Board of Selectmen Candidates Present United Front

Rob Mallozzi (R), who is running for First Selectman, joined Beth Jones (D) and Nick Williams (R) , in a wide-ranging discussion of issues facing New Canaan. The three, who are all running unopposed for the , said they are eager to begin working together and optimistic about the town's ability to face its challenges.

On Improving Downtown Economic Activity:

Mallozzi: "I believe that we can do a better job through the volunteer efforts of many people in town to market," what he said is the, "unique experience of New Canaan." 

Jones: New Canaan has, she said, "a great , wonderful stores and a lot of wonderful people running them." She said the role of government should be to facilitate their efforts. Not envisioning an, "active role" for the selectmen, she said they should allow businesses to, "do what they do best."

Williams: Government should "facilitate between tenants and landlords." He also suggested town wide events, like a recent flag football event that, "brought to town 1000 people, many who'd never been to New Canaan before." 

On Town Planning:

Jones: She said it is a question of priorities and said the greatest need is, "this building right here ()." Although she said the has, "done a good job," she said, "I voted against it it because I thought what they would tell us is that Town Hall needs work." 

Williams: "I agree. We have a lot of plans. It's time to stop planning and start building." 

Mallozzi: "We are unanimous that this Town Hall will get done in a fashion that's affordable to the town and responsible to the town." Both he and Jones said it's a priority to make the building ADA compliant.

On Transparency:

All three said that the information regarding town expenditures, finances and decisions is available to those who want it.

On Selection and Review Process for appointment to town boards and for accounting and legal services:

The candidates agreed that regarding boards and town commissions the and Town Committees offer up a qualified selection of candidates. All three also said they welcome unaffilliated candidates and urged anyone interested in playing a role in town government to speak with any one of them.

As to the question of putting legal and accounting services up for review, Mallozzi said, "I think Judy Neville did the last review of legal services. Suffice to say that we will probably be putting out some feelers about what different law firms and auditors can bring to our town. It's not a matter of being dissatisfied, I think it's simply incumbent to find the best."

Lessons Learned from Hurricane Irene:

Mallozzi: The effort from, "Jim Cole and OEM () was extremely, extremely well done. We have a town with a system in place. What we don't have is a handle on CL&P and Cablevision."

Both Jones and Williams also said the town-wide response from citizens, volunteers and employees was outstanding. They joined Mallozzi in his concern about CL&P and Cablevision's response.