Julia Pemberton Endorsed by Redding Democrats for First Selectman Race

It’s official. Julia Pemberton is the Redding Democratic Town Committee’s candidate for Redding’s First Selectman in the fall municipal election. 

     Leon Karvelis, a candidate for state representative in 2012, will run for Board of Selectman on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Karvelis said he was “committed to joining with Julia Pemberton in offering voters a ticket with a deep and diverse background in all aspects of town governance and fiscal management.” 

          Ms. Pemberton has lived in Redding since 1989 with her husband Adam, where they raised three children who attended Redding schools. She is currently in her second term as a Selectman. Prior to joining the Board of Selectman, Ms. Pemberton served eight years on the Region 9 Board of Education, which serves as is own Board of Finance, where she was Chairman. Julia is also a past Chairman of the Redding Democratic Town Committee. Locally, Ms. Pemberton has worked as a volunteer in organizations such as the PTA, the Girl Scouts, and the Lonetown Pony Club chapter of the United States Pony Clubs.

     Raised in neighboring Weston, Ms. Pemberton attended Weston schools. She was also a serious student of the ballet, attending the prestigious School of American Ballet. She went on to attend Simmons College in Boston, Mass., graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science. While fulfilling her role as a Town Selectman, Ms. Pemberton is also the director of communications and public affairs for CT Challenge and its Center for Survivorship, responsible for developing and executing a multi-channel marketing and communications strategy for the charitable organization. CT Challenge develops and supports survivorship programs thoughout the state that help to empower cancer survivors with resources they need to live healthier lives an any stage of their cancer treatment.

     Former First Selectman, Mary Ann Guitar, announced at the caucus that she felt “no on the job training was needed” with this ticket. Ms. Guitar herself has served as Redding First Selectman for 12 years, as well as Selectman and member of the Board of Finance for another 24 years.

     “Julia Pemberton is a true "multi-tasker,” somebody able to jump from budgets to getting snow off the roads, from contract negotiations to regional meetings of our neighboring towns, determined to get Redding's share of State dollars, and go from protecting the Town's land use regulations to planting trees on Earth Day. That's what First Selectmen do -- every day, all day. As a Selectman for the last 4 years, Julia's participated in Board decisions crucial to the future of Redding. Her record proves she's committed to keeping Redding a small town with good schools and reasonable taxes.”

     In accepting her nomination Ms. Pemberton said, “I am honored to receive the nomination for the ticket, and I have always said how fortunate I have been to live and raise a family in this wonderful town. I believe in giving back to the community that gives so much to us all. I look forward to a spirited campaign based upon the issues, and the opportunity to bring sound, responsive, and experienced leadership, on behalf of every Redding resident, to Town Hall.

     “With her distinguished record of experience and leadership at every level of Town government, Julia is uniquely qualified to meet the challenges Redding will face in the coming years,” said Joe Venticelli, DTC chair.

     Ms. Pemberton’s official website is www.juliapemberton.com.