nothin New Haven Independent | Opponents Debate Town Issues Minus First…

Opponents Debate Town Issues Minus First Selectman

Marcia Chambers Photo

Two of the three candidates for Branford’s first selectman office debated issues Thursday about development and the environment, and the need for leadership and planning.

The selectman’s one-hour long debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the East Shore, featured Mark Rabinowitz, the Democratic candidate; and Jacey Wyatt, the Independent candidate who ran for the same office two years ago.

Both candidates agreed at times, and both pointed out ways they differ from incumbent Republican First Selectman James Cosgrove, who couldn’t refute their claims because he didn’t attend the debate. Click here to read about Cosgrove’s decision not to participate.

The debate Thursday evening was held at the BCTV station, and is being broadcast on the local cable channel. The moderator was League chapter president Carol Reimers. The three reporters asking questions were Marcia Chambers, editor of the Branford Eagle; Pam Johnson, of the Sound; and Juliemar Ortiz, of the New Haven Register.

Costco and Inland Wetlands


Ortiz, the New Haven Register reporter, asked a question about the proposed Costco, which she called “one of the most controversial plans in town right now.”

Bringing Costco to Exit 56 was one of Cosgrove’s campaign platforms during the 2013 election.

Costco’s Master Plan and Planned Development District (PDD) for 44 acres at Exit 56 were approved by the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission. The detailed site plans are currently before the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC), and must also be submitted to P&Z if an IWC permit is approved.

Wyatt said she believes Costco should be built, but not at Exit 56, a view she expressed during public hearings last summer. She said she would support development of other businesses at various locations, including big box stores and a hotel.

Wyatt said the Branford zoning map could be changed. “We can re-look at this map and make some very major changes that will benefit all of us.”

Rabinowitz said he and wife regularly shop at Costco, and that he wants Costco to be built in Branford. However, like Wyatt, he does not think Exit 56 is the right location and he is concerned about the environment.

“Whatever we do, we always have to balance business development with environmental concerns,” Rabinowitz said.

Chambers asked the candidates how they would deal with re-appointments to commissions and boards. She referred to Cosgrove’s recent action when he appointed three new people to the IWC and failed to re-appoint the people who had expertise and experience, just before the Costco application arrived at IWC.

“I would take the best and most qualified people for the Inland Wetlands Commission, and there should be no other issues in there,” Rabinowitz said.  “It’s disrespectful to let volunteers go as if they haven’t made a significant contribution to Branford over the years. I would not have handled it like that.”

Wyatt said she thinks there should be term limits on commissions and boards. She criticized Cosgrove for the way he handled the re-appointments. “Let me be very clear, he did the wrong thing in how he did this,” Wyatt said.

Wyatt, who has attended many Inland Wetlands meetings, said she knows the importance of protecting open space. She is also a member of the Parks and Open Space Authority.

Transparency

Johnson asked the candidates for their definition of transparency in government.

“Transparency is more than holding meetings and giving out information.  Transparency is asking people’s opinions before one makes the decisions,” Rabinowitz said.

“Transparency in decision-making is the direction we need to go. We really need to involve people where the decisions will directly affect them.”

For example, he said there were discussions about senior programs, but the seniors were not allowed to discuss where the new center should be located. “If you are a senior, you would want your voice to be heard,” he said. He and Jack Ahern, the former fire chief who is running for selectman, have met with seniors on this topic.

Wyatt said being an Independent makes a difference when it comes to transparency and getting things done. “If I win, I’m going to be very transparent on everything I do. I don’t have to answer to the party—I need to answer to the public.”

A Difference of Opinion –Public Works

Chambers asked about the lack of progress being made to find a new location for the Public Works Department, which has been housed in a rental facility for several years.

Rabinowitz said town leaders need to prioritize the public building projects, which include a new senior center, renovations at Walsh Intermediate School and a new Public Works facility.

“There is a plan for the senior citizens, but it’s not done. There’s a plan for the middle school, but it’s not done. So we have several projects really just sitting there waiting,” Rabinowitz said, adding that no one knows the status of the Public Works situation.

“Planning is complicated but it is part of life. If you want an effective organization, you’ve got to plan for it,” Rabinowitz said. “Otherwise we just drift along.”

Wyatt said this is one point where she disagrees with Rabinowitz. “He wants to talk about it, and I want to do something about it,” she said. “There’s a bigger difference between us on this. I’m going to give you the dates, how much its going to cost you, and I’m going to let you the people also get involved.”

She said the rental facility is not an answer. “I see the band-aid on the situation right now, that we’re paying a lease on a building … you need to pay for this and stop the band-aid down there.”

Leadership

In response to a question from Johnson about leadership, Rabinowitz said:  “I want to hear what people have to say. I want to hear what people are thinking,” he said, adding that he wants to begin developing a vision for the next 10 years.  He also emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“My leadership is who I am,” Wyatt said. “I’m a personality who knows how to work with everybody. I can go out there and get them together and get them involved.”  If elected, she plans to set up town meetings every week to discuss issues. 

Closing Statements

The candidates also answered questions about education, the Atlantic Wharf project, the Plan of Conservation and Development, and the town’s AAA bond rating. The entire debate can be seen on BCTV. Another debate, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, will be held Oct. 22.

“I want your vote so that you know that you’re going to have somebody in Town Hall who is listening,” Rabinowitz said. “I want your vote so that we ensure there is a plan for business development so the taxes don’t keep going up.” He said plans, objectives and timetables for projects are vital. “We could be doing more to improve the school system by setting up closer relationships, and to improve the efficiency of town hall by having a team approach to solving problems.”

Rabinowitz, 63, is the former long-time pinicipal at Mary Tisko Elementary School in Branford. Click here to read a previous story. about his decision to run for office.

Wyatt concluded: “We have 55 percent of our voters in Branford who are unaffiliated. You are the people who elect us, it isn’t just the party. I am asking for your vote to make history this year, to put not only an independent woman in Town Hall, but make some changes in Branford that will not only make Branford hot again, but actually be one of the towns that you want to live in.” She said there are challenges ahead, but she is looking forward to meeting them with a clear vision for the future.

Wyatt, 44, is a businesswoman and former model, who is also running on the Independent ticket for a seat on the Board of Education; and the Representative Town Meeting. Click here to read a story about her run for office in 2013.

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