Why Run for Selectman? Five Key Issues Before Us

Why Run for Selectman?

I'm running because I'm passionate about New Canaan. We live in a great town. But, the economy has been an enormous challenge for most of us and we have some difficult decisions ahead in Town government, decisions navigating a course of fiscal responsibility while preserving many of the qualities that make New Canaan special. To know those qualities you have to have been here awhile. My children are fourth generation New Canaan. I've lived in New Canaan for the last 30 years and am looking forward to working with our new First Selectman and the Town Council to deal with those challenges and make the most of the opportunities before us.

My interest and expertise in the job of Selectman spans at least five main areas:

Taxes and Finance. New Canaan has done a pretty good job weathering the storm of the recent economy. It could have been alot worse but we've benefited from low interest rates and a relatively stable housing market. We've retired a good deal of our debt in the last few years but property owners are sensitive to even the most minor tax increases during these uncertain times. Tax policy will also have a major  impact on our ability to keep seniors in the community. Our MIL rate (to calculate property taxes) is third lowest behind Greenwich and Darien but it continues to rise. I will work to reverse that trend. I'd make it a priority to seek a reduction in the MIL rate over time, keeping property taxes in check as property values improve. We can do better in this area and if I am elected we will.

Sensitivity to Seniors. I have been a board member of since it was founded. My parents live in this town. I am at an age where my friends and I are thinking about what's best for our parents and how can we help. The population is aging and this is one of the most important issues New Canaan is facing now and over the next 30 years. We have many of the tools in place through Staying Put, , , the , the , many of which are the result of successful public/private joint ventures. We expect to grow our senior population over the next ten years and it is my belief that must have a greater appreciation and understanting of all of these tools and where the gaps exist. It is my goal to continue highlighting the needs of our seniors, continue working on the concept of a virtual CCRC so that New Canaan is truly a senior-freindly community.

Real Estate Values. As a Realtor I am acutely aware how important real estate values are to the homeowners of this town. Realtors talk to prospective buyers every day and we are the first to know what is working for us and what is not. Marketing our town is not about taking out advertising on Metro North or in the New York Times promoting our New Canaan. It begins instead with a day to day understanding whether we are still the most desirable town to live in and how are perceptions changing? Are people are moving in for our schools? Our low property taxes? Or do they fall in love with a beautiful and charming downtown and begin with an emotional choice?  We all agree that New Canaan is and must remain the community of choice in lower Fairfield County and I believe our realtors are an untapped asset for the marketing of this town. One of the first things I will do is enlist the help of our (300 member) Realtor community in New Canaan to gain a better understanding of the issues and to involve them in the marketing of our community.

"The Village", A Healthy Downtown New Canaan. As a tenant in the downtown as well as a landlord of commercial space, and as a Realtor marketing office and retail space for others I am experienced in the health of our downtown business district and I have specific, actionable ideas for its improvement. First of all we need to develop a more efficient market for commercial space. Right now the available space is not listed on our New Canaan Multiple Listing Service and there is no reliable and comprehensive source of information on what is available. I would work to bring the information together so that the market for commercial space could work more efficiently. Second, we don't have a clear and common vision. The Market Demand Study should go a long way toward documenting the current situation, defining the problem and suggesting possible solutions, including benchmarks and goals. The bottom line is that it pains all of us to see empty storefronts, For Lease signs and businesses struggling, but I have the experience and the relationships to make a difference in the downtown. I will make it my priority to work with the Market Demand Study Committee, the , the Long Range Planning Committee, bringing all stakeholders, including landlords, retailers and non-retail business owners to work on actionable solutions to improve the health of the downtown.

Educational Excellence. I went to Saxe Junior High Schooland , two jewels in the public school system recently ranked as number one in Connecticut and second in the nation. My four children have attended and in New Canaan. Two of my children are entering New Canaan High School this year. Our schools are a major reason people move to this town and why property values remain strong. A great school system is a priority for New Canaan because it supports property values, and for my family because it prepares our youth for anything that may come next. What can I do to improve upon this? It is not enough to be the best, we have to be known to be the best. As your Selectman I will make sure that this excellence in schools is part of the marketing of the New Canaan brand name throughout the New York metropolitan area and beyond.

I am running for Selectman in New Canaan. One of the most important qualities of a Selectman is transparency and availability. You can reach me by calling me at my office at Brotherhood & Higley, 161 Elm Street, New Canaaan (203) 966-3507. If you'd like to read more about my background and ideas or join my campaign please visit my website, and Facebook page.