Vernon Election 2023: John B. O’Connell, Town Council

VERNON, CT — John B. O'Connell is running for the Vernon Town Council in the 2023 election.

Name

John B. O'Connell

How old will you be as of Election Day?

53

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

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.

B.A. from Holy Cross, JD from Quinnipiac School of Law

What is your occupation?

Court Official

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

Wife: Erika Brookman, Daughters: Angie O’Connell and Brigid O’Connell

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife and I both worn for the State of Connecticut

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

Yes currently on the Vernon Town Council since 2021

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?

To further serve my community and the people of Vernon. I enjoy working with Mayor Champagne to make Vernon the great town that it is for its citizens, businesses and visitors.

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

Quality of life and the cost of living. I will continue to work with the mayor and my colleagues to support our police department and provide efficient services for the people of Vernon while keeping taxes as low as possible.

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

Experience and proven results. The mayor and our majority have improved our schools, kept our streets safe, attracted new businesses, opened new athletic fields, initiated a new pool for Henry Park, helped the senior center flourish and christened a new dog park. Unlike our opponents, we have a demonstrable record of achievement.

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

I am an incumbent

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

Taxes, safety, economic development

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

Years long involvement in the town and town politics, my demonstrated record over the past two years

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never give up and always be yourself.

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

I’ve enjoyed serving in public office and I hope to continue to do so.