Politics & Government

Candidate Profile: Rosetta Jones

The unaffiliated candidate, endorsed by the GOP and Independence for Montville parties, is seeking a town council seat

Rosetta Jones is an unaffiliated candidate endorsed by the Republicans and the Independence for Montville parties. She is seeking a seat on the Montville Town Council. 

A retired corrections warden, Jones works as a substitute teacher in New London.

She has a master's degree in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College; attended the Center for Credentialing and Education; is a board-certified human services practitioner, and has her State of Connecticut Executive Management Program Certification.

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She is the chairman of the Board of Assessment Appeals, commissioner and treasurer of the General Assembly's African Affairs Commission, and a former Montville Town Council member.

Jones is the producer of the public access program "Town Matters," a trustee of the Garde Arts Center and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. She is a literacy volunteer, a member of the League of Women Voters, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Montville Polish Club. Jones is also the author of "Ask Rosetta," a column in the Montville Times.

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What are the three most important issues facing Montville, and how would you address them? 

1. Leadership

The progress of our town depends upon its leadership. Many taxpayers feel the town lacks intelligent, collaborative, and objective leadership has transformed them into “Human ATM’s." Unnecessary litigation and enormous legal cost keep us mired in a “quicksand” of unnecessary debt.

Given the fact that every aspect of government is driven by this common denominator makes leadership a major issue… Greater fiscal accountability and responsibility is imperative to the town’s future economic growth and prosperity.

As Town Councilor I would advocate for a comprehensive programmatic review of critical (core responsibilities), non-critical spending (activities and services that are good to our well being), and the ideal wish list. Based on the results of this analysis a prioritized spending plan could be developed. Acknowledging that “Town Employees” are the experts in their fields of service, I would  pursue cost saving measures through the creation of an  “Employee Incentive Program,” whereby rewards are given for cost saving ideas that are implemented to save taxpayer dollars. In addition, I would pursue regionalization possibilities with neighboring towns.

2. Sex offender treatment facility

The highly controversial Sex Offender Treatment Facility increases the likelihood of potential victimization within our community. Its presence will require "collective community vigilance," diligent governance of the MOU with the Department of Corrections, and continued support of our highly skilled public safety officers.

3. Education

Funding educational mandates and initiatives accounts for $36 million of the town's $57 million dollar budget, remains a big challenge. Recent legislation aimed at providing a greater share, will hopefully easing the tax burden.

What's one thing most people don't know about you?

I have been a roller-skater since my childhood days in Philadelphia...in its modern version "rollerblading!). And I was treasurer of my high school class.


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