Kiefer: "Supporting George Doerrer and Eileen O’Conner for Zoning Board of Appeals."

This letter is written by Mark Kiefer:

This letter is to announce my support of George Doerrer and Eileen O’Conner for seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Because I am running against them this should be explained.

I have been an alternate on the ZBA for six years. The seat I fill was up for election this year. Additionally the ZBA has a seat that is held by someone who does not attend the meetings. It was my impression that it was that seat that was up for election. Not until the sample ballot was published it became clear to me that our election process in Clinton had me running against George and Eileen.

George and Eileen were on the ZBA when I got there six years ago. I have been watching them, talking to them and learning from them for six years. They both care deeply about this town and what happens in it. They are both thoughtful and wise people who weigh each appeal individually on its merits against the hardship of the land which is what the ZBA is charged to do. No one should ever run against either of them.

The Zone Board as it is sits currently of Mark Richards, George, Eileen and Paul Topitzer is an outstanding board. As alternates, Cheryl Church and James Falconer have been doing admirable job of filling the continually vacant seat and they will continue to do so until that seat is put up for election or filled by appointment. That leaves the question of why do the alternates have to fill that seat every month?

The seat was won by someone who has been unable to attend. One of the jobs of the DTC and RTC is to make sure that the boards are filled with people who care about