Meet the Candidate: Will Duff for First Selectman

Editor’s note: Patch posed a number of questions sent in by readers to both challenger Will Duff [R] and First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker [D]. Below are answers from Will Duff. Matt Knickerbocker chose to answer in essay form. Click here to read.

What are the top 3 things you’d like to see changed/improved in Bethel?

1) I would love to see an effort in reviving the local economy. Economic development is the best way to help alleviate the incredible tax burden that has been levied upon us.

2) Making sure our infrastructure projects are completed on time and on budget.

3) To raise the level of expectation that the public has in its elected officials. We must operate in an honest and transparent manner to elevate the level of integrity in the office of First Selectman. No more secret meetings. There will be public hearings on the important issues that are affecting the community to make sure our elected officials understand and hear our concerns.

What are your thought on plans for the new police station?

The only plan that I would support is a plan that meets the 100 percent of the needs of our Bethel Police Department. Every building project that the town pursues is plagued by the constant need to meet a budget with no regard to the effectiveness of the final building. The building needs to be built correctly the first time around.

What are your thoughts about Toll Brothers and other new development? Does it help or hurt the town?

Bethel has seen rapid growth in residential development. It’s time we step back and concentrate on commercial development. I have seen the environment for ever changed and replaced with town houses and or condos. We are starting to lose our “Little Town” charm. With all the residential development we can expect and increase in needs for services which will translate into larger budget request and more tax increases.

Regarding the Walnut/Plumtrees bridge project not starting yet, what would you do differently if you were First Selectman?

Here is another example of poor planning. More excuses as to why the project is delayed. Two years ago my opponent blamed the state for the screw ups on the Walnut Hill Bridge project and afterwards we found out that it was the town’s responsibility and not the case. This time I am sure he will blame another government agency. But the reality is that is the First Selectman’s responsibility and he needs to push any and all stake holders to meet their deadlines. When I am First Selectman I will be on the phone and knocking on whomever’s door I need to, insisting the job get done and done properly. If you do not make the projects a priority, then neither will any federal and/or state agency.

Why/how could the public works employee spend $39k without the First Selectman’s approval? If you were First Selectman what would you have done differently?

I would not support paying the $39K. I know Mr. Knickerbocker feels we have a moral obligation to pay the contractor. But I for one feel we have a moral obligation to the taxpayer NOT to pay. There is a competitive bidding process for contracts with the town. Under no circumstance would I allow any employee and or vendor to do an end run around our town charter. The idea of just paying a non negotiated invoice for work that was not requested by the Energy Commission is nonsense.

How much oversight there is on the First Selectman’s part on overspending of the town budget? If you were First Selectman what would you do differently?

Every year each department needs to justify their existence and expenditures. The question will be asked if the town is getting its money’s worth, and if not, we will restructure the department(s) to make sure it does.

How do you feel about government transparency?

An open and transparent government is key to our future development. Communication with the public on all the initiatives is a must. It is not fair to the public to continue to find out about issues that will dramatically impact our community after the fact and not allow a public hearing.

Why are road projects taking so long? If you were First Selectman what would you do differently?

With proper planning we can start much earlier then we are presently doing. Waiting until September to do road projects (right in time for the election) is not proper planning. The town should have a set schedule in winter as to what they are planning to do throughout spring, summer and fall. Enough with the excuses, let’s just get the job done.

What is your plan for emergencies?

We must practice our emergencies plans throughout the year. Every few months we should have a practice drill. This way we can discover what we need and where we are missing resources. By doing this, we will be better prepared to perform quickly under pressure. We can only perform to the level of our training, The more we practice and train the higher level of performance we will achieve.

Why do you feel you are the most qualified for the position of First Selectman?

Over the last 25 years I have been involved in many ways that have given me a wide range of experience. As a former member of the Sherriff’s Department I have become familiar with the public’s safety and security issues. As a former Selectman I co-authored the ethics code and worked on town budgets. In fact, the last year I was selectman the Town of Bethel saw its first and only tax freeze. As a member of the Board of Education I am very aware of the needs of our educational community. Working in the private sector has given me a lot of insight into the needs of our local merchants. These life experiences have given me the skills in knowledge to be First Selectman.

What do you stand for? What is your platform?

I stand for smaller government, lower taxes. We have the highest tax rate in the Danbury area. Other towns in the area are able to have a tax freeze or reduction in taxes but here in Bethel it’s a never ending tax increase every year. THIS HAS TO STOP! If I do not reduce the size of government over the next two years, I will not seek re-election; real economic development. Bethel needs a First Selectman that is proactive and aggressive in bringing business into Bethel. The First Selectman needs to be the number one salesman for our town. Go out and campaign to bring business to Bethel. Working along side of various state agencies that can assist. Working with the Board of Finance and comptroller to develop tax incentives to lure businesses to Bethel.

I will bring honesty and transparency back to the office of First Selectman. I am committed to raising the bar of expectation in public service. If there is a problem I will assume full responsibility instead of shifting blame on an employee or government agency. “The buck stops here.” There will be no more excuses. The people of Bethel need to have confidence in their local government. We need to bring government out of the dark back room of politics and into the light of open and public forum.