Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision Leadership Vision
PORTLAND, IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE!
Perspectives from Sandy Another Twist to "Ask Sandy"
This is my last "Ask Sandy" before the elections on November 3rd. I would first and foremost like to thank everyone who took the time to email me a question. I find that I look forward to the exchange of ideas even with those who may not agree with my responses. I believe we can all learn something from each other. Secondly, but not any less important, I want to share with you my perspective on issues that seem to run through the campaign as a common theme:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
I would like to applaud the Economic Development Commission for all its hard work. The professional signage in the Industrial Park, the Business Recognition Programs and the Informational Breakfast series are all good initiatives. I believe we have an additional opportunity here, we need to measure the success of these initiatives against the goals set. The questions need to be asked; Did they promote and retain existing businesses and attract new businesses appropriate to our community? Did they provide additional jobs and additional tax revenue to offset the jobs and revenues lost with the closure of many businesses such as Smurfit-Stone?
In my opinion that answer would be NO! One initiative that I will explore as First Selectman is to extend water lines and sewers along Route 66 to prompt more economic development of this area. Development that will eventually increase the business and industrial tax base in the town which will in turn reduce residential property taxes. Economic Development requires vision and leadership.
TOWN WATER SYSTEM
The Town of Portland runs its own municipal water system and there seems to be many problems associated with this. The High Street water main has been breaking for years. It is supposedly scheduled for replacement in 2010 or 2011. Those residents impacted by this are running short of patience; my family included.
At this time approximately 25% of the town has town water. A major user of water at the time of the contract negotiation with MDC is no longer a user, they pulled out leaving those remaining responsible for the costs. There is no long term water expansion plan to attract more customers. Perhaps it is time to consider the town getting out of the water business and leave it to professionals with the financial capacity to run it effectively. To a better water system I say YES!
BROWNSTONE QUARRY AND RIVERFRONT PROPERTY
It did take vision to purchase this property ten years ago. It is my understanding it cost the town over $1 million to purchase including unpaid taxes. I would say that was money well spent. The town then leased the property to a private company; Brownstone Explorations & Discovery in 2005. The initial term of the lease is for five years with four additional four year renewal terms. A total of 25 years. From this lease the town has made approximately $120,000 over five years. The private company has made close to $1million in gate receipts alone; this does not include all the other activities for which the company charges. A review of the property indicates tremendous liability issues. The private company is a LIMITED LIABILITY company.
I truly hope the town is regularly reviewing this private company's insurance coverage as well as its own and has done a legal review of the form waiver everyone signs. A security fence around the quarry (not just by the front entrance gate) is a must and is an unmet requirement under the lease. I say YES it is time to review the details of this "deal".
RESERVOIR AS A RECREATIONAL AREA
The Portland Republicans support the idea of utilizing the Reservoir for family-oriented swimming, picnicking and other recreational activities. Portland has the largest amount of riverfront in the area yet we have no public access to water. Some say that it was is too expensive to pursue utilizing the Reservoir others say we need the Reservoir for emergency water. Regardless of naysayers, we need to at least dust off the plans and take a look at what can be done. Times have changed and the plan at the time was fairly grandiose; changes can be made to make the plan better. Ten years is a long time to keep saying no. A fresh look at things will bring a new perspective to something that has long been needed for our community. I continue to say YES to this idea.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH TOWN RESIDENTS
I may be a "new-comer" to the town but I have a tremendous amount of experience working with people. People want to feel that they can go into the town hall and be treated with respect. I know it is easy to ridicule our campaign slogan " We Hear You" probably because it is something new. We honestly mean it and have tried very hard during this campaign to meet and talk with as many people as possible. We have been told that the current administration does not listen and is not available to meet with residents. I know you can't please all the people all of the time but some of the people some of the time would have been nice!. I say YES to an open door policy at the town hall where people want to go not just need to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment