Politics & Government
Candidate Questions: Jon Landry
First-district Republican Town Council candidates talk about budget, issues facing the town.
Three First District Town Council Republican candidates, Jon Landry, Nancy Nickerson and CJ Thomas , are vying for two spots representing their party on the ballot this November during a primary to be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. Patch asked them all to answer a series of questions about the town, their experiences and qualifications. Here are Jon Landry's responses:
What actions did you take (motions made, votes, etc.) during the last budget season?
This last budget season was arguably one of the most difficult we have seen here in Farmington in quite some time. My goal on the Board of Education was to find reasonable savings, and to cut costs that would be as far away from the children as possible. I tried to thoughtfully dig down deeper than just the surface items to find savings, while protecting the fabric that makes the core of our district what it is.
Find out what's happening in Farmingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What cuts or additions did you recommend be made to the budget?
One of the items that I strongly believe in and think that we have fallen too far behind on in Farmington is technology. To keep up in the 21st century, we must be proficient in technology. This is something that I fought hard for last year, including sitting on an ad-hoc exploratory committee for responsible technology funding. Technology is not just a subject in itself; it is an integral part of all subjects.
Find out what's happening in Farmingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
How did you feel about the outcome?
Farmington is very fortunate to have dozens of people who volunteer countless hours on all the boards and commissions to do what is best for our town. I believe everyone worked extremely hard and diligently to do the best job that they could. I believe in fair elections and allowing the voter to decide what they want at the polls. This year I was frustrated at the annual town meeting with what I feel is an antiquated procedure and I would love to address this going forward and possibly look into ways to modernize.
How do you determine the balance between education and taxes?
Public education is paid for through taxes. I believe the Council’s job as the fiduciary body responsible for providing sufficient funding for education via tax dollars is one of the most important jobs of the Council. I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility and accountability, and believe we can maintain a top rate school system while spending responsibly. More taxes do not equal better education.
Recent budget cuts have left the town behind in its capital improvement plan and at lower staffing levels than in the past. How should the town proceed?
The town will have to proceed the same way that we all are all in our own lives. We have to do more with less and focus on priorities. I can tell you first hand that our maintenance staff has done an amazing job at our schools coming up with very creative and thoughtful ways to do more with less. We’re all in this together, and we will all make it through together.
What issues are you concerned about in Farmington?
I believe economic development, quality of life, education, traffic and transparency in government are all issues to be addressed. You can read more about where I stand on these issues at www.jonlandry.com/issues/.
I also believe that we need to take a hard look at employee contracts, and pension liabilities going forward and must continue to work hard to ensure that we are well prepared for these expenses.
What experiences in your past will help you to direct the town?
My business and budgeting background as a Director, my values, and proven track record of fiscal responsibility, will allow me to offer my experience, insight and talents to the Town of Farmington.
If elected how would you work with members of your party? How would you work with Democrats?
We are all volunteers that are doing what we think is best for our wonderful town. I will continue to work with all of the bodies, boards, commissions, employees and volunteers in town whether they are Republican, Democrat or any other party to build consensus and do what is best for our town.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with Farmington residents?
I am a hard-working, dedicated, and passionate person who will bring a fresh perspective to the Council.
I believe that family is No. 1. I also believe that to do something is to do it well and to the best of your ability.
I love tradition and have a strong respect for history and the past. I believe that in order to make sound decisions for the future, we must understand the past. To learn more about me, please visit my website at www.jonlandry.com.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.