2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Phyllis Winkler, Town Council, Vernon

VERNON, CT — Phyllis Winkler is running for a council seat in Vernon.

Candidate's Name:

Phyllis Winkler

What office are you seeking?
Town Council

What town do you live in?
Vernon

Campaign Website
http://www.vernondemocrats.org

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
retired teacher of 24 years

Family:
Michael Winkler, spouse, retired State Representative. Melanie Winkler, daughter, graduate of Vernon Public Schools, mental health counselor. Joanna Shapiro, daughter, graduate of Vernon Public Schools, Executive Director of North Central Conservation District

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Currently elected to Vernon Town Council, first term

Why are you seeking this office?
My first term of office has helped me better understand the workings of the town government and the needs of the citizens in town. I'd like to use that knowledge and my past experience as a local teacher and current volunteer in several local service organizations to better meet the needs of the community and to offer more transparency and responsiveness.
Government best functions when it reflects the community it serves on its boards and commissions, and actively solicits input from all residents. It is there to provide services for the greater good, but also to serve all age groups. Once elected, elected officials should set aside partisan politics and work together to make the community good the main focus.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
At this time, affordability of basic living expenses is a prime issue. Affordability requires higher wages and lower costs. Working with CT Transit to increase their service in town would give people lower cost access to jobs. Working with the State of CT to keep our hospital in town could add good paying jobs and lower costs to families who might have to travel to area hospitals. The loss of Federal funding for school lunches has created an economic burden for many families and I would look into solutions to that problem. Attracting a greater variety of businesses in town would bring a diversity of jobs and offer residents more choices in supporting local businesses. I'd look at the impact of reducing taxes for lower income elderly to help them remain in their homes.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe that once elected, partisan politics should not rule our decision making. I look to have open discussions on issues facing us. Discussion and finding common ground, new ideas, and understanding the perspectives of others, including residents, can bring about decisions that best meet the needs of our townspeople.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Re-opening our teen center is an important issue. Afterschool activities are not accessible to all students. A teen center would address social isolation (especially after the affects of the Covid shutdown), provide a quiet place for homework and tutoring, non-team sports activities, and more. I'd also like to give our working senior citizens access to our senior center by increasing night and weekend hours.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My experiences as a local teacher and as an active volunteer and leader in many community organizations have given me to opportunity to work towards a better town. I was on the planning committee that established the Vernon Greater Together Community Fund, which provides funding for many of our non-profits. Working with others I help organize Become Part of the Solution's Walk or Run for recovery every year. This year my work led to adding a study for a teen center to the town budget. I helped lead the organizing for Day in the Park. At Arts Center East I help bring visual art, music, plays, and more to our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Don't judge others because you don't know their history or circumstances.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have your interests in my heart and I'm open to conversations and suggestions.