Budget, BOE, and the BOS

The Town is still looking into a statute that may give the BOS power to approve or reject BOE contracts. We have finally received an opinion in a lengthy packet from Mr. Brennan. It appears that the BOS can reject a BOE contract, but that means it will be sent to arbitration.

My Take: As we all know, where the BOS role really lies in the process has a huge impact on what we can or can’t do in respect to school contracts, and what the public will or will not expect from us in the process. In the past, we have had somewhat of a “pass” on the BOE budget, when it comes to the public and press. Let’s see where this lands. If we do have a larger role in the process, I hope we embrace that role, and take it as an opportunity to move forward in a positive way that is fair to our educators and taxpayers alike. Shared sacrifice seems to be the order of the day in tough times. Some creative approaches would help too; we may have a lot of listening to do. An opportunity to face this challenge head on. I hope the BOS does not shy away from any additional responsibility we may have. This should be an opportunity for progress. Keep in mind that if the BOS were to reject an unreasonable contract, and our rejection failed in arbitration, the Town could stick to its desired budget number with lay offs. Believe me, as a parent and a teacher, the last thing I want to do is lay teachers off. At the same time, the threat could be a good negotiating tool. Governor Malloy sent out the pink slips, and the unions came to the table. Again, I support our Town employees, and I do believe in Unions! At the same time, we do need shared sacrifice…

Reusable Bag Initiative

Go Green reports that since the education program began,reusable bag use has increased from about ten percent to over twenty percent. Go Green’s goal was fifty percent within a year’s time.

My Take: Here is the article that I have written for the next issue of our Town’s Conservation Newsletter:

This past year the Board of Selectmen has promoted a Reusable Bag Initiative, and we are fortunate to have Wilton Go Green’s support in implementing the program. Over twelve thousand reusable bags were given away for free over a two month period; there was also a car window sticker give away, and an aggressive public relations program with a school contest to generate the art to put on the reusable bags. The Board of Selectmen seriously considered passing an ordinance concerning the use of reusable bags, but we decided to see if an education program could work to achieve the same goal. Go Green has stated a goal of fifty percent use of reusable bags; I personally support that goal. Go Green conducted an audit at several stores to compare the percentage of people using reusable bags before, and two months after the program began. The rate of reusable bag use before the program began was eight to ten percent; the rate two months later was over twenty percent. I will update you on how the trend continues–we hope! There will be another audit in November from Go Green. We have seen an uptick,but we are far from our goal.

Why bother? Why does it really matter on a Town level? Towns are the key to promoting Green initiatives. The fact is, corporate lobbies are so strong, that passing any meaningful legislation on a State level is extremely difficult. Thee are one million plastic shopping bags used per minute worldwide. Less than one percent are recycled in the end. The Connecticut State legislature has attempted to pass legislation on this matter, and has repeatedly failed. We need to take matters into our own hands.

Like the saying goes, think globally, act locally.

Economic Development

The BOS is currently in the process of researching CT Towns with similar demographics as to what they have done on this issue.

My Take: I am researching Berlin, CT, and there are many demographic similarities. We are already doing much of what they are doing, although we don’t have a specific paid position of Economic Development Director. In the last ten years, Berlin has received approx. five million dollars in grant money. That averages to over $500,000 a year; Wilton has received more than that this year—hats off to Sandy Dennies, our CFO. There is still alot of work to do in this area, and much more is sure to come!

Senior Tax Relief and Related Issues

We have a special meeting to discuss the Senior Survey on October 20th.

My Take:

I am looking forward to investigating what more we can do for Seniors in Town. Fellow Selectman Richard Creeth and I were very strong in our support of extending what Senior Tax Relief we could during the discussion last year. I have always felt that in order for Wilton to stay a True Community, we need to keep seniors in Town. A community needs continuity; we don’t want to be a transient boarding school for families who simply leave when the kids go to college.

DSCC Report

I look forward to attending our campaign events for this fall’s election! Many thanks to Carol Ball for her hard work in running the Campaign Committee. Then it is on to 2012! We are planning to put together a Fat Cat Event focusing on Obama and Himes this Spring, details TBA.

