Steady Leadership Proven Results

Economic Development has been a corner stone of Mayor Champagne’s administration since day one. He has tackled the issue in all areas of our town to encourage small business growth throughout our community.

Over the last twelve years, the redevelopment of our town’s historic mills have been a priority. We have not only been able to finish existing projects that were held up due to financial red tape but we have also made it an initiative to finish the other mills. This includes the cleaning up of the sites, remediation of toxicants, removal of the blight and returning a valuable resource to our community.

Mayor Champagne prides his tenure as Mayor on being an open and transparent leader. He has set forth many initiatives to keep our community engaged such as the town sponsored magazine, an Open Door Policy for all residents, the Town Website lists almost everything that occurs in our Vernon Town Government and a commitment to a fair community led budget. Since election in 2013, civility and progress have returned to town government.

Over 98 percent of all votes taken on the Town Council receive unanimous approval, further showcasing Mayor Champagne’s ability to bring the community together.

Mayor Champagne believes investing in our infrastructure is a priority for the future generations of residents in our town. Over the last twelve years, over 100 miles of roads have been completed to ensure the viability and longevity of our neighborhoods. We have begun a sidewalk replacement program that Mayor Champagne has been a champion for over the last twelve years. This has created a safer alternative for pedestrians.

For years, our seniors lacked the sufficient room, parking or outdoor activities needed to meet all of their needs. After constructing our new senior center, we have added outdoor activities which include pickle ball, horseshoes, bocce, shuffleboard, and a beautiful pavilion. Membership continues to grow above expectations, and seniors continue to enjoy this complex. We have also broken ground on our expansion project located at 147 Bolton Road to provide additional space for more programming for seniors.  

With community grants and involvement, Mayor Champagne led the effort to build the Eckert Hill Disc Golf Course, expanding and upgrading  our beautiful walking trails and the Mikey Shea Fitness Trail which provides our residents with more health, and recreational activities. We have also continually been working on the infrastructure and maintenance to our existing parks such as the handicapped fishing pier added to Walker’s Reservoir and Valley Falls Park. We have added a dog park, cleaned up the blight at 19 Grove Street, which is now Gene Pitney Park, and in a joint project with the school  the football/track facilities at the high school were upgraded. The new Miracle Field at Northeast School was a joint project that brought together our community, the town and donors to provide a field for individuals with physical cognitive challenges.  The new sports complex at Windermere Ave, the Horowitz Pool and additional upgrades are all part of the success of Mayor Champagne and his team. 

Mayor Champagne is also a supporter of protecting our natural environment and resources by assisting and maintaining open space throughout our community. Vernon was recognized as a Gold recipient for Sustainable CT demonstrating Mayor Champagne's commitment to the environment.