Jeremy Geller is running for mayor in Vernon.
VERNON, CT — Jeremy Geller is running for mayor in Vernon.
Candidate's Name:
Jeremy Geller
What office are you seeking? Mayor, Town of Vernon
What town do you live in? Town of Vernon
Occupation: Retired, formerly international education (approx. 30 years) and home inspector (3 years)
Family:I have been married nearly forty years to Manisha Desai, retired Professor of Sociology and Women's Studies at UConn. We have two adult sons, one a high school teacher and one in publishing.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?No
Previous public office, appointive or elective:I was appointed to the Vernon Conservation Commission as an Alternate Commissioner in early 2024 and still serve in that capacity.
Why are you seeking this office?I am running to realize a fuller potential for Vernon-Rockville: to restore services to Rockville General Hospital, restore openness, transparency, and responsiveness in town governance and operations, develop economic opportunity, improve student services and work conditions in the schools, promote fair rent and fair housing, improve infrastructure and traffic control, protect our green spaces and recreational resources, and work for the safety and well-being of all residents.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the erosion of services at Rockville General Hospital which has become little more than an Emergency Room, and the uncertainty of its future. RGH is likely to be sold at auction before Election Day. I'll intercede with the buyer, and if necessary with the state health regulatory agencies and the Office of the Attorney General, to ensure that Vernon-Rockville does not lose this vital resource. It is my highest priority that Vernon-Rockville be a safer place to live and one with more good union jobs through restoration of hospital services.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?I am running against the six-term incumbent mayor. I am pro-environment and pro-union, while the incumbent's record while he was a state senator suggests he is neither. I am for openness and fairness, while the incumbent has stacked the Fair Rent Commission with industry insiders. I am for restoration of hospital services in Vernon-Rockville, while the incumbent praised the private equity takeover of the hospital rather than pushing back at the elimination of services. I will bring fresh eyes and a new voice to town governance.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?I will listen to our communities and govern for the benefit of Vernon-Rockville, not for distant, outside interests. I'll support the hard work of our first-responders and town employees and foster mutual respect. I'll promote economic growth through business revitalization and by developing apprenticeships and job training, and I will encourage civic engagement at all ages.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?The mayor acts as the town’s leader and spokesperson, so it’s essential to have someone in the job who can listen to the Town Council and to the community and then act in the town’s best interests. This requires skills in consensus building, compassion for all perspectives, and the ability to communicate clearly. During my career in education, I built international programs, worked with students and scholars for optimal fit and outcomes, managed staff and budgets, and contributed to a healthy work environment. As a home inspector I used knowledge and compassion to advise clients during one of the most stressful times in their lives toward the best possible conclusion. These are skills that I will bring to Vernon-Rockville as mayor.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?The "Golden Rule": Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It doesn't get better than that.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?I look forward to working together for a brighter future for Vernon-Rockville!