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Economic Development

The Town of Wilton is participating in the One Coast, One Future group which is focusing on a regional approach to economic development. First Selectman Brennan has given each BOS member a Town to research for comparative approaches to such initiatives.

My Take: This is a very important effort, and I agree that it must be approached regionally. A ‘go it alone’ approach I feel would yield very little results. The Town I have been asked to research is Berlin, CT. They have an infrastructure loan/grant program as well as a tax abatement program for businesses that bring revenue to the Town. I have just received an extensive report from their economic development director, which I will be sharing with the Board. If anyone is interested, I am also more
than willing to send you a copy.

Energy Policy

The Town of Wilton is working with Yankee Gas to come up with a contract to extend natural gas service down River Rd. Natural Gas is currently half the price of oil, and is produced in the U.S. Furthermore, the Energy Commission is having
a meeting at the Wilton Library on Thursday, July 28th, at 7pm, in the Rimer Room, to discuss the Governor’s new Energy Commission.

My Take: This is a good move not just for cost reasons, but anything we could do to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is a good thing. Environmentally, I have concerns about the ‘fracking’, or fracturing of bedrock to obtain the gas. It seems the problems
with this practice occur more often in PA and NY. It seems this may be because they do not have the experience that Texas has; there are less problems there with the practice. It sounds to me like the offshore drilling concern all over again. If companies follow the rules and do things the right way, there would be less concern. We need much stronger government oversight with pursuit on non-renewable resources. The fact that Governor Malloy has put together and energy department is so important. Let’s be vocal in our support for this effort. Don’t be afraid to write a letter to the editor!

Recycling Violations

There have been numerous reports of haulers not putting recyclables along with recyclables in trucks. The haulers say that the residents are not sorting their recyclables properly; many residents say that the haulers are simply negligent.

My Take: This is a case of ‘he said, she said.’ There is probably some truth on both sides. Haulers work directly with the residents, not through the Town. They are responsible for letting their clients know what is expected of their recyclables as far as cleanliness and sorting, and tying up papers. At the same time, if they are simply throwing everything into the garbage, they need to be fined. Not all haulers drop their garbage at Wilton’s Transfer Station, so much of the garbage cannot be checked by the Town. Please do your due diligence to see that you are preparing your recyclables properly, and that your hauler is indeed sorting them properly.

Budget

The next talks on budget are only a few short months away.

My Take: Let’s think about it NOW, not later. I have had mixed feedback as to whether we are spending too much, or too little. People also need to know up front what Board is spending what, and what our options are. If anyone wants to have coffee with me over the budget, and discuss options, I am more than willing to take the time. I feel the more we know and discuss early on in the process, the more effective we can be in the end game.

Energy

The Wilton Energy Commission held a meeting tonight on DEEP. That is the acronym for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Governor Malloy, and the Legislature, have taken the DEP and combined it with a brand new Department of Energy. On the energy side, the focus is on renewable sources. Issues such as reliability of the sources, and rates, are all taken into account. Representative Gail Lavielle was present, and reported that while it was a 280 page bill, that she felt it was fully vetted. She continued to report that the bill passed the Senate unanimously, in a consent agenda vote, which means there was no roll call, only yays and nays. No nays to report. The bill passed the House with eight Republicans voting no for various reasons.

My Take: It makes good policy sense to combine the efforts of energy and the environment, as they are intertwined by definition. I am pleased that there are incentives in place for homeowners and businesses, and that there are incentives in place to purchase related products from companies here in CT. Rhode Island has made some progress in the renewable area, but then realized that only 1.3% of the related products came from Rhode Island. They are, in effect, subsidizing other States’ economies! That’s not where we want to go. Admittedly, some products will be purchased out of State, but we want to do what we can to promote our green companies here at home. I am pleasantly surprised that this effort had such widespread bi-partisan support, and that Gail was apparently in favor of it. Last night our State Central meeting was held a the Governor’s house; Dan was a gracious host. He and I had the opportunity to talk at length on environmental and energy policy, and how it relates to so many other issues. It would be a great help if we could have our grass roots members write letters to the editor on this issue, as well as all of the tough choices Dan is making. This is no time for us to fall asleep at the wheel.

