We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running in the Nov. 5, 2019, municipal election. 

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 the 2019 municipal election.

Identical questionnaires have been sent to all 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 voters in being informed and prepared when they go to the polls on Nov. 5.

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

Name: Carol Anderson Blanks

Age: 60

Party, position seeking: Democrat, Town Council

Family information: Married to Charles Blanks, we have three young adult daughters; Channen a 2004 graduate from Conard High School, Cynthia and Kaye are 2017 graduates from Conard High School and now attend Morgan State University and Quinnipiac University respectively. Resided in West Hartford since 1996.

Other occupation, if applicable: Employed with the Connecticut Department of Public Health since 1988, Public Health Services Manager for the Contracts and Grants Management Section. Former director for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, a cancer screening program for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women between ages of 21 and 64.  

Political experience: Proud member of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee since 1997. Volunteered in former Congressman Christopher Dodd’s Presidential campaign, volunteered in former Governor Dannel Malloy’s campaign as well as State and municipal campaigns for town leaders.

Other relevant experience: Chairwoman, West Hartford Board of Education; CREC Council Board member; former member of the Connecticut Cancer Partnership; former member of the Connecticut Martin Luther King Holiday Commission; member of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church.

Why are you running for office? Protect property values and taxpayers; maintain our high-quality schools; attract new businesses and create local employment; repair the infrastructure we rely on; safeguard our environment; protect and enhance senior services. Partner with our town administrators to keep our town as one of the most desirable towns to reside, work, and visit. Together we can continue to capitalize on our strengths and build areas that need improvement. 

What issue(s) are your primary area of focus? Protect funding for our schools, roads, and aging infrastructure.  Attracting businesses to our town, affordable housing for young people, seniors and homeless families. Turn our vacant spaces into thriving establishments.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today? Property taxes, aging infrastructures, protecting town services and exploring eco-friendly solutions for cost savings.

Please provide a brief statement regarding your opinion of the Town of West Hartford’s fiscal situation, and what, if anything, can be immediately addressed. (This question is more relevant to Town Council candidates, but Board of Education candidates are welcome to comment on the school budget.)

The fiscal situation for West Hartford that I hear from neighbors, friends and family is our taxes pay for our great schools in all neighborhoods in our great town. We have a fantastic Police and Fire Department that responds to calls in record times. Our police department is visible when patrolling our neighborhoods protecting our properties and protecting the public. In addition, they partner with our school district ensuring strong collaborations putting safety of our students, teachers and administrators first. Public Works and Leisure Services are tasked with maintaining and repairing our roads, infrastructure and recreational fields to use and enjoy. Together we can explore options to balance growing expenses and address creative sources of revenue. 

What do you feel differentiates you from other candidates also running for this position? I bring a perspective to work hard for the residents of West Hartford just as I do for the school district. My objective is to keep this town a desirable place to live, work, shop, dine and visit while keeping it affordable. My style is to collaborate with our town professionals many of whom I have established a working relationship.Town professionals have the expertise and experience on effiency, elected officials must ensure public policies are implemented and followed. Are there opportunities for improvement? Sure, there are, my intent is to work hard to make West Hartford the best town and a more inviting town that cares about all people.

Anything else you would like to share? I listen carefully and work collaboratively to address issues that may impact many by decisions made. As a parent, taxpayer, and government employee I am committed to being a good steward of public funds, creating effective public policy and delivering services that impact our community.

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