I am pleased to accept my Party’s nomination to run for reelection as Selectman. Two years ago, I ran, together with Julia Pemberton, to take on the challenges of building upon the successes of prior administrations while providing a fresh look at Redding’s government and its services. We appreciated the faith shown in us by the voters and pledged a top to bottom review of town operations in an effort to promote operating efficiency. We also pledged to engage in a long-term road renewal program, a more aggressive effort to bring to fruition our Town’s ambitious redevelopment of Georgetown, and a promise to do everything possible to make Town government more accessible and transparent. I also stated publicly that we would work hard to cooperate with our political opponents to make certain that Redding drew upon the skills and served the interests of every citizen, no matter their political affiliation.
We have made significant strides to achieve every one of our objectives. In doing so, we have enhanced operating efficiencies and halted the seemingly inexorable string of increases in local tax burdens which preceded our tenure. Of course this was not accomplished in a vacuum. As promised, we have worked collaboratively with our all of our neighbors and friends, oblivious of political affiliation, and together have continued a tradition of good government in service to all the people of our wonderful town.
I especially enjoy working with First Selectman, Julia Pemberton, and Republican Selectman Michael Thompson. Julia’s hard work, ethics, dedication, intelligence and leadership qualities have served Redding well in tackling every problem faced by our town. And Michael’s professional demeanor, experience, advice and attitude of civility have helped to establish Redding as an island of tranquility in a governance storm of political friction at the state and federal levels. I am delighted to work together with both on the Board of Selectmen in our collective efforts to provide all Redding residents the highest quality governmental services we can afford. I look forward to a spirited political campaign and to being reelected, along with Julia, and all the members of our Democratic team, to continue in the hard work of making certain that Redding remains an outstanding place for all to live, work and thrive.