DSCC Report

There is a completely different feeling in Hartford these days. Governor Malloy is moving his agenda forward very successfully thus far!

Elections. We need to be looking not just to this year’s municipals, but to 2012 as well. I am happy to report that more information is coming out of State Central to Town Chairs for dissemination to Town Committee Members. Please also note that our own Ernie Ricco will be taking his talents on Platform to the State level on the State Platform Committee. Also, State Central is working on some sort of event cohesive amongst Towns to commemorate 9/11 on the 10th anniversary this September.

Last, but not least, I am humbled and honored to be nominated for another term on the Board of Selectmen. I grew up stuffing envelopes and attending political meetings with my Mom right here in Wilton. I am so fortunate to be raising my family in our wonderful Town. My son, Wyatt, two, has already attending a Himes’ Town Hall Meeting, and his six month old sister Lavelle is excited to campaign with her Daddy this fall!

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Budget FY 2012

We all know that we are in Budget Season! We are looking at a scenario that if all of the Town Departments get what they are asking for, there would be an eight percent increase in the mill rate.

My Take: Please keep me posted on your feelings. We need to be careful; we need to take a balanced approach. We need to make cuts, but at the same time we cannot sacrifice Town safety. Emergency services especially. It is essential that the BOS and BOE, along with the BOF work collaboratively on this. There has been a lot of noise lately on both sides of the budget. Board members are faced with the challenge of balancing that. Friends and neighbors keep telling me that we need to be more efficient. We are looking at the BOS budget with a fine tooth comb, and I can’t see any major areas that are not efficient. We are trimming, but I can’t tell you that the trims will reduce the budgets substantially. In order for substantial cuts, it would mean substantial cuts in services. We are here to serve our constituents, so we need to know what you want. What do you want to cut; what do you want to keep?

Reusable Retail Checkout Bags

The Board of Selectmen discussed the issue, and decided to start with an education campaign spearheaded by Go Green. If the campaign can succeed in a substantial rise in the use of reusable retail checkout bags, we will continue with the campaign. If the campaign fails to produce substantial results, the BOS will revisit the idea of an ordinance with teeth.

My Take:

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

Go Green is doing a fantastic job in putting together a comprehensive education campaign. The BOS was not specific on what constituted a successful campaign, or what would happen in terms of an ordinance if goals were not met.

Go Green sets a goal of a 50% reusable rate—I support that. It’s great to see the press this is getting of late, including the editorial in this week’s Bulletin!!!

DSCC Report

Governor Malloy spoke to the State Central Committee at our last meeting—he is very much in charge, and ready to work! There is a great energy about him, and all he is trying to do for our State. Let’s get ready for municipals; let’s challenge seats. We also need to focus on 2012; no State Rep. seat or State Senate seat should go un-challenged. We can start by rallying at this year’s JJB. I will keep you posted on who the Guest will be.

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Budget FY 2012

Per tonight’s DTC meeting, we all know that we are in Budget Season! We are looking at a scenario that even with a three percent increase in the mill rate, there would be sacrifices in Town services.

My Take: Please keep me posted on your feelings. We need to be careful; we need to take a balanced approach. Yes, there will be some cuts that we don’t want, but at the same time, we must preserve core services. Emergency services especially. It is essential that the BOS and BOE, along with the BOF work collaboratively on this.

Reusable Retail Checkout Bags

The Board of Selectmen discussed the issue, and decided to start with an education campaign spearheaded by Go Green. If the campaign can succeed in a substantial rise in the use of reusable retail checkout bags, we will continue with the campaign. If the campaign fails to produce substantial results, the BOS will revisit the idea of an ordinance with teeth.

My Take:

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

Go Green is doing a fantastic job in putting together a comprehensive education campaign. The BOS was not specific on what constituted a successful campaign, or what would happen in terms of an ordinance if goals were not met.

Go Green sets a goal of a 50% reusable rate—I support that. Go Green is presenting it’s campaign at the BOS meeting on 12/20—your support would be fantastic!

