We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running in the Nov. 2, 2021 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 2021 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. 2.

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: 62

Party, position seeking: Democrat, Town Council

Family information: My husband Charles and I 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 recent graduates from Morgan State University and Quinnipiac University 2021 respectively. Resided in West Hartford since 1996.

Other occupation, if applicable: Public Health Services Manager with the Connecticut Department of Public Health since 2019 and worked in other positions since1988. I was a member of SEIU 1199NE and a union delegate.

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, Governor Ned Lamont’s campaign as well as state and municipal campaigns for town leaders.

Other relevant experience: Chairwoman, Public Safety Committee; member of Public Works and Facilities Committee; 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? Continue to grow and improve West Hartford, enhance public safety and provide appropriate resources to town staff; protect property values and taxpayers; address climate change and collaborate with town staff, residents and business owners; maintain our high-quality schools; repair the infrastructure we rely on; protect and enhance senior services. 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 and provide essential resources for public safety. Protect funding for our schools, roads, and aging infrastructure. Develop our vacant spaces into attractive and thriving establishments. Partner with town staff and developers to create affordable housing for young people, working families, and seniors.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today, and how do you plan to address it if elected? The biggest issue is COVID19, protecting town staff, residents, students and business owners. Protecting property taxes and town services, addressing aging infrastructures; and exploring eco-friendly solutions for cost savings.

What do you feel differentiates you from other candidates also running for this position? During this pandemic I worked tirelessly to protect our residents because safety was essential. I was responsive to our town’s needs and it was my responsibility to work with town staff to mitigate the spread of COVID19 and I continue to do so until we can embrace a new normal. My objective is to keep this town a desirable place to live, work, shop, dine and visit while keeping it affordable. My objective is collaboration with town professionals and arrive at a reasonable and positive outcome. Are there opportunities for improvement? Yes, my intent is, continue to work hard to make West Hartford the best town in CT that cares about all people.

Anything else you would like to share? Listening is essential to providing services for those in need. COVID19 taught us how to work together and care for one another during a public health crisis.  When working together as collaborators and change-agents to address critical issues, it leads to positive outcomes. As a spouse, parent, taxpayer, and government employee I remain committed to protecting public funds, creating effective public policy and providing services that benefit our community.

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