Kylah was going to 5th grade. That was a huge transition, some of the candidates can't speak to that. In addition, I work in corporate America negotiating long term agreements with suppliers on Pratt & Whitney's behalf. For that reason I am very comfortable being responsible large sums of money (i.e. over >$500M), understand the importance of win-win contracts, and enforcing terms and conditions.

List other issues that define your campaign platform

I love kids, it's as simple as that for me. My daughter will be entering HS next year. If I am granted a seat at the table you can rest assured our kids will come first!

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

I have over 10 years experience in corporate America, 2 degrees, well travelled, and a social butterfly 13 year old that means the world to me. Along the way I have encountered many many many roadblocks where most would have given up; Yet here I am. I can handle a seat and I want to propel us to the next level.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Education is Power! Education and hard-work afforded me a much different life than my parents. A quality education is priceless. We can take many things for granted or undervalue them, education is not one in my opinion.

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

I will be voting for the entire Democratic team and hope you will as well. We have so many great things that we want the opportunity to do.