Vernon Election 2023: Phyllis Winkler​, Town Council

VERNON, CT — Phyllis Winkler is running for a Town Council seat in Vernon.

Name

Phyllis Winkler

How old will you be as of Election Day?

71

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

https://vernondemocrats.org

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.

Democrat

Education.

Masters in Education ECSU, BA in Child Development and Family Relations UConn

What is your occupation?

Retired teacher/Lake Street School and Northeast School (24 years)

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

My husband, Michael Winkler, and I have two adult daughters who attended Vernon Public Schools K-12. Melanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Windsor. Joanna serves as the Executive Director of North Central Conservation District, located in Vernon. Michael is a former Town Councilor and retired State Representative.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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?

Vernon is a great place to live and we can make it even better by working together as a community. I know this town and the great people and resources we have. I want to have greater transparency in our government, and improve the quality of business development, transportation, support for our town and school employees, and promotion of our small businesses.

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

I believe it’s our responsibility as a government, to do a better job at meeting the diverse needs of our community - economic, recreational, and social, and other needs expressed by our citizens.

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

My experiences as a local bank employee and teacher, as well as numerous volunteer positions, I have heard about the unmet needs and disappointments with local government. I share values with Democratic candidates and share our concerns about some very far ultra-Maga opposition candidates. I will protect our human rights without restricting the legal rights of others. These hard right candidates could restrict students’ access to books, narrow the school curricula to meet their political beliefs, and further the secrecy and lack of transparency at Town Hall.

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

Seven of the Republican candidates are incumbents. The current members have failed the community through their lack of transparency and inclusion in decision making. They’ve failed to attract the kinds of businesses we need so that we end up with too many of the same stores. They have failed in addressing the needs of our diverse population and in funding the Social Service agencies to meet the needs of the less advantaged, which ultimately affects us all. They have failed us in seeking better transportation, which was a huge need identified in the assessment in local focus groups by The Greater Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. They have failed to bring unity and they promote divisiveness.

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

Our citizens have identified transportation, communication, smart development, and transparency as issues. I’d like to also resolve concerns with town and school employees. It’s telling that the Vernon Police Department has voted “no confidence” in our mayor, especially since he’s a former colleague. I’d affordably increase what activities Park and Recreation offers for our non-athletic children.

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

I have held effective and collaborative leadership positions as the president of the Vernon Education Association. I’ve worked with many groups of people with different views as a volunteer with Arts Center East, Elks, Lions, 100 Women Who Care, Become Part of the Solution and others to come to consensus and accomplish goals.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen to all views and then lead and act in ways that meet the needs expressed.

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

I am accessible and an open listener. I believe in you and this town.