DSCC Report

This election cycle was tough on the nation, and on Wilton, in that our own outstanding Rep. Peggy Reeves was not re-elected. On a brighter note, Himes, Blumenthal, and Malloy won! Great Victories for CT!!!

My Take: I feel that coordinated campaign has vastly improved since the ’06 and ’08 cycles. I hope we will keep improving, as there is a lot of work yet to be done—web presence is a place to start…

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Reusable Retail Checkout Bags

The Board of Selectmen held a Public Hearing for discussion on the issue geared towards retailers, but all were welcome.

My Take:

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

It seems while there is concern about the environmental impact of plastic bags, paper bags also present an environmental hazard. There is also concern about the impact of banning plastic, and not paper, would have on costs to our local retailers. Thanks to Bruce Hampson for his comments–he received a healthy round of applause! One of the meeting’s attendees, Kelly Franklin, had an idea: Ban all FREE retail checkout bags.

Here is how I presented the idea at the Oct. 4th Meeting:

Just to clarify, the new idea we talked about tonight would, if adopted:

• Require retailers to charge a minimum of ten cents per retail bag, paper or plastic.
• This is NOT a tax. The stores keep the money.
• In my opinion, this would address our goals in investigating this issue: this measure would help the environment by discouraging the use of both paper and plastic retail checkout bags, encourage the use of reusable bags, and help Wilton’s businesses. The Village Market would save over $100,000 a year in bag costs. Imagine how businesses could use that money during these tough economic times.
• NOTE: at present, we all pay for these bags when we checkout, whether we use them or not. The stores figure them into their costs. If this measure is adopted, only those who use the bags would have to pay for their use. It is a “Win-Win” approach.

Public discussion on the issue scheduled for October 19th.

Wilton Commons

Through great effort, they are almost there! They need a lease extension to continue the effort. The Board voted tonight to extend it for one year, per a Town Vote, as is required by Charter.

My Take: Great job to all who have worked on this! I believe the Town will support it, and it will be successful.

Veteran’s Green Memorial

The Town still needs $12,000 approx. in donations to complete it.

My Take: It is a great tribute to those who have sacrificed all.

You can contribute on our Town’s website, please do!

Go Green Global Work Day

Please support the Go Green 350 Global Work Day on Sunday, Oct. 10th, 12:30pm to 3:30pm. It starts at Allen’s Meadow’s with a tree planting, then there is a guided walk, and then an Eco film at the Library.

My Take: Go Green is a rising presence in Town! Great things! Also very supportive of retail checkout bag efforts. Let’s support this event!

Town Software

The Board appreciates Richard Creeth’s help in working to approve the Town’s software.

My Take: Thanks Richard!:)

DSCC Report

I am currently working with the Malloy, Blumenthal, Himes, Hartwell, and Reeves Campaigns on a conference call dedicated to coordinating campaigns. I include Town Chairs, and hope to include other campaigns along the way. There are already similar efforts going on at the state level, but I am hoping to improve coordination here in the 26^th specifically.

My Take: Please take time now to have quiet, polite conversations with friends and neighbors about why we should support progressive candidates this fall. Progress may be slow, but the solution is NOT to go back to the policies that got us here in the first place.

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Budget, 2012

FY2011 Budget passed as proposed: Mill Rate up 2.9%, Grand List up .7%, BOS Budget up .28%, BOE Budget up 1.17%, Senior Tax Relief up 6.2%, and Wilton still holds a AAA Moody’s rating. Unions have come to the table for pay freezes; we are still waiting for the teacher’s union. The Town Meeting was packed–standing room only. Budget passed with a comfortable margin. We are already preparing for Budget 2012.

My Take: This has been a tough budget year; at the same time, I left the Town Meeting feeling quite uplifted! The turnout was wonderful, and people spoke passionately, yet respectfully, in expressing their thoughts, concerns, and hopes. I applaud all of the Town Boards along with our First Selectman for working through tough issues. While I believe the economy, and the overall state of the nation is improving overall, this will still be a very, very tough upcoming budget year locally. There is a lot of hard work and sacrifice yet to come, but there is hope at the end of the tunnel!

