Elections are key to building our future

Our view: Towns can't thrive without able leadership
Opinion of the Norwich Bulletin published on February 4, 2007

As Eastern Connecticut advances into the 21st century, communities will face increasingly complicated circumstances in running their towns, many of which are in transition.

Some towns have faced up to the need for change, while others have not.

Rejecting change is a mistake. This region is in the midst -- maybe even the infancy -- of enormous growth. How it is managed, especially at the grassroots level of town offices, is possibly the single biggest denominator in whether a town will flourish or perish, thrive or be taken advantage of.

Some communities have able leaders, and for that they should be grateful. But sometimes local elections are little more than popularity contests, whose outcomes fail to best serve constituents.

The day is past when the first selectman drives the snow plow and occasionally checks state statutes or the town charter to stay on top of things.

Eastern Connecticut is the fastest growing region of the state and smart leadership is a must in dealing with the next Lisbon Landing, domed racetrack or Utopia.

In short, take a hard look at who you want to deal with your multi-million dollar deal. Is it a boon for the town, or only the developer? Will lower taxes offset the increased traffic? Who will defend your rights and interests when someone comes calling with big promises?

Are you satisfied with the people running your town? No longer is simple tenure good enough to secure another term leading a town. Common sense, due diligence and a plan for the future are needed to make sure there are more towns like Preston and Colchester and fewer like Canterbury and Montville. Plainfield and Griswold seem to be turning the corner into the 21st century, and kudos to the new leadership for bringing it. To the others from another generation of elected officials, hop on board the bandwagon to the future, or get out of the way.

Is there a template for a quality leader? Not really.

When Bob Congdon was elected first selectman of Preston, he was the owner of a trucking company and the town was known for its beauty and its slow pace.

Jenny Contois was an office manager when she took over in Colchester 15 years ago, the town was a quiet commuter hub. They steered their towns into the future, knowing which decisions to make -- and not to make -- to improve the quality of their citizenry.

Plainfield's first selectman, Kevin Cunningham, was in computer technology. Griswold's first selectman, Anne Hatfield, is a lawyer. Both, in the first year in office, are turning their towns upside down in an effort to provide quality, responsible and accountable public service. That they have seen resistance to change -- and in Hatfield's case even vandalism -- only shows that while they have made strong initial steps, there is more work to change Town Hall and the mindsets of those who live in the past.

Quality leadership isn't limited to these four. Keith Robbins, a salesman and Bozrah's first selectman, is becoming a force in the regional and state stage. Joe Jaskiewicz, who is retired, is trying to fix the Rand Whitney mess started by his predecessors.

There are more: Dennison Allen in Sprague, Richard Matters in Franklin.

A trucking company owner, a computer technician, a retiree, a lawyer, a salesman, an office manager, and others. It's hard to find the common thread. Different types of towns, from very rural to one in the shadow of casino towers. Party affiliations split just about evenly.

There is no absolute right answer. What there is, however, is making sure there is a choice and an informed voter. What are your town's major needs and goals? What strategies does the candidate have for dealing with it? If already in office, what progress has been made in this area?

In short, do you trust this person to make decisions that will affect the quality of life and cost of living for you and your family?

Find the person you can say yes to. Many towns in Eastern Connecticut have, and they are poised to thrive in this boom time, to manage the growth, to choose the development. Can the people of your town say that?

If not, throw the bums out. Start over. The boom is here. Make sure you do it right.