Democrats say continuity is needed

Stratford voters have the chance this year to re-elect Mayor Jim Miron. Re-electing Mayor Miron will provide continuity at this critical point in time. Progress has been made in many areas stalled for years, or even decades, but there is still much to do.

Since Mayor Miron took office, Long Beach West has gone from being embroiled in litigation to being a high-priority, federally funded beach restoration project.

It is no coincidence the original developer for the Army Engine Plant was cut loose, an auction was held and we are closer than ever to having that property redeveloped and on our tax rolls.

We have seen four years of Shakespeare festivals on the grounds of our landmark theater and the mayor has made securing a legal and fair contract a centerpiece issue.

We have also seen routine, annual property tax increases in the 5 to 6% range, replaced with lower and lower increases and a slight reduction this year. This has been accomplished by reducing spending, increasing grant revenue and economic development, and through sound fiscal management. These achievements have all happened during the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression and have been recognized by Wall Street credit rating firms.

Eight of the 10 Town Council members are not running for re-election, making continuity in the mayor’s office all the more important. This historic opportunity for an entirely fresh start on the council could not come at a better time. Many of us have been dismayed to say the least by behavior of this council. The list of grievances is long, but the recent consideration of rejecting nearly $1 million in stimulus funding and the highly political and thankfully unsuccessful attempt to block the Army Engine Plant deal stand out in my mind.

As a resident of Stratford, the people I would like to see take on these positions on the council and other boards would be smart, principled individuals of high integrity. I would like to see people who have proven themselves dedicated to the town by volunteering in other capacities throughout their lives. Each and every man and woman the Democratic Party has nominated this year fits these ideals.

With more space, I could list all of the candidates here along with detailed reasons why they deserve your vote this year. But that isn’t necessary because you know them by now. They have called you or knocked on your door. You know them from the VFW, or community meetings, EMS or their many years of dedicated service to the town on boards, commissions and with the school system.

One final point: The Democratic Party nominated a slate of candidates that truly looks like Stratford. While the Republicans nominated 26 men and one woman, the Democrats put up 13 women. We have candidates representing every stage of life from their 20s to their 80s. We did not have to make any special efforts to field such a diverse group of people. Equity just happens when you have an inclusive party.

Dave Mooney is chairman of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee.