2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Jon Graney, Town Council, Tolland

TOLLAND, CT — Jon Graney is running for a council seat in Tolland.

Candidate's Name:

Jon Graney

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

What town do you live in?

Tolland

Campaign Website

https://tollanddemocrats.org/

Party Affiliation:

Unaffiliated

Occupation:

Communications, Public Relations, Web and Graphic Design

Family:

My wife, Amy, and I have two children, Nathan and Matthew, as well as two dogs.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I am currently on the Tolland Town Council. I was unanimously appointed in July 2025 to fill a vacancy.

Why are you seeking this office?

I became more interested in local politics over the past few years and became a vocal advocate for Tolland’s public schools. Since being appointed, I’ve enjoyed public service and I hope to continue to give back to a community that has provided my family so much.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

Balancing growth and sustaining a world-class school system while minimizing taxes. Tolland is an attractive community to families. We offer a rural setting that has convenient access for commuters, and an outstanding school system in which students thrive. But providing world-class education and municipal services comes at an ever-increasing cost. Our homeowners cannot shoulder that burden alone, especially as inflation impacts their daily lives. I plan to work with my fellow Councilors to ensure the money we spend provides direct value to our residents, while seeking ways to encourage business growth and revenue without impacting Tolland’s rural charm.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have an extensive background in communications and public relations. I know how to effectively communicate with people and listen to their concerns before making informed decisions. I respect that we don’t always see eye-to-eye, and when we take time to understand the opposing viewpoint, we stand a better chance of finding common ground in the best interest of those we serve.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Public safety is critical. I want to make sure that the money we spend on public safety translates into visible results. I would like to see student resource officers, social workers and full-time nursing coverage in all our schools. I pushed for Tolland to receive crime and police data from the State Police and resident state troopers, and we are now receiving data that will help us make informed data-based decisions on how best to keep Tolland a safe, thriving community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am a former journalist who covered local politics for several years, so I’m already familiar with town government and many of the issues that face municipalities and school districts.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. My parents instilled this in me at a young age, and I have tried to lead by example for my children, my clients and my community.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love Tolland. I’ve been here since 2010, and I have enjoyed the past 15 years. This community has enriched my family, and I plan to work hard to keep taxes low, our schools strong, and our community safe.