Why I Am A Candidate

To the Editor:

I am a petition candidate for the Legislative Council, District 3. My name will appear on the ballot in the last row labeled “Nominating Petition” I am an unaffiliated voter. Citizens need complete answers and detailed plans, not ambiguous answers.

Recently, a Newtown Bee reporter interviewed the first selectman concerning the proposed seven-year tax abatement incentives to be offered to developers who want to lease a building at Fairfield Hills [“An Extra Incentive To Move To Fairfield Hills?,” October 5]. He explained that a new business brings in new tax dollars, whether $100,000 or $50,000. The reporter asked, “Is there a downside? He replied, “Not really….”

That’s an incomplete answer. The complete answer is a new business provides extra tax revenue only if the business and its employees do not cost more for municipal and school services than this estimated $100,000 covers. Research shows that new employees (especially those with school children) moving into town to take some of the new jobs often cause taxes to rise more than the business pays in taxes. (Ridgefield Study) Town leaders have been unwilling to prepare a five-year cost/benefit analysis for each new business project.

In another interview the selectman stated that the conversion of Bridgeport Hall into a new town hall would go forward. The people already voted the money. Not the whole story! The bond issue of 2001 provided $600,000 for the renovation of Shelton Hall. In 2003, the Selectmen “Resolved: That before constructing municipal office space, including Board of Education offices at Fairfield Hills, the design architect to be selected for the project will compare new construction to renovating Shelton House to confirm that we have made the best choice from the standpoint of cost, initial construction and future maintenance; quality of the finished product; and efficiency of operations.” (Selectmen: Minutes August 5, 2003) A similar resolution for Plymouth Hall as a recreation center was passed April 4, 2004. Where are these reports?

The March 22, 2000 FFH Advisory Committee report recommended Plymouth Hall for a Community Center. Ignored! In 2005, the Park and Recreation Department outlined six possible solutions for the swimming pool at Dickinson Park. Option 5: Recommended construction of a new Community Center with a swimming pool. Estimated cost: $19 to $23 million. No response. The selectmen simply ordered the pool closed! The 1999 space needs report (Kaestle Boos) recommended a 328 percent increase in space for the Police Department. Nothing happened.

October 15, 2007, the selectmen revealed plans to lease the land under the two sets of duplexes at Fairfield Hills for 30 years for a one-time payment of $140,000 each; the buildings are free. That $280,000 equals $9,333 per year. The FHA uses the money as it wishes. Asked about saving the land for a police station, etc., the selectman ruled the question not relevant.

New leadership is required. It’s time for change. That’s why I’m a candidate for the Legislative Council, District 3.

Ruby Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                 October 17, 2007