We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running in the Nov. 4, 2025 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 2025 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 noted.

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. 4.

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.

BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATE

Name: Jennifer Herz

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family information: My childhood memories of West Hartford come from visiting my Grandparents, immigrants who settled in the 1950’s and my father’s tales of Conard High School athletics. I met my husband – Stein Helmrich – at UConn Law School and we moved to West Hartford in 2012. We celebrated 15 years of marriage this fall with our three incredible daughters and two orange cats.

Primary occupation: State Government Affairs

Previous political experience: I have been involved with the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee for many years. This is the first time I am running for elected office.

Other relevant experience that may be related to your desire to serve the community, and further qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I’ve spent my professional career in State Government Affairs where I navigate diverse perspectives and difficult conversations to get to the best possible solution.  I’m excited to combine these skills with my passion to be sure our students have the best education.

As the mom of 3 girls who all attend West Hartford public schools, I believe my personal life and professional experience make me uniquely qualified to take on this role.

Why are you running for office? I am seeking a seat on the Board of Education because I know tough policy and financial decisions are ahead – and I want thoughtful, compassionate, and open-minded people at the table when those decisions are made. I am a strong advocate for public education, diversity, and supporting both our students and teachers.

My perspective is shaped by my personal story: as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and the mother of three daughters, I understand the importance of standing up for those that do not have the privilege to do so. I value listening to different viewpoints and finding balanced solutions when priorities compete.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing West Hartford Public Schools today, and how do you plan to address it if elected? We are facing both local and national challenges. Budget decisions will be a central challenge. We need to make the best decisions for our students and teachers within the context of budget realities. We must protect our students and teachers and community from the actions of the current federal administration.

West Hartford Public Schools, like districts throughout the country, previously had the benefit of ESSER funds for additional services and staff to assist students with learning loss and other pandemic-related issues including mental health support, but the loss of those funds created budget pressures over decisions to maintain positions and services. How should the BOE continue to prioritize which, if any, services to continue to maintain and to fund in the future? This is a multifaceted question that requires information gathering and discussion. I support decisions that are driven by data and on the ground intelligence. I will prioritize services that benefit our students and teachers.

What is your opinion of the role of parents in shaping curriculum for West Hartford Public Schools? I believe the background and experience of teachers, administrators, and other educational leaders provides a strong basis for the curriculum. And, that background and experience includes a strong partnership with the parents of our students.

What do you feel differentiates you from the candidates from other parties – or your own party – who are also running for this position? I want to highlight the many things we have in common.  We want the best for our community.  I am focused on making a positive impact on matters impacting students and teachers in West Hartford.

Anything else you would like to share relevant to earning votes on Nov. 4? I am doing this because I want to make a positive impact on my community. I am running because we must have community leaders that are focused on what is best for our students in West Hartford.

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