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PERSPECTIVES FROM SANDY

This week's ad in The Rivereast:

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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.

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! TOMORROWS RIVEREAST!

There is a twist to “Ask Sandy” this week.

The Portland Fair was a wonderful weekend. On behalf of the Portland Republicans, I extend a big thank you to all of the volunteers who have spent countless hours organizing this wonderful fall event. At the Fair I was asked a multitude of questions, had great conversations and learned what many of you are impassioned about. I would like to share with you a sampling of those conversations.

SANDY, YOU ARE NEW TO TOWN!

Yes I am! I learned this past weekend that many people perceive this as a positive and they embrace that I am not a longtime politician with promises to fulfill. On the other hand I was quite surprised that a few concluded that my three years in Portland equates to a lack of experience or a lack of passion for the town. I chose to move to Portland because of the small town charm and the strong sense of community. My 25+ years of business experience have provided me with so many ideas for how the town leadership can enable our town to be well run and better positioned for the future. Seeing what Portland IS, is what made me want to live here and seeing what Portland COULD BE, is exactly what motivated me to run for the position of 1st Selectman. The Portland Republicans have a slate of candidates that includes many “newcomers” along with life-long residents all, who have joined together because of our love of Portland and the desire to bring leadership and a sustainable vision for our town’s future.

SANDY, HOW ABOUT THE WATER SITUATION?

This is clearly a situation on everyone’s mind, especially for those that receive their water from the water mains from High Street. The survey that was conducted in May and June by the Portland Republicans revealed that 62% of the respondents believe that our public water system lacks long term solutions. We agree! I am a proven business leader as well as an attorney with a record of building consensus, planning for the future, and executing a sustainable vision. I will work with our water provider to seek out solutions improve our system with the ultimate goal of a minimal
cost impact to our citizens and a long term solution.

SANDY, WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE RIVERFRONT

AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

Portland has the largest amount of Connecticut riverfront, yet no public access to the water. The Portland Republicans have proposed utilizing the Reservoir for family-oriented swimming, picnicking, and other recreational activities. This is just one area of opportunity for our citizens for recreation. There is a core of volunteers that have worked diligently giving countless hours to bring community awareness to the jewel of property along the riverfront. There have been many studies completed about the economic vitality of the town that corresponds to our riverfront.

I pledge to work with our citizen volunteers to move forward to implement a viable and affordable plan for our community along the riverfront. I am honored to be running for 1st Selectman of
Portland. I do not take lightly the work to be done. There are many challenges before us and I, along with my fellow Republican candidates, am ready to get the job done!

On November 3rd, please cast your vote for the team who listens, who has a vision for our future, who has reached out to hear your concerns, to listen to your ideas and is ready to move Portland into the future.

Sandy Downes

asksandyportlandgop@gmail.com

BOARD OF SELECTMEN
John Anderson
Carl Chudzik
Tom Nash
Matt Rice

BOARD OF EDUCATION
Joe Dinegar
Jenny Godwin
Brenna Kosicki
Chris Orcutt

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Peter Castelli
Marabeth Gildersleeve

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Jack Sterry
Dan Varricchio

Wine Tasting Event on Sunday!

Please join the Portland Republicans for a lovely Sunday afternoon in October. This Sunday, October 18th from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Kosicki residence. Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele will be attending. Chris Bongo will demonstrate his wine expertise with an assortment of wines. There will be delicious food, great conversation and company.

An opportunity to meet the Republican candidates for office and enjoy a great fall afternoon.

Tickets are $45 a couple or $25 a person. For more info contact Cindy at 342-0184 or email portlandctgop@gmail.com .

See you there!

Cindy

ASK SANDY.....

Are you brave enough to address the blight ordinance issue?

I think that if I am asking for your support in electing me your First Selectman you have every right to know where I stand on this issue.

Portland epitomizes a charming New England town to me and, I would venture, to most people. It has a beautiful Main Street with wonderful, historic homes. Similar to other communities, however, we do have properties in town that need cleaning up.

The purpose of a blight ordinance is to promote the public health, safety and welfare of the town's residents and it can also work to preserve and protect property values. These are laudable goals with which most of us would not have a problem. It's the implementation and enforcement of these goals that can cause friction among the residents of a town and its elected officials.

Therefore, I would be in favor of a properly crafted, comprehensive blight ordinance that includes and clearly articulates (1) a definition of "blight", "nuisances", etc., (2) prescribed fines for violations, (3) enforcement procedures, (4) notice, hearing and appeal processes and (5) special considerations for individuals who are elderly or disabled. Several towns in the area have been able to enact such ordinances for their residents.

In May of this year a "Blight Sub-Committee" of the Board of Selectmen recommended that an ordinance not be developed at this time and that the Committee be disbanded. The reason was that "...in absence of a zoning enforcement officer that it did not make sense to adopt an ordinance that could not be enforced." This reasoning begs to be challenged. If something is right and good for a town then it is up to the First Selectman and the Board of Selectmen to find a way to get it done and not rely on lame excuses, especially one that was a direct result of their decisions in the budget process.

I know that working hand in hand with our Planning and Zoning Commission and the newly elected Board of Selectmen I can get the job done and done right.

Again, please feel free to send me your questions. You will always get my honest answer.