2025 Patch Profile: Deb Polun, West Hartford Town Council

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Deb Polun is running for the West Hartford Town Council as a Democrat.

The following is Deb Polun's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Deb Polun

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? West Hartford

Campaign Website: https://www.debforwesthartford.com

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Chief strategy officer - 2 years

Family: Married to Ian, a school principal, for 30 years. Two grown children - Jordan (age 27) and Megan (age 24).

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes: West Hartford Board of Education (2017-22), West Hartford Town Council (2022-present).

Why are you seeking this office?

Serving on the West Hartford Town Council and the Board of Education before that has been a true honor.

I love West Hartford, and I want to help ensure a successful West Hartford into the future.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The most pressing issues for West Hartford residents are the economy and costs of living.

We must consider this as we make decisions at the Town Council table that have a real impact on people’s day-to-day lives.

We must carefully balance our desire to implement/maintain robust programs and services with the fiscal reality that virtually all of our revenue comes from our residents in the form of property taxes.

I will continue my commitment to fiscal responsibility, including examining both sides of the budget equation.

On the revenue side, we aim to bring in more funds from people who live outside of West Hartford through shifts in state funds, as well as revenue from cannabis and traffic cameras.

On the spending side, I will continue to examine every line item to ensure that we are exercising efficiency and the best use of funds.

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

I am proud to bring 26 years of experience in public policy to my role.

I have worked both in state government and nonprofits on issues that support better health and quality of life for residents of Connecticut, such as access to health care, affordable, nutritious foods, and the ability to age in place.

This work has required researching policies in other states, listening to and learning from residents, and working with others to achieve pragmatic solutions.

I also bring my own experience as a 26-year resident of the town, who raised her children here. My parents also live in town.

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

My top priorities if re-elected are:

- Helping constituents navigate our town government/helping to resolve issues when needed.

- Protecting and growing the services provided to our residents, including those provided through our libraries, parks, public safety, public works, and schools.

- Continuing our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

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

My years of experience in public service have prepared me to continue on the Town Council.

I served for five years on the Board of Education, including serving as chair during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the past three years, I have served on the Town Council.

These roles require a commitment to listening, learning, showing up, and working collaboratively on behalf of the town for its best today and tomorrow.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Go outside. Being outside (even in terrible weather) is a great way to reset and refresh.

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

I believe strongly in civic engagement, inclusive, open processes, and working collaboratively.

I like to learn a lot about an issue before moving forward, including multiple perspectives.

And I am a pragmatic problem-solver. I want to hear from you with your ideas.