Participation in Meetings is Important
Cheshire is an amazing and unique community. We have great people who are generous with their time and talents, especially when it comes to civic service. We are governed by a group of (9) town council members elected by the residents. Five are elected by the entire town and four are elected by their specific districts. I am running for the 3rd District seat.
It is sad that only 30% of those eligible to vote have voted in past municipal elections. I am hoping we can increase the number of people this year. It is our civic duty and we should all get out and vote. It’s an honor and a privilege that many people around the world do not have.
I would also strongly suggest all citizens try to attend some of the meetings when they can. Whether it is a Town Council meeting, Board of Education meeting, Planning and Zoning meeting, or any number of meetings other committees have throughout the year. Become informed and find out how your tax dollars are being used. Participate in public hearings and let your voice be heard by those who have the power to make the changes. You can also read the minutes to the meeting on the Town Council website if you are unable to watch them: Cheshire Town Council Be an informed citizen!
You should make sure that your representatives have your best interests at heart. Are they working for you? The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of an elected official is by looking at their participation during meetings. Yes, it is important that they attend meetings, but attendance alone is not a sign that they are engaged. Are they asking questions? Are they making comments? Are they active participants during the meetings? We are facing some very difficult economic issues, we need elected officials who can think on their own and make suggestions to help guide Cheshire through these times.
Some of these major issues coming up will be a new and hopefully affordable, Master Facilities Plan for our schools, the uncertainty of the state funding we will or won’t be receiving, the unfunded state mandates or the teacher’s pensions they may force us to fund. Our officials must understand the economics of these issues and have ideas on how we can work through them to keep Cheshire affordable.
I have 1 ½ years experience of serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission where we were part of some very big decisions to entice businesses to choose Cheshire as a place to establish themselves. Quality economic development will be the best solution for us to increase our grand list and keep our mill rate down while not affecting the quality of our town and our services.
If I am elected, I will make sure that I am prepared for every meeting and will be an advocate for the people of Cheshire. I will be an engaged and active participant in all meetings. I have been president of several organizations where I have led many meetings. My leadership abilities are one attribute that will help me when working with other members of the council. I also have a strong knowledge on many of the economic and town related issues.
I would truly appreciate your vote on November 5.