Vernon Election 2021 Profile: Jesse Schoolnik For Mayor

VERNON, CT — Democrat Jesse Schoolnik, 40, is running for Mayor in Vernon.

Occupation: Regulatory Affairs Manager

Family:Marie DeNoia, 37, Fiancé. Our wedding will be on April 9, 2022.

Experience: Member, Planning & Zoning Commission; Vice Chair, Vernon Democratic Town Committee; Executive Board Member, Vernon-Rockville Lions Club; President, and Whitney Crossing Homeowners Association

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing our town is economic development. Vernon is full of potential and opportunity, but we need to attract the unique businesses that will help our community thrive. So many people go to Manchester or South Windsor to shop, eat or go to a bar/brewery – but it doesn’t have to be that way. We need to make Vernon a destination for people from other towns to come spend their time and their money. Vernon is a great place to live, and but I know it can be even better.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

The biggest difference is that I am not elected to another position. My opponent is currently also our State Senator, where he represents 12 towns in addition to Vernon. That leads to dueling constituencies, conflicts of interest and the inability to do two jobs at the same time when duties overlap.



As mayor, I would not be encumbered by a second elected position. I will have a singular focus on Vernon. I have a Master of Public Administration, with a focus in Government Management, and as well as 16 years of bipartisan experience working in the political arena. This makes me uniquely qualified for this position and will allow me to work across the aisle to make sure everyone in town is properly represented.

Accomplishments:

I have a track record of successfully advocating for important causes. At my previous job, I helped secure $12 million for nuclear medicine research, which will ultimately save lives. I’ve advocated for both prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s awareness, which helped educate the public on these crucial issues.



Throughout my career, I have worked with both Democrats and Republicans to achieve the best possible results, in both the government and private organizations. I know that a good idea is a good idea, regardless from where it comes from. Inclusivity, no matter someone’s political affiliation, is how we ultimately succeed.



I have seen the process firsthand at for the local and national level. I have witnessed the mistakes other have made, which will help me avoid similar pitfalls in the future.



Additionally, over the last six years, and I have helped successfully lead the Vernon Democratic Town Committee and have volunteered with multiple organizations within our community.

Other issues:

The issues that define my campaign are: making sure our mayor has a singular focus on Vernon, economic development regarding stores, restaurants and bars/breweries, defending your right to vote, assisting anyone dealing with crumbling foundations, fighting for the rights of our seniors, bringing bipartisanship back to Vernon, and and working with the Board of Education to continue to strengthen our schools.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

When I look at Vernon, I see nothing but opportunity. The opportunity to bring in new families and businesses, while supporting the vibrant community that I’ve happily chosen to call home. The opportunity to make Vernon a destination for residents of surrounding towns to come spend their time and spend their money. There is so much to love about our town, but I strongly believe that a new voice is needed in town hall to help Vernon reach its full potential.



If this last year has taught us anything, it is that there are some issues that transcend politics. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Democrat, a Republican or somewhere in between. We are always stronger together than we are divided. Bipartisanship is the key to Vernon’s success and I am proud to have been praised for my work in Vernon by members of both the Democratic and Republican Town Committees.



In many ways, and my entire life has been leading me to this moment. From my leadership positions as a young man at Eastern Connecticut State University to my over a decade of government affairs experience to my graduate degree in Public Administration and to my volunteer work here in town. Each of these steps has prepared me to take on this immense responsibility and I humbly ask for your support and vote this November.