Masuk Free Press

After six years of serving in office, Monroe First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced that he will not be running for a fourth term. Soon after, Board of Education member Jerry Stevens announced his campaign for the seat of First Selectman. Twelve days after Stevens’ declaration, Town Councilman Terry Rooney also threw his hat into the election ring. As Election Day (Nov. 7) inches closer and closer, citizens of Masuk are faced with the difficult decision of who to support and, more importantly, who to vote for.

Candidate Profile: Jerry Stevens

For generations, the Stevens family has dedicated themselves to serving Monroe. Born and raised here, Jerry Stevens’ roots lie in this small town.

“My grandmother, Grace Stevens, taught at the Monroe one-room schoolhouse,” said Stevens. Grace Stevens similarly went on to serve on Monroe’s school board as a member and chairperson during her 30 year career.

Stevens followed in the education-focused footsteps of his family, becoming a technology education teacher. During his 34 years teaching, he accumulated numerous awards for his work, including Technology Education Program of the Year in 2002, Monroe Teacher of the Year in 2006 and the Connecticut Technology Education Teacher of the Year in 2007.

After retiring from teaching, Stevens was appointed to Monroe’s Economic Development Commission, and from there he was chosen to serve on Monroe’s Board Of Education.

“I have this feeling inside of me that I need to continue to give back,” said Stevens. This “feeling” is what eventually pushed him to pursue and attain his position as the Democratic candidate for Monroe’s First Selectman.

Stevens outlines four major policy points that he feels passionately about. The first is a “responsive local government.”

Stevens’ defines this as, “open communication, transparent. I want to bring in the town. I want to collaborate; our stakeholders are our residents. I don’t want to work in a vacuum. I want to ask, ‘What do you need?’ and for you to do it with me. Let’s be innovative here. Let’s problem solve as a town, instead of just one group of people.”

Taxes are another hot-button issue in Monroe that Stevens intends to combat as First Selectman. In fostering open communication within the town, he plans to balance providing the necessary tax-dependent services and keeping the out of pocket amount to a minimum.

As well as trying to limit the tax rates in Monroe, Stevens aims to promote and protect businesses in the town of Monroe as another measure to improve the town and economy: “We have to do more to tout them.”

Finally, with Stevens’ extensive background in education, it is no shock the level of focus he plans to place in that direction. Again, focusing on communication, Stevens is targeting school budget issues, as well as tackling the ever-changing needs of Monroe’s school system. 

“The education of our students is extremely important. However, not only are we creating brighter futures for our children, but simultaneously, our school system’s reputation directly impacts our housing market and our property values. We need to foster this valuable town asset with fiscal responsibility,” wrote Stevens on his campaign website.

Stevens also stresses the importance of those who are eligible to use their right to vote.

“All of you seniors, juniors, anybody 18 or over, make a difference. Go out November 7 and vote. Make a difference in Monroe; this is your town! Of course, if you can vote for Jerry Stevens, I’d appreciate that,” said Stevens.

“I’m going to make sure that we do everything we can to include all residents, to get everybody involved in the process.”

Stevens’ passion for Monroe may sway some voters on Nov. 7, but only time will tell who Monroe’s next Selectman will be.