We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running for election on Nov. 7, 2017.

Compiled by Ronni Newton

We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to “Meet the Candidate” – designed to help them get to know the candidates running for office in West Hartford’s Nov. 7, 2017, municipal election.

Identical questionnaires have been sent to all major party candidates, and each profile received has been submitted directly to We-Ha.com by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign management. The responses have not been edited but have been formatted to match our publication style. Questions left blank have been deleted.

As profiles are received, they will be published on We-Ha.com under the “Government” tab. We-Ha.com is not making endorsements of any political candidates but we are publishing this information in order to assist West Hartford voters in being informed and prepared when they go to the polls on Nov. 7.

If you are a candidate and wish to submit a profile, please return it by email to Ronni Newton at [email protected] by Oct. 18.

Name: Julie Krug

Age: 43

Party, position seeking: Republican, Town Council

Family information: Wife, aunt, sister, sister-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, and friend. You’ve likely seen my husband, Jon Kaplan (also grew up in West Hartford), and I walking our two pugs and dachshund around my neighborhood near Norfeldt School, Elizabeth Park or the reservoir.

Other occupation, if applicable: I’m the Director of Risk Management for a non-profit dedicated to serving the needs of adults with disabilities.

Political experience: This is my first official foray into politics, though I’ve been heavily involved in our community for my entire adult life.

Other relevant experience: I’ve spent the past decade serving our community in both leadership and volunteer roles. I’ve been an active member of the Junior League of Hartford (The Junior League of Hartford is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable) since 2006, serving as President from 2015-2016 and am currently on the Board of Directors. Since 2010, I’ve been a member of the Board of Directors for the Intensive Education Academy, a special education school located on North Main Street in West Hartford.

Why are you running for office? There is no place on earth like West Hartford. I grew up here. My family lives here. I’m passionate about the community I love and the people who live here. But more importantly, I know I can make a difference for our town. With a budgetary crisis looming over the state and affecting our town, it’s time for new responsible leadership to step up. My professional experience as a risk manager, my long-standing commitment to community activism, and my penchant for problem solving makes me uniquely suited to lead West Hartford into the future.

What issue(s) are your primary area of focus? Fostering the vibrant community and services that makes West Hartford, well, West Hartford, while staying fiscally responsible. From the highly regarded school system, abundant and accessible parks, and enviable services all within our safe enclave, West Hartford is like no other town around. Through careful planning and sound investments, we can achieve long-term sustainability without tax hikes.

Several topics are likely on the minds of West Hartford voters this year. Please provide a brief statement regarding your opinion about:

• The Town of West Hartford budget – Like a business or a household, West Hartford’s budget needs to consider both the needs of today’s residents and contribute to a long-term strategic plan to keep West Hartford thriving into the future. I’ll ensure we live within our means going forward and won’t burden our residents with tax increases. Our taxes are high enough – I’ll focus on careful budgeting and efficiency to stretch our dollars.
• The State of Connecticut budget situation – Compromise and common ground are key in working through our current state budget stalemate. That said, West Hartford should not be penalized for the thoughtful fiscal planning that’s kept our budget solvent.
• Regionalism – What happens in Greater Hartford can impact West Hartford positively or negatively. But at the end of the day, my concern is with West Hartford and the people who live here. I’m open-minded and will consider all proposals, but if it carries potential negative to West Hartford, I won’t support it.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today? Hands down, when residents talk about why they live in our beautiful town the most common refrain I hear is (you can probably guess) the schools! Nationally-ranked and high-performing, our schools are an unquestionable draw for prospective residents and residents alike. Preserving their status without increasing the tax burden on our residents is my top priority.

What do you feel differentiates you from other candidates also running for this position? I was born and raised in this town. I am committed to West Hartford, its people and its future. My ambitions, energy and focus reside within town lines. This isn’t a stepping-stone to an aspiring political career. It’s a chance to make a difference in the town I care so much about.

Anything else you would like to share? VOTE! Even if not for me, voting is the best way to make your voice heard. Local elections are too often ignored, yet local policies impact you the most. This is your town, get out and vote!

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