News

NewCanaanite.com Endorsements for Town Council

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Seven candidates—four Republicans and three Democrats—are vying for six Town Council seats that are up for election on Tuesday. For reasons listed below, I am endorsing three Republicans—John Engel, Rich Townsend and Tom Butterworth—and three Democrats—Sven Englund, Colm Dobbyn and Liz Donovan. Two candidates, incumbents Engel and Englund, most clearly have earned re-election to the legislative body. Engel is an insightful, articulate councilman who brings a singular perspective as a lifelong resident, community volunteer, open space advocate, parent and Realtor. His also is a common-sense voice in a body that can be derailed by overreach and politicking.

Government

Town Council Candidates Discuss Transparency in Local Government at Debate

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New Canaan’s strong zoning is one of its most important assets, according to one incumbent member of the town’s legislative body. The zoning regulations are what underpin property values here, yet in recent years—considering the handling of applications for Merritt Village, Grace Farms, the Roger Sherman Inn, mixed-use on Forest Street and “Zone D” on Grove Street, New Canaan has been “managing by exception,” according to Town Councilman John Engel. “The mere fact that we have 100 caveats to the Grace Farms approval, another 100 for the Merritt Village approval, shows that we have got to do a better job of getting in front of this and the evidence is, it is costing us money,” Engel, a Republican seeking re-election to the Town Council, said during a debate last week. “When I talk to the developer [of Heritage Square] on Forest Street and I ask, ‘Would you do it again?’ and he said, ‘No, it’s far too risky to develop in this town not knowing after a two-year process whether your project will get approved or not.’ So developers are staying away and I don’t know if most people realize it, but building permits are down by 50 percent this year versus last year. It is costing us money.

News

Letter: Republican Town Council Candidates Are ‘Excellent’

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Editor, New Canaanite:

We are fortunate to have four excellent Republican candidates for Town Council. Penny Young has been a major contributor to the town for many years. She brings institutional memory with a deep understanding of our town government. Penny has always been a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility in government. Tom Butterworth’s background as an attorney enables him to think carefully through issues.

News

Letter: Rich Townsend for Town Council

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Having lived in New Canaan for over thirty years and having known Rich Townsend for that time, we know him to be intelligent, of high integrity and community minded. We have worked with him at church, Habitat for Humanity, Midnight Run and served as well on various committees. During a stellar business career, Rich distinguishes himself as a leader, hard worker and team player. Rich is able to bring groups together and move to a conclusion. He has a passion for service and “doing the right thing.”

We would urge a vote for Richard Townsend for Town Council.

News

Letter: Current Environment Favors Kevin Moynihan for First Selectman

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Our first selectman candidates and our voters seem to agree on the major issues of the election: limiting spending and taxes, lack of parking, and getting 20th century cell service. Whatever the election’s outcome, I am glad that both of our first selectman candidates will sit on the Board of Selectmen. The question is who will be in the leadership position. Our infrastructure projects require negotiating with large corporations with bottomless budgets for clever, hardnosed lawyers. Kevin’s professional experience was in dealing with corporations of this heft and power.