A Quiet Campaign Season in Cheshire

In an election season that's been one of the quietest in years, Cheshire candidates have spoken strongly on at least one topic: the $30 million request to fund upgrades to the town's treatment plant in Quinnipiac Park. 

At the only public forum on the election, Town Council candidates squared off about the plant funding.

Democratic at-large candidate Bob Behrer said bonding such a large funding package would not allow the town to address school maintenance issues that require funding as well. "The Republicans think money is cheap," he said at an October forum.

Incumbent Republican at-large candidate James Sima disagreed. "The plant is at its live expectancy. Putting it off will cost more," he said. "There could be a catastrophe at the water plant if we don't pay attention," Sima added.

Incumbent Democratic at-large candidate Patti Flynn-Harris said the town's plant upgrade will cost tax payers money to build a facility that provides environmental controls that aren't yet required. "We will pay to teach the industry" how to upgrade, she said.

Incumbent Republican at-large candidate Tim Slocum said the plant should be done sooner rather than later. "Perhaps we can pay less to remove phosphorus," he said. The removal of the chemical phosphorus is not yet required by the state, but it's expected to become a requirement.

Democratic petitioning candidate Jim McKenney said the referendum shouldn't pass because the state has not yet agreed to provide a grant or low-interest loan for the project. "We shold have the money first," he said. McKenney was the only candidate to talk about growing the town's grand list to increase revenue.

At-large Republican candidate Michael O'Donnell, in a seeming departure from his party, said he also believes the town should put off the plant upgrade. "We should wait until we get the state money," he said. On school projects, O'Donnel said major renovations have to be done piece meal to accomodate students.

Despite the funding and near-completion of the artificial turf field at Cheshire High School, District 2 Republican incumbent Thomas Ruocco spoke against the project. "It was forced down our throat by special interests in town," he said. "The turf field is not free, be selective," Ruocco added.

Democratic District 4 candidate Peter Talbot took issue with that comment. "The turf cost the town nothing. Money is budgeted for maintenance. It will be less than the grass field." Talbot said maintenance funds already budgeted will be consolidated and used for turf replacement in 10 to 12 years.

Joe Schmitt, Democratic District 3 candidate said school funding is not what it should be. "It's outrageous we spend 15 percent less (per pupil) than (similar) towns in our state. We should protect schools and fund them. We can control taxes and spend wisely," he said.

Asked if the town's bulk trash pick up should be brought back, Democratic District 2 candidate Matt Bowman said he would support the move. "It's one way people can appreciate their taxes being spent," he said. Bowman said perhaps the service could be provided every two years.

"It's (bulk pickup) is a nice service but not necessary," said Republican District 3 incumbent Andrew Falvey. He said the town must find better ways to provide services. "There is so much uncertainty at the local, state and federal level," for budgets, he said.

Republican District 4 incumbent Steve Carroll said the cost of bulk pick-up was $175,000 a year. He said we would consider reinstating the service, if residents want it. "Perhaps residents can make an appointment  for pick up rather than whole town?" Carroll suggested.

Michael Ecke, Democratic at-large incumbent said he's disappointed no action has been taken to upgrade locker rooms at Cheshire High School. "Nothing has been done in two years. They are deplorable," he said.

Funding of $500,000 was provided for the locker rooms at a referendum but the repairs have not been done.

Democratic at-large candidate Dan Nowak, a sports writer for the New Haven Register, said his knowledge of athletics will help the town move forward with school renovations. On his website, Nowak states the locker rooms represent a health problem and are not compliant for accessibility.

"We need to address the locker rooms," said Republican at-large incumbent Sylvia Nichols. "Major projects can't be funded all at once," she added. Nichols noted labor contracts will be a key issue next year. "The teacher contract needs to be handled delicately," she said.

Republican District 1 incumbent Dave Schrumm is running unopposed this year. He pointed to his Cheshire roots and experience of being on the council for eight terms.

Ballots for the candidates, the referendum questions and polling locations can be seen in the attached pdf documents.