Re-usable Bag Ordinance

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

My Take: I am very hopeful that over time, this initiative will be passed in a form that best suits Wilton. While China and most of Europe have long decided that retail checkout bags–plastic or otherwise–are a detriment to the environment and a waste of resources, old habits die hard! Businesses can be proud that they have plastic bag return bins, but the unfortunate reality is that the recovery rate is hovering at 2% in the United States. You can bet that the lobbyists will be sending their minions to upcoming BOS meetings; your public support in the form of letters to the editor and comments at our meetings will be most helpful in furthering this crucial grass roots environmental effort! That being said, I did have a sit down with Peter Keating (owner, Village Mkt), and Mark Carluzzi (Carluzzi’s) about how the ban would affect them specifically. We will crunch some numbers. My first real job was at the Village Market; Peter was the Manager at the time. I want to make sure that our local markets can survive any action we take. I believe they can, but we still have work to do. Whether or not this effort moves forward depends on your support. No public support, no movement. So, if you believe this is worthwhile, we need those letters…

Dog Ordinance/Town Playing Fields

Parks and Rec. still wants a stronger ordinance concerning dogs near playing fields. They have adjusted their fifty feet ban of dogs near playing fields to twenty five feet – with exceptions for paths that cross near a field, such as with Merwin. The driver is that there has been too much dog excrement on fields, some altercations between dogs, and the concern that players may crash into dogs. Another version is on the way, clarifying specific fields.

My Take: The concern is, again, and again, legitimate. Unfortunately, the current ordinance is not effectively enforced; dogs are already prohibited from fields. While I agree dogs should not be on fields, I still feel that even twenty five feet is too harsh for all fields. The stadium and Lilly Field may be legitimate, but I do not want to burden good owners with good dogs from attending all sporting events. We are still working on this, and want to get it right. There is new language on the way this summer, that could help clarify things.

Troop Boxes

Trackside is now also helping with the troop box drive. They were featured recently on News 12 for their efforts!

My Take: This is great, because the drive needs help! 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!

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Town Meeting

First, the numbers, as proposed: Mill Rate up 2.9%, Grand List up .7%, BOS Budget up .28%, BOE Budget up 1.17%, Senior Tax Relief up 6.2%, and Wilton still holds a AAA Moody’s rating. Unions have come to the table for pay freezes; we are still waiting for the teacher’s union. The Town Meeting was packed–standing room only.

My Take: This has been a tough budget year; at the same time, I left the Town Meeting feeling quite uplifted! The turnout was wonderful, and people spoke passionately, yet respectfully, in expressing their thoughts, concerns, and hopes. I applaud all of the Town Boards along with our First Selectman in working hard to balance the interests and concerns of all of this Town’s citizens. Many townspeople spoke out in favor of the budget; many regretted it was too low, and some regretted it was too high. And some spoke out against the proposed budget for those same reasons. While young families and seniors may at times seem at odds in a budget, I believe their interests are very much tied together. The Wilton I grew up in was all about family–not a boarding school for families, who left as soon as their kids graduated our great schools, and not a retirement community. Wilton, as I have seen it, and still see it, should continue to be a community for all–a Town that balances everyone’s interests. This is NOT a perfect or easy model, but a challenging one. That being said, this is one windmill well worth tilting at!

Re-usable Bag Ordinance

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

My Take: I am very hopeful that over time, this initiative will be passed in a form that best suits Wilton. While China and most of Europe have long decided that retail checkout bags–plastic or otherwise–are a detriment to the environment and a waste of resources, old habits die hard! Businesses can be proud that they have plastic bag return bins, but the unfortunate reality is that the recovery rate is hovering at 2% in the United States. You can bet that the lobbyists will be sending their minions to upcoming BOS meetings; your public support in the form of letters to the editor and comments at our meetings will be most helpful in furthering this crucial grass roots environmental effort! That being said, I did have a sit down with Peter Keating (owner, Village Mkt), and Mark Carluzzi (Carluzzi’s) about how the ban would affect them specifically. We will crunch some numbers. My first real job was at the Village Market; Peter was the Manager at the time. I want to make sure that our local markets can survive any action we take. We will know more next month.

