Why I'm Voting for Steve Vavrek

There is a Vavrek sign on my front lawn. And to be transparent, Steve and I are both members of the Rotary Club of Monroe. Knowing him casually in this way, though, is not a good enough reason to vote for him. Here are my reasons that I hope you will consider as you make your decision on November 5th.

Accessible and Visible: This goes beyond making appearances at election season town events. Every politician does that. Steve is committed to the town and its residents, and he is everywhere, all the time. He stops to talk and listen, and he isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Leadership is more about what you do than what you say, and he does a lot to serve everyone in town.

Commitment to Service:  From my perspective, Steve is working all the time, certainly much harder and longer than we could reasonably expect. During emergencies, he is out there ensuring that town services are being delivered and that we are back to normal as quickly as possible. This past winter’s blizzard is a good example. His opponent has taken him to task for growing a beard while riding a public works truck. I applaud him for his commitment and the result. Monroe’s roads were clear and the kids were back in school days before neighboring towns and cities.

Networked: Why would anyone in 2013 view social media engagement as a negative, an activity to be attacked? Social media is how things happen and how leaders communicate in today’s world. While his opponent views his work on social media as a negative vice, I see it as a successful effort to stay connected to the conversation and needs of the town. It is the digital equivalent of an open door or a regular spot at the town’s most popular coffee shop. If you need Steve to hear about something, you can know that a tweet or a post or an email will be seen and considered. Steve has never failed to respond to a well-intentioned, professional request or comment.

Fiscal & Crisis Leadership: A comprehensive look at the last four years shows a leader who has helped guide the town responsibly in some very challenging times. The nation has slowly clawed its way out of recession, and Monroe has seen its store fronts repopulate with new and expanding businesses. A town budget passing on the first vote? Unheard of! When our Newtown neighbors needed our help, Steve and his government partners were there, demonstrating personal leadership in the face of tragedy and doing everything possible to help the families of Sandy Hook get back to normal lives.

Steve has earned another two years. His opponent has presented an argument completely lacking in vision – more about what he will not do than what he will – and filled with personal attacks on what I see as some of Steve’s strengths. When considering a re-election campaign, I have to ask the question, “Does the incumbent deserve to be fired?” No, he doesn’t.

Steve deserves the opportunity to continue to lead Monroe. Please support him during this election season and on November 5th by voting for Steve Vavrek for First Selectman.