John Cavanna

Political Ideals and Stances
John is not one to mince words. He stands for the prudent use of taxpayers’ money, the preservation of open land, and robust public safety departments. Unsurprisingly, for a man who’s watched acre-by-acre development encroach upon open farmlands, he is wary of over-development, rising taxes, and deteriorating quality of life. His political compass is oriented by what he refers to as “old-fashioned values,” values that lead him to raise his voice, often loudly, against what he perceives as wrong, irrespective of political affiliations or personal repercussions.

A Bridge Across Divides
It’s worth noting that John appreciates the service of those who came before him, like Kurt Cavanaugh and Tom Gullotta. He acknowledges that these long-term residents and others on the Republican slate have an intrinsic understanding of Glastonbury’s fabric, just like him. This belief in unity amid diversity is part of what makes John a unique and formidable advocate for the community.

His Vision for Glastonbury
John’s vision for the town harks back to an “older way of life,” where people walked their dogs in Cotton Hollow without fear, and community members looked out for one another. This ethos is what he aims to restore: a community safe from the protests and violence that characterize the national landscape, bound by mutual concern and trust. You can see this today through John’s efforts to reduce crime in South Glastonbury. If re-elected, John pledges to be an approachable, responsive councilman, encouraging residents to voice their worries, and promises to tackle them with an unyielding work ethic.

Anybody who thinks this (This Book is Gay) is the type of material that a child in our school system should be reading, I think it’s silly. I’m all for the education. I don’t see anything educational in this.

June 13th 2023 Town Council Meeting (1:02:54)

John’s Quote from Glastonbury Life
I am invested in the well being of the community and want to be the voice of individu- als that are either too busy to speak on town topics or perhaps nervous or embarrassed to stand up and voice their concerns. There is worry in some residents’ minds that if they speak up they might be “canceled.” To individuals that may feel that way, I encourage you, regardless of party affiliation, to reach out to me, I will carry that weight.

Voting History

Affordable Housing

• Voted NO to add a 10% inclusionary zoning policy on rental units
• Voted NO to purchase the Nye Road property to build affordable housing
• Voted NO to the renovation of a town owned affordable residence

Social Issues

• Voted YES for Heather Simon’s appointment to the Wells Turner Library Board

Education

• Voted NO to expand the Naubuc School Open Space Classrooms

Business

• Voted YES to prohibit cannabis establishments
• Voted YES to the Right to Farm in Glastonbury
• Voted YES to allocate $150,000 of ARPA funds to the Small Business Program
• Recused from the vote to Grant $150,000 to the Farm Assistance Program

Town Management

• Voted YES to hire an assistant town manager
• Voted NO to Increase the Building Height in Town Center

Farming

• When a vote was brought up to cover additional tax benefits for Glastonbury farmers, Mr Cavanna recused himself as he is a farmer.

Citizen Questions

The range of response: strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree

What are the three greatest challenges facing the community, and how will you address them?

Taxes, crime and overdevelopment. As I read the question, I cringe at the thought of providing the same cookie cutter answer that every other wannabe politician does from one ocean to the next. If you want to lower taxes, stop wasting our NEIGHBORS money! If we don’t need it, the town shouldn’t buy it. I spend money like it’s coming out of the pockets of all the residents in town I know and care about… because it is. But folks need to understand, the town operating budget is a goldfish swim- ming in the pond with the Board of Education shark. As a councilman, we simply don’t continue to increase the school budget. The school board needs to trim the fat. I apologize it won’t let me type more than 750 words.

Zoning ordinances in town do not allow for adequate supply of housing across the income spectrum.

Agree. I don’t want affordable housing popping up all over town, especially at the cost of the residents that reside in town. the Democrats in town are spending millions of dollars on affordable housing. Your tax money! I want to make sure we can afford to keep the current residents in town, not force them out because their fixed income doesn’t keep pace with the rising taxes.

Towns should implement programs to remove food waste from the trash stream.

Strongly agree. These are just a few ways it saves money: on fuel due to decreased tonnage on the roads, decreased money spent on truck maintenance, less wasted man hours and it’s green! What’s not to love? As a farmer, I love the idea of making food waste into compost.

Quotes

Anybody who thinks this (This Book is Gay) is the type of material that a child in our school system should be reading, I think it’s silly. I’m all for the education. I don’t see anything educational in this.

June 13th 2023 Town Council Meeting (1:02:54)

Republican Open Forum

ChatGPT was asked to describe John given the text of the Republican Open Forum.

• Advocates for more scrutiny on the Board of Education budget and questions where the money is going
• Concerned about the lack of transparency in the Board of Education budget.
• Cavanna is cautious and somewhat critical of discussions related to gender identity and affirmation

Social Media

John has a facebook profile that he infrequently updates.