Dog Ordinance/Town Playing Fields

Parks and Rec. still wants a stronger ordinance concerning dogs near playing fields. They have adjusted their fifty feet ban of dogs near playing fields to twenty five feet – with exceptions for paths that cross near a field, such as with Merwin. The driver is that there has been too much dog excrement on fields, some altercations between dogs, and the concern that players may crash into dogs.

My Take: The concern is, again, and again, legitimate. Unfortunately, the current ordinance is not effectively enforced; dogs are already prohibited from fields. While I agree dogs should not be on fields, I still feel that even twenty five feet is too harsh for all fields. The stadium and Lilly Field may be legitimate, but I do not want to burden good owners with good dogs from attending all sporting events. We are still working on this, and want to get it right.

Troop Boxes

Trackside is now also helping with the troop box drive. They were featured recently on News 12 for their efforts!

My Take: This is great, because the drive needs help! 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!

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Budget FY2011

The BOS just passed the FY2011 Budget. While departments came in flat or below, the budget will increase by a little over 2% due to contractual obligations, retirements, etc.

My Take: I voted for the budget, as proposed. I believe it is especially prudent to be fiscally conservative at a municipal level as it affects our capital bond rating. We have just been approved again, by Moody’s, as a AAA rated town. Once a town loses this ability to borrow for capital projects at a low rate, it almost never gets it back. At the same time, we will not compromise on public safety. I will reiterate that any overall increase is due to contractual obligations and retirements, not for increases in other areas.

Plastic Bag Ordinance

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

My Take: I am very hopeful that over time, this initiative will be passed in a form that best suits Wilton. While China and most of Europe have long decided that retail checkout bags – plastic or otherwise – are a detriment to the environment and a waste of resources, old habits die hard! Businesses can be proud that they have plastic bag return bins, but the unfortunate reality is that the recovery rate is hovering at 2% in the United States. You can bet that the lobbyists will be sending their minions to upcoming BOS meetings; your public support in the form of letters to the editor and comments at our meetings will be most helpful in furthering this crucial grass roots environmental effort!

Dog Ordinance/Town Playing Fields

Parks and Rec. still wants a stronger ordinance concerning dogs near playing fields. They have adjusted their fifty feet ban of dogs near playing fields to twenty five feet – with exceptions for paths that cross near a field, such as with Merwin. The driver is that there has been too much dog excrement on fields, some altercations between dogs, and the concern that players may crash into dogs.

My Take: The concern is, again, legitimate. Unfortunately, the current ordinance is not effectively enforced; dogs are already prohibited from fields. While I agree dogs should not be on fields, I still feel that even twenty five feet is too harsh for all fields. The stadium and Lilly Field may be legitimate, but I do not want to burden good owners with good dogs from attending all sporting events. We are still working on this!

Troop Boxes

Trackside is now also helping with the troop box drive. They were featured recently on News 12 for their efforts!

My Take: This is great, because the drive needs help! 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!

Contact Selectman Ted Hoffstatter any time with comments or questions via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

The idea of emulating Westport’s ban on plastic bags at retail checkout is gaining momentum here in Wilton.

Jonathan Cunitz, who was the mastermind behind the plastic bag ordinance adopted in Westport a year ago gave a very well received presentation at the Board of Selectman meeting on February 1^st.

A Bi-partisan Initiative

We have a responsibility to protect our waterways for our children and grandchildren.- Congressman HimesAlthough Democratic Congressman Jim Himes has written a letter in strong support of the initiative, the issue is not a partisan one. In Westport, the ordinance passed with overwhelming support of elected officials from both political parties. Likewise, here in Wilton, both the Democratic and Republican Town leaders were very receptive to the idea.

But buy-in from elected leaders is only the first step in Wilton successfully emulating our neighboring town in this important initiative. Community outreach, to both the citizens of Wilton and local merchants will be critical. Ending the flood of plastic bags that clog our waterways, kill wildlife, and last forever in huge floating islands in our oceans will require that each of us do our part.

