Vernon Election: Ann Letendre For Vernon Town Council

VERNON, CT — Democrat Ann Letendre, 82, is running for Vernon Town Council.

Occupation: Retired, United Technologies Research Center

Family: Husband Robert of 58 years; four daughters, ten grandchildren; one great grand-daughter

Experience: Town Council, four previous elected terms, and

Family in government: No

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

Right now, the most pressing issue is the impact of Covid on our kids. Their mental health is suffering - as well as their schoolwork. Will work to expand counseling services, additional tutoring, etc. ... Secondly, property values in Vernon are lower than abutting towns. Will work to make Vernon attractive to young families - implement zoning design standards; keep taxes down; expand recreation, and open space and trails networks.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Age and experience: 48 years of continuous service on land use commissions, working to make Vernon a desirable, attractive place to live. I care about Vernon, and it's people and its lands.

Accomplishments:

MBA, 30 years professional career, and ending in a position at the head of an organization about the same size as the Town of Vernon. Four previous terms on Town Council. Obtained and managed 24 grants totaling $1.1M for trails and watershed protection in Vernon.

Other issues:

- Greater transparency, more citizen input into decision-making - Implement recommendations in the Plan of Conservation & Development; enhance the visuals within the Town; rescind the ordinance that enables the Town to exempt itself from Zoning regulations - Focus on climate change resiliency - plan for major flooding, fires; - Pass a resolution as an inclusive community, and welcoming diversity; setup a committee that can take specific actions -

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I care about the Town - its government, its people and its land. I've worked hard to protect and preserve Vernon's open spaces, and to create places for people to enjoy the outdoors - to exercise, relax, and raise their spirits.