West Hartford Election: Ben Wenograd For West Hartford Council

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Democrat Ben Wenograd, 58, is running for West Hartford Town Council in West Hartford.

Occupation: Field Representative

Family: Married to Shannon. Together have a daughter, Sasha

Experience: West Hartford Town Council

Family in government: Wife Shannon works for State of Connecticut

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is affordability. As a town, we must continue to find efficiencies to control costs in government and the delivery of services. We must protect our AAA bond rating. All of this, without sacrificing our great education system, senior and youth services, social services, free libraries, and and our quality of life. We must encourage and expand diversity in housing types to increase affordability to more families.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My background as a negotiator provides me with the ability to negotiate and find workable solutions to the issues at hand. I am able to look at things through a critical lens but find practical outcomes.

Accomplishments:

I am a life-long activist fighting for what I believe is right. Whether it was negotiating one of the first domestic partnership benefits packings into a contract, defending health clinics against protestors, or standing with striking grocery workers, I have stood strong to defend those who have been marginalized. Working with my colleagues on the Town Council, we addressed the unpredictable realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. We worked hard to bring vaccinations to the homebound, protect our restaurant industry by expanding outdoor dining, making sure food and necessities were in the hands of those in need, and with our Board of Education, keep our kids safe and minimize time away from school. Most recently, and I worked to introduce and pass an ordinance allowing for accessory dwelling units in West Hartford. This ordinance allows for "mother-in-law" apartments and an option for persons to age in place or to earn extra income. It also adds a more affordable option to the mix of housing in West Hartford.

Other issues:

Addressing the effects of climate change at the local, state and national level are critical to maintain any good quality of life. As a town, and it has been important to reduce energy use and find reasonable green energy alternatives and push for the adding of bike lanes.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am proud to serve the residents of West Hartford. My ability to listen, work with others, and and find practical solutions has and will continue to serve me well. Thank you!