Vernon Dems Endorse Janowski Mayoral Run

VERNON, CT — Local Democrats on Wednesday officially endorsed the mayoral run of former Town Council and State House of Representatives member Claire Janowski.

Here is a news release furnished by Janowski's campaign:

Former state representative and mayoral candidate Claire Janowski received the unanimous endorsement at the democratic convention yesterday. Town committee chairwoman, Elizabeth Daly and State Representative Mike Winkler applauded Janowski’s record of results in delivering millions of dollars in municipal aid and special projects funding to Vernon including the Rockville Library and Vernon Historical Society additions, Mills Rehab, school construction, bridges, roads and sidewalks. Councilors Tom DiDio and Polly Schaefer also praised Janowski for her dedication to public service indicating they look forward to her leadership as Mayor.

In thanking the crowd Janowski said, “When I first announced my candidacy, I did not know who my opponent would be, and I still don’t. It did not matter to me because my decision was based on my love for our town and what I can do to make it better. I hold no other competing or conflicting positions, will give the Mayoral seat my full attention and put the needs of our residents first.”

In her acceptance speech, Janowski proposed three things she would do immediately as Mayor.

First, Janowski said “As mayor, I will request a new state traffic study to initiate the process for road safety improvements on Rt. 83 & Dart Hill Road. Janowski says residents have complained to her of worsening traffic issues and safety hazards to pedestrians and drivers due to increased activity in the area. Janowski believes the proliferation of new curb cuts on Rt. 83 and increased density warrant a fresh look to make sure resident concerns are addressed and safety needs are met.

Second, Janowski said, “As mayor, I will give the Crumbling Foundation Crisis local priority & establish a “Crumbling Foundation Outreach Division” to support and help residents through the process and the reconstruction.” She said this is vital because too many people are walking away from their homes due to costly repairs or potentially unsafe structures and it is important for the town to be pro-active and offer help and incentives before they walk away and cause huge tax revenue losses in the grand list.

Third, Janowski said, “As mayor, I will lead in actively promoting our town and create incentives for business and economic growth.” She said too many businesses are leaving town with little or no intervention to keep them here, citing two recent businesses that left Vernon to re-open in neighboring towns that she spoke with who indicated there was no contact or help from the town before they left. She also spoke with a new small business that just moved to Vernon that did so by “worth of mouth” from another merchant.

“We need to do more and work pro-actively to keep what we have and bring in what we need, and I will do that, “Janowski said.

Janowski served as Vernon's State Representative from 2001 to 2017. In addition to representing her Vernon constituency, she chaired the Executive & Legislative Nominations Committee and served on numerous legislative committees.