Q & A on What the Plastic Bag Ordinance Would Mean for Wilton

As we begin considering this as a community, the DTC would like to share some questions that surfaced at our recent meeting:

1. QWhat about the cost?
   AIn Westport, many merchants sold (for a few dollars) or gave away branded reusable bags as a form of advertising, so we anticipate that costs Wiltonians would be nominal. For retailers, the proposed ordinance would prevent them from giving away plastic bags for free. As Wiltonians begin regularly using the environmentally-friendly bags, merchants would save on their purchases of plastic bags.

2. QAren’t paper bags just environmentally-bad?
   AIn many cases, that is true given the high carbon footprint of converting trees into paper bags. But what the ordinance is proposing is a move from plastic bags to reusable cloth bags.

3. QDoes bringing reusable bags into stores pose health risks?
   AA good question, but it is hard to see that there would be any greater risk of spreading germs from reusable bags than from the clothes we wear and purses and backpacks many folks regularly carry into stores.

4. QHas Westport’s ban been successful?
   AAn adoption study is underway now, but anecdotally, many reusable bags are now widely used in Westport.

What’s on your mind?

Do you have questions about this initiative or ideas on how we might implement it? Selectmen Ted Hoffstatter would love to hear from you via email or phone at (203) 451-5049.

Budget FY2011

We are currently reviewing the Selectmen’s budget, department by department. We are hoping to come in flat, or a little below, as a flat budget will still result in an approximately 2% increase due to contractual obligations.

My Take: I believe it is especially prudent to be fiscally conservative at a municipal level as it affects our capital bond rating. We have just been approved again, by Moody’s, as a AAA rated town. Once a town loses this ability to borrow for capital projects at a low rate, it almost never gets it back. At the same time, we cannot compromise public safety. We may have to cut back on some services, which is regrettable, but may be necessary. So far, most budgets have come in at a reasonable level, so I am not seeing any major problems right now.

Wilton Commons

George Ciaccio, Richard Creeth, and the group are still working hard to make this affordable housing complex for seniors a reality. The Wilton Commons group has a meeting with Jim Himes’ Appropriations leader tomorrow morning.

My Take: At George’s request, I was more than happy to facilitate this face-to-face discussion through our friend Kathleen Warner. It is a difficult process, but I will do all I can to help them along.

Plastic Bag Ordinance

Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled

My Take: My pet project at the moment. I met Jonathan about two months ago after several phone conversations, and asked him to speak at our February 1^st 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! 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, that would also be a huge help! I will keep you posted on this exciting possibility!

Dog Ordinance/Town Playing Fields

Parks and Rec. still wants a stronger ordinance concerning dogs near playing fields. They have adjusted their fifty feet ban of dogs near playing fields to twenty five feet – with exceptions for paths that cross near a field, such as with Merwin. The driver is that there has been too much dog excrement on fields, some altercations between dogs, and the concern that players may crash into dogs.

My Take: The concern is, again, legitimate. Unfortunately, the current ordinance is not effectively enforced; dogs are already prohibited from fields. While I agree dogs should not be on fields, I still feel that even twenty five feet is too harsh for all fields. The stadium and Lilly Field may be legitimate, but I do not want to burden good owners with good dogs from attending all sporting events. We are still working on this!

Troop Boxes

Trackside is now also helping with the troop box drive. They were featured recently on News 12 for their efforts!

My Take: This is great, because the drive needs help! 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!

DSCC Report – 2010 Races

Virtually all of our Democratic Candidates for 2010 on a State and National level attended the Fat Cat Pie Company Rally in Norwalk last night! Dick Blumenthal, Jim Himes, Ned Lamont, Dan Malloy, Rudy Marconi, Mary Glassman, Susan Bysiewicz, George Jepsen, Nancy Wyman, Denise Napier, and many others were on hand. News 12 covered the event, and it was a front cover story on the Norwalk Hour today!

My Take: The concern is legitimate. : Lots of fun, thanks so much to the DTC for chipping in $50!! Feedback tells me we need to do more of these regional events! Fat Cat is ready to help, and we also welcome different ideas and venues as well.

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.