Monroe Patch Candidate Profile: Jason Maur For Town Council

MONROE, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name: Jason Maur

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? Monroe

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: General Counsel - 15 Years

Family: Yes. Married to my wonderful wife Vicky. We have twins, Alex and Leah.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? None

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes. I presently serve on the Town Council and am running for my 5th term. Prior to that I served as an appointment to the Monroe Commission on Aging, where I served as the vice-chair.

Why are you seeking this office? Having grown up here in Monroe, CT, I was provided with many opportunities: opportunities I want to be available to all people who are able to live here at any point in their lives. Along with the loving support of my family and my Monroe education and upbringing, I was able to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout; attend the top research university in the country, Johns Hopkins University, where I double majored in Political Science and Psychology, with a minor in Theater Arts; gain employment with Senator Dodd, for whom I served on his team for the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; attend Quinnipiac University School of Law, where my studies included Education Law, Contract Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Negotiations, among other topics; achieve my lifelong goal of becoming an Attorney, sworn into the CT State Bar November 1, 2010; and, most importantly, return to serve my hometown as a concerned citizen who wants to give back to the community that gave so much to me.

As a lifelong resident of Monroe, I love this town. I want to see it grow and flourish. I once served as the Student Representative to the Monroe Board of Education. I served the community for 6 years on the Monroe Commission on Aging, where I acted as the vice chair of the committee. Since then I have been serving the Town on Town Council. I think we live in a wonderful town, with lots to offer. I would like to help make it even better. I don't just want to continue to serve this community, I want to help it reach greater heights. I have been a part of Monroe's past and have learned from it. I am part of Monroe's present and proudly serve it. I have a vision for Monroe's future, so let's be a part of it together.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Taxes. It has been and will continue to be taxes. But it is a two-part statement. 1) Our taxes are too high, 2) for what we get. For part 1, I go through our budget annually in great detail. I make motions each year to try to cut wasteful spending wherever I see it. Further, we need to find smart ways to increase our Grand List. 2) There is no reason we can't offer more services for what we pay in taxes. Some examples of what I have tried to implement include trash pick-up, free swimming at the Masuk pool for Monroe Residents, and better utilization of our amazing parks for more free events like the Monroe Night Out.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? As someone who grew up in Monroe and lived here my entire life I have seen the town grow and develop. I have seen what works and what doesn't. I am not afraid to speak up for my constituents and make sure I represent ALL Monroe residents. I believe in working together, with all Councilmembers, to better Monroe.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? Blight. We have been working on a new ordinance for too long. It is time to stop kicking the can down the road and implement change. Also, smart development. Bringing businesses to Monroe is one thing, but we need to bring the right businesses for our community that actually contribute to the tax base.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? In addition to my 8 years of experience on Council, I have served the Town in other capacities. Further, as a Monroe Eagle Scout, I worked to help serve our Town. I am a family oriented, home-grown candidate that cares deeply for our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? I have always been a creative person. Fortunately, I had an amazing Monroe education filled with teachers who helped me to foster and harness my creativity and give me the confidence to follow my ambitions, advising me that I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I think my record speaks for itself. I am willing to work with all of my fellow council members and other town officials, regardless of their political affiliation, to help make Monroe the best it can be. I am part of Monroe's present and proudly serve it. I have a vision for Monroe's future, so let's be a part of it together. Vote Jason Maur for Town Council.