Vernon Republican Town Committee Finds Its Council Replacement

The Vernon Republican Town Committee has endorsed area businesswoman Julie Clay for a vacant seat on the Town Council.

The vote to pick Clay took place on Wednesday night.

The vacancy was created last week when Judith Hany resigned because of back issues.

"As much as we regret the resignation of Judy due to ill health, we are excited by the prospect of Julie taking her place on the council," RTC Chairman Harold 'Hal' Cummnings said. "Julie brings  a great deal to the table - small business owner, mother, a background in finance and a longtime  Vernon resident."

Cummings said he will be sending letter to Mayor George Apel and Brian Motola, the deputy mayor, advising them that Julie has been endorsed by the town committee. Cummings said he will request that her appointment to fill the vacancy be placed on the agenda for approval next Tuesday. 

According to a resume submitted to the town committee, Clay has lived in Vernon for 16 years and has three children - a Rockville High School graduate who is currently at Eastern Connecticut State University, an eighth-grader at Vernon Center Middle School and a freshman at RHS.

She and her husband, Richard, own Manchester-based Clay Furniture Industries Inc. Before she became president of the business, she was employed in the mortgage banking industry.

She attends the First Congregational Church of Vernon and is a member of the Connecticut Children's Medical Center Auxiliary. She has served on PTOs and is currently an active member of the RHS Football Booster Club.