Vernon Election 2021 Profile: Michael D. Wendus

VERNON, CT — Republican Michael D. Wendus, 59, is running for Town Council in Vernon.

Occupation: Retired From Ct Dot

Family: Wife - Angela Wendus Children - Brian, Rachael, Faith

Experience: Current member of Vernon Town Council since 2017 / President of Santa's House is Coming To Town a 501C3 non profit

Family in government: My wife Angela Wendus works for the Town Of Vernon

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

The Pandemic has been and still is a pressing issue that our leadership has been Nationally Recognized for thinking outside the box protecting you and your family. Working with the HVCC the Town has funded a new Councilor position for 2 years dealing directly with Covid issues for Vernon Residents. Now with the Pandemic in it's second year and a lot of our small business that were forced to close suffering a financial hardship are now open for business but face another issue they can't find people to work. As we navigate through this unprecedented time we need leadership that is proven and tested to guide us through this. With Dan Champagnes team Vernon has made National News on our handling of this Pandemic and We are not out of the woods yet but you can count on us to be on top of things and keep our residents informed.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Proven leadership that plans ahead so we can be fiscally responsible while creating a zero based budget and also working with the BOE creating a Shared Services Committee to combine services saving our taxpayers money. Leading the way on Economic Development and focusing on public safety in general improving our residents quality of life in Vernon. I truly believe we have made a difference for all our residents and not just the no mill rate increase 4 years running ( though that is definitely a good thing) but our dog lovers have a new dog park to enjoy and our seniors have a beautiful new senior center and youth sports received a soon to be open sports complex with new soccer and lacrosse fields.

Accomplishments:

WE have accomplished so many great things over the past few years and we are not done yet. It takes a great team working together and I'm particularly proud of our bi-partisan support on our Town Council with a 95% unanimous vote. I am proud of our improvements to Valley Falls and Henry Park - Legion Field and our Trail Expansion in Rockville as well as the new exercise area at Dart Hill Park. Our new Saxony Dog Park is a hit as is the Gene Pitney Memorial Park. Focusing on public safety is always a top priority with 90% of town roads having been redone - New sidewalks in our school areas for students safety - New solar lighted crosswalk markings along the rail to trail areas - Fully funded Police Force - Replaced Department of Public Works Fleet - Replace Fox Hill Radio Tower - Replaced aging Fire Equipment and updating fire stations - Replacing and upgrading Parks and Rec fleet to better serve the needs of our residents. New LED Street lights save us about $2000, 000 annually and our Solar farm investment saves on town and Board of ED electricity cost. We have a beautiful new turf field and track at RHS as well as New Barns at the Agricultural Program. New roofs at Skinner Road, Northeast, Maple Street, VCMS, and Center Road and part of RHS and expanded parking lots at all schools. I know I'm missing some things but this is a sample of what our great team has done and will continue to do for our residents.

Other issues:

Under Mayor Dan Champagnes leadership your Republican Party has accomplished so much over the years and we are not done yet. Vernon is leading the way in Economic Development - Public Safety - Award winning school systems and is a Nationally Recognized Leader in Covid Response. Proven leadership that works and a great team effort and knowledge to get it done lets keep Vernon/Rockville moving forward.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

AS a life long resident of Vernon/Rockville Class of 1980 RHS and proud family roots of my Polish ancestors settling down in Rockville on Village St some 60 plus years ago I have seen my beloved town go through it's ups and downs. When Mayor Dan Champagne first took office some 8 years ago I called him to ask if I could bring our beloved Santa Hose back to Rockville. Now 8 years later I'd like to think that our Santa House has started revitalizing the holiday spirit in Downtown Rockville bringing thousands of people to Downtown Rockville for the Holidays to see Santa and Mrs. Clause every year. Now Central Park is beautifully lit up with Holiday Spirit and lights during the holiday season with happy families from all over CT and other States. This peaked my interest to get more involved in my town and I'm so glad I did cause the transformation in my beloved Town is amazing and I'm proud to be a part of it. I truly believe if we stay the course the best is yet to come and

I'd love to be a part of it.