2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Jim Tedford, Town Council

VERNON, CT — Jim Tedford is running for the town council in Vernon.

Candidate's Name:
Jim Tedford

What office are you seeking?
Town Council

What town do you live in?
Vernon, CT

Campaign Website
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Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Retired

Family:
My wife Sook and my three children Andrew, Michelle, and Brianna. I have a new granddaughter named Olivia.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I have been on the Vernon Town Council since 2015

Why are you seeking this office?
I am a lifelong of Vernon - I was raised here and raised my family here. I have enjoyed working for you the last 8 years during my time on Town Council. I will to continue advocating for Vernon's continued growth under our mayor’s strong leadership.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Cost of living is a pressing issue. Vernon has made intelligent investments in general government and education while maintaining high quality of life and services to its residents. With numerous years of demonstrating sound budgeting on the Town Council, my goal is to continue this work moving Vernon forward.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a lifelong resident, I have seen Vernon's many changes to the town it is now. I went through the school system and sent my three children through it. Professionally, I spent 37 years working for the town. Working on and below street level has given me a unique perspective of the infrastructure and the needs associated with it.

This institutional knowledge of the town and my lifelong contacts in the community have granted me the privilege of understanding the needs of our infrastructure and our people. I describe Vernon as not just a town, but one large neighborhood.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Many roads, bridges, and sidewalks have been updated through town over the last several years. I intend to continue advocating for our infrastructure, including education and recreational facilities all while ensuring Vernon residents are not handed an outrageous bill.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
The 10 years I have been on Town Council has included meeting residents and addressing their issues. I believe my time working for the town as an employee gives me the discerning eyes to identify issues most concerned resident may not be aware of. Then advocate for proactive address.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Knowledge shared is knowledge learned.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Throughout the years, I have volunteered countless hours into helping make our community great. From coaching Little League baseball, volunteering in programs such as "Christmas in April" and "Missions of Mercy Dental Clinic", “Vernon Pet Pantry” and advocating for the Saxony Dog Park” and to being elected as Town Council member. It has been my goal to continue my service to the town we call home in my mission to pay it forward for the future.