Vernon Election 2023: Laurie Abernathy, Town Council

VERNON, CT — Laurie Abernathy is running for a seat on the Vernon Town Council in the November election.

Name

Laurie Abernathy

How old will you be as of Election Day?

57

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

https://vernondemocrats.org/ou...

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.

2nd Congressional District

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrats

Education.

B.A. Women's Health Education

What is your occupation?

12 years as a Life & Mentor Coach

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

I have 3 sons, my older children Kenneth 34 , Kasseem 29, redide in Massachusetts. My youngest Elyjah 17 lives here in Vermon and attends Rockville High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not at this time.

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

No I have not.

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 have always been a helper, and I am an empath and I am sensitive to peoples pain and needs. I moved to Vernon in the fall of 2020.It took a while to get into the community, but when I did, I was able to meet some great people with real issue's and concerns. Access , navigation to resources and affordable housing are the main topics. They say that their concerns and issues have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody listens to them. They don't know what to do next. Being on the Town Council will allow me to be their voice and share their issues and concerns to the people that can create a solution.

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

Safe and affordable housing and I intend to continue " the housing conversation " with state representative Kevin Brown and other housing advocates to collaborate with local agencies, start the process of resolving the issue.

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

I don't there is much of a difference between myself and the other candidates for Town Council. We all feel/ believe that the people are above politics and that they matter. We stand united to make Vernon the best place to live. The only difference I can determine is that I am fairlt new to the area.

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

N/A

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

Teen after-school activities. RHS has amazing clubs and sports,however if your not a student that doesn't participate in the school activities, there is nothing for them to keep themselves occupied. We all know that an idle mind is the devil's playground. Our teens need to be engaged in something else other than a video games and social media.

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

I am the Owner & President of The Soul Provider, life coaching services. I have a B.A. in Women's Health Education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. I am a Certified Mindfullness Practicioner ,I have been Honored by the state of Massachusetts and the City of Worcester for my work in the community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

No best advice, but two quotes have changed my life: " When people show who they are, believe them" -Maya Angelou and " it's a temporary situation, not your final destination " - unknown

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

I am a community advocate and I stand with the people.