Vernon Candidate Profile 2019: Polly Schaefer, 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.

Pauline (Polly) Schaefer is running for Town Council as a Democrat.

Occupation

Retired former Para Professional at Timothy Edwards, South Windsor.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

• Vernon Town Council 18 years
• Vernon Board of Education 12 years 9 months
• PMBC (Permanent Municipal Building Committee)
• Traffic Authority
• Board of Assessment Appeals
• Senior Center Advisory Board

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

The increase of the mill rate in the future because of needed repairs to roads and the upgrades to the sewer dept. plant. Now with the increase cost of the work the town is having to pay more than if it had been done on going bases over the years. The cost of the sewer plant has come in lower then expected and that the town does not spend the $12 Million on adding additional items.

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

18 years of experience on the town council and life experience with raising a family in Vernon. Solving issues in our town and being part of solution in moving Vernon forward.

List other issues that define your campaign platform

Having open lines of communications between the mayor's office, town council and the residents of Vernon. Not knowing what is happening does not lend itself to open government and smooth problem solving. Everyone should have a voice at the table to discuss issues in Vernon

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

Helping the underserved Veterans in Vernon with housing and the help they needed at Phelps Village at 1 Ellington Ave. 11 years with the Vernon Summers Day Carnival which has raised thousands of dollar for local charities in Vernon. Toys for Tykes volunteer at Vernon Fire Dept. for almost 50 years. Exchange Club of Rockville, Kids Safe and Jerry Bundy Car Show for Kids Safe.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

If you make a promise to get an answer for a voter, that you follow through and get the answers the voter needed. Respect the voter always.

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

I have always listened to voters concerns and brought their concerns before the town council and board of education over the years. I will continue to listen and help the town of Vernon be the best it can be.