First Selectman Debate

What did we learn at the Selectman’s debate? The candidates differed sharply in some respects. Perhaps the starkest contrast was over whether the Town should hire a Town Manager, (TM). Frenaye said that at some point the town will need one and “we are at that edge”. One of the reasons for his support was his belief a TM would provide continuity in management. McAnaney does not support a TM anytime soon. He expressed concern over the cost (estimated at $200,000) and the potential difficulty of firing a TM over performance.

Both candidates differed on how much and the amount that should be in the undesignated fund. Frenaye claimed there is $8M in the fund and it should be 10 percent of Town’s operating budget. He wants to give $2M back to taxpayers. The problem, according to McAnaney is that there is only about $6M in the fund. He also agrees that the balance should be about 10 percent of budget, which equates to $5.2 M.

Fyler Place redevelopment offered differences of opinion. McAnaney clearly indicated his position that until a buyer/owner comes forward with a plan of redevelopment he does not support moving the Town garage or making other improvements. He said he would not “speculate with taxpayers money” Frenaye wants the town “to start taking steps” now to improve Fyler place for redevelopment. Frenaye pointed to Windsor for their proactive development policies. McAnaney reminded Tom and the audience that most of Fyler Place is privately owned so you can’t approach redevelopment as you would on Day Hill Road.

The candidates were polite as was the crowd of about 75. Kudos to the Observer and Chamber of Commerce for organizing and sponsoring the event.

Another subject: I just saw a claim by Tom Frenaye in a campaign flyer regarding his record of mitigating tax increases during his term as First Selectman, The claim is disingenuous at best. Both of the Selectman’s budgets he proposed had increases over the preceding year. The Board of Finance then cut them back. The Board of Finance deserves the credit for keeping taxes flat during the time he was in office.