[click here to read "Commission on Housing and Neighborhood Development: Improving our community by supporting renters and owners" - April 18, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]
[click here to read "Can't Tell You, It's a Suprise" a proposal to create a Consumer Board of Utility Control - January 17, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]
Ward's goal is economic development
by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 29, 2007
JEWETT CITY -- Ron Ward moved to Jewett City.
He soon discovered economic development was hindered by the lack of parking for businesses and last year's 44 percent sewer-rate increase.
Ward founded the Jewett City Party and is making an independent bid to be borough warden in a place that typically votes Democratic, if it votes at all. The 2005 borough election drew a 3.73 percent voter turnout.
"I'm running a campaign that offers choice," said Ward, who teaches at Mad Science. "What I have to offer is the ability to welcome all individuals to the table. I understand that 40 percent who live in the borough live below the federal poverty level."
Ward, 43, has run on a platform focusing on economic development and bringing small shops into downtown.
Duke Arndt said Ward motivated her and her husband, Duane, to open their own businesses on School Street. Duane sells skateboards and Duke sells clothes for teenagers.
"I feel that Ron is a doer," said Duke, who worked with Ward at Mad Science. "He's very, very knowledgeable about the kids and what's going on. Jewett City has had a children's problem for as long as it existed."
Peter Reynolds, owner of Cutz by Roc, a barber shop on North Main Street, said none of the candidates has visited his shop.
"I'm sure they're not too concerned about everybody's opinion. They probably target certain people and that's it," said Reynolds, who said his biggest concern is the lack of parking downtown.
Ward has said he is interested in keeping children off the streets.
Despite Ward's claims that he doesn't want to run a divisive campaign, he has rubbed some people the wrong way.
In February, he filed a complaint with the state Elections Enforcement Commission against Republican candidate Melinda Seaman Brooks, accusing her of using borough and town of Griswold seals, and town data, from the town's Web site on her Web site.
The commission ruled this month that the claim is unfounded.
Brooks said Ward's campaign tactic is to make others look bad.
Ward also cited Griswold First Selectman Anne Hatfield in the complaint, accusing her of allowing Brooks to use the seals and information, giving the appearance the town government endorsed Brooks.
Hatfield said she has complied with numerous Freedom of Information requests from Ward, but she said he had bothered her to the point that it felt like harassment.
"There are a tremendous number of issues that need to be dealt with in town," Hatfield said. "It's really got to stop. We've got to take that out of local politics."
[click here to read "Incumbent Kata says she has done much for the borough" by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 29, 2007]
[click here to read "Brooks: It's time for a changing of the guard" by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 29, 2007]
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