Vernon Election 2023: Jim Tedford, Town Council

VERNON, CT — Jim Tedford is running for a Vernon Town Council seat in the 2023 election.

Name

Jim Tedford

How old will you be as of Election Day?

63

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.facebook.com/Verno...

What city or town do you live in?

Vernon

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Proud graduate of Rockville High School, attended CCSU

What is your occupation?

Retired after 37 years as a Vernon Public Works employee

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My wife Sook and my three children Andrew, Michelle, and Brianna

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, I have been on the Vernon Town Council since 2015

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am a lifelong resident of Vernon - I was raised here and raised my family here. I have enjoyed working for you the last 8 years during my time on Town Council. I will to continue advocating for Vernon's continued growth under our Mayor's strong leadership.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Cost of living. Vernon has not raised taxes while maintaining high quality of life and services to its residents. With 8 years of demonstrating sound budgeting on the Town Council, my goal is continue this work.

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

As a lifelong resident, I have seen Vernon's many changes to the great town it is now. Personally, I went through the school system and sent my three children through it. Professionally, I spent 37 years working for the town. Working on and below street level has given me a unique perspective.

This institutional knowledge of the town and my years of befriending the community has granted me the privilege of understanding the needs of our infrastructure and our people.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Not applicable

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Roads, bridges, and sidewalks have been updated through town across the last several years. I intend to continue building our infrastructure while ensuring Vernon residents are not handed an outrageous bill.

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

The 8 years I have been on Town Council has included meeting residents and addressing their issues. I believe my time working for the town as an employee gives me the eyes to see issues most concerned resident may not be aware of.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Knowledge shared is knowledge learned.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Throughout the years, I have volunteered countless hours into helping make our community great. From coaching Little League baseball, volunteering in programs such as "Christmas in April" and "Missions of Mercy Dental Clinic", to being elected as Town Council member. It has been my goal to continue my service to the town we call home in my bid to pay it forward.