Board of Selectmen Report provided by Ted Hoffstatter
Budget FY2011
The Board of Selectmen has formally asked each town department and board to entertain a budget scenario of flat or a "what if" scenario of a 5% decrease.
My Take: 
While this may seem harsh, it is necessary. We are going through a difficult budget cycle not only because tax revenues may decrease, but because our union obligations always increase. I am a union guy; a member of several. At the same time, I realize the burden of the taxpayer at the municipal level.
This coming budget season, I would hope we could gain concessions that would prevent us from cutting people. That’s the last thing I want to do at present – my hope is that we may negotiate successfully across the board if every town department is willing to compromise. We can’t ask one department or group to compromise if another one refuses to. This needs to be a town wide, team effort.
Tri-Board Working Committee
This committee consists of Board of Selectmen (BOS) members Susan Bruschi and Richard Creeth, Board of Finance (BOF) members Jim Meinhold and Al Alper, along with Karen Birck from the Board of Education (BOE). The purpose of the committee is to get out in front of this year’s budget challenges.
My Take: I am very pleased that Richard Creeth was added to the committee, as the committee originally only had one BOS member on it.
I feel it is important that both political parties are represented from the BOS.
Plastic Bag Ordinance
An Ocean Turtle Struggles with a Deadly Plastic Bag
Jonathan Cunitz, who was the mastermind behind the plastic bag ordinance adopted in Westport earlier this year, will be speaking at our February 1
st Board of Selectmen meeting. The Westport ordinance bans plastic bags used for retail checkout. The ordinance clearly defines what "retail checkout bags" are; it does not affect deli or produce purchases, nor does it affect businesses such as dry cleaners or art/frame stores, who need plastic to protect their goods.
My Take: This is my pet project at the moment. I met Jonathan about a month ago after several phone conversations, and asked him to speak at our February 1st BOS meeting about Westport’s experience with their ordinance. He was very positive. The ordinance gained bi partisan support in their RTM, passing 25-5-1. The ordinance was also supported by the Westport Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants’ Association. So far, there have been no challenges to the ordinance.
I feel that with Wilton has the opportunity to join Westport as a leadership town on this issue. Because of the aerodynamics of plastic retail checkout bags, a large number end up in our waterways, and eventually contribute to the plastic garbage patch that is twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean. The damage to wildlife is heartbreaking. The idea is that by using cloth, recyclable bags when we shop, we can help the environment.
I hope this idea spreads! I hope our Board supports it. If you are interested, I can send you all sorts of Jonathan’s research. If you could write a letter to the editor supporting the idea and/or attend our February 1st BOS meeting, that would also be a huge help.
Troop Boxes
Trackside is now also helping with the troop box drive.
My Take: This is great, because the drive needs help! We have only received one box in the past two months, and the holidays are upon us. Our troops are working hard for us, far away from home. Please grab a flat rate box that I have put at the entrance of town hall, along with a list of items needed. Boxes can be filled and returned to Town Hall – just let us know what you put in them! We can also accept donations for shipping – checks can be made payable to the Wilton Town Hall Troop Box Drive. FYI, at present we do have money to ship, but no boxes to ship, so please, take a box!
Democratic State Central Committee Report
Race for Governor
The field has expanded! We have Ned Lamont, Dan Malloy, Susan Bysiewicz, Rudy Marconi, Gary LeBeau, and Jim Amaan. Polls are showing Susan is in the lead, with Dan and Ned close behind.
My Take: We have great candidates. I am hoping they focus on why they should get the job rather than knocking each other. That would be counterproductive! We can all help right now by writing letters to the editor as to why we need a change in leadership in Hartford, and why it must be a Democrat.
Chris Dodd’s Senate race
Merrick Alpert is challenging him. The DSCC has passed a unanimous resolution is support of Senator Dodd.
My Take: Dodd has earned our support. He is currently leading the fight for health care reform. I do not know Mr. Alpert, but I feel what he is doing is not only hurting Senator Dodd, but is also hurting all the causes we stand for. In 2006, Ned Lamont had real issue differences with Senator Lieberman. I have heard of no such issues differences from Mr. Alpert in regard to Senator Dodd. Please write a letter for Senator Dodd, and/or spread the word among your contacts of all that he has done and is currently doing for us.
2010 Elections
Jim Himes, Senator Dodd, and Peggy Reeves all need our help NOW in preparation for a tough election year ahead.
My Take: They are working hard for us; let’s help them! Finally, DSCC meetings are open to Dems, so feel free to join us anytime! I usually carpool up with my fellow delegate Martha Aasen; let us know if you are ever interested in attending!
Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.
