Monroe resident Jerry Stevens tells Patch why he should be elected as first selectman.
MONROE, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Monroe and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.
Monroe Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.
Democrat Jerry Stevens, 66, is running for election as Monroe first selectman.
Find out what's happening in Monroewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.
Wife Kathy. Adult daughter, adult son and four granddaughters.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
N/A
Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?
Appointed to Monroe Economic Commission - 2014. Elected to the Monroe Board of Education - 2015 - present.
Why are you seeking this office?
Monroe is a great town, it is my town, I have lived here my whole life. I have been immersed in our government since I was a child with the annual budget referendum. I saw true Democracy at work as community members made their wishes known by casting a vote. We need to invite and encourage our present community to actively participate in our local government. As a retired teacher, I am a critical thinker, problem-solver, innovator and a life-long learner. I want to bring about the change that Monroe needs as we move toward our future. Monroe needs a responsive First Selectman willing to work collaboratively with residents to address the challenges Monroe is experiencing now. Our residents need to be heard. They need to be part of the discission process to move Monroe forward. I would welcome Community input, open forums with focus groups and stakeholders to understand our concerns and needs. This is the change that Monroe needs to seize its future.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Taxes, I plan to have an open, transparent government as we deliver fiscally responsible taxes for our residents.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My opponent has indicated he will continue in the same direction as our current administration. My vision for Monroe revolves around the changes our residents have asked for.
RESPONSIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT• Open Door Policy; Your Concerns Matter• Direct access to First Selectman at Community Meetings • On-going Communication via Phone Calls, Websites, Texts/Email, & Social Media
TAXES• Active Community Budget Input• Access State, Federal, and Private Grants• Fiscally Responsible to Reduce Tax Burden• Increasing the Grand List• Impact of Roads, Town Properties and Capital Projects
BUSINESS-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT• Cultivate Business Friendly Environment • Audit/Revise Land-Use Office Procedures• Gather Feedback and Analyze for Improvements• Evaluate/Revise Office of Economic Development
EDUCATION• Meet with School Administration for Fiscal Updates • Attend Board of Education Budget Meetings• Operational/Financial Synergy between Town & Board of Ed
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I want to engage residents and facilitate community conversations to determine the town's future needs and incorporate their input in our strategic plan. I look forward to working collaboratively as we continue to move Monroe into the future.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have successfully served the town of Monroe for 34 years as a Technology Education teacher, with the following recognitions: In 2002, My Lab received the CT Technology Education Program of the Year Award. In 2006, I was proud to be named the Monroe Teacher of the Year where I was honored in Hartford. In 2007, I was awarded the CT Technology Education Teacher of the Year Award where I was recognized Internationally in Ohio. While teaching, I also served on many State and Local Committees. I was on Monroe’s STEM Committee, The State STEM Committee, The State STEM/Unified Arts Committee.
I also served on the CT Technology Education Association for 30 years, serving my last 10 years as the President and co-authoring the State Standards. Since my retirement, I have owned and operated my business, Stevens Resources LLC for the past 10 years. I presently serve on the Monroe Board of Education.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Keep an open mind and follow your heart.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I invite voters to visit my website: www.jerrystevensformonroe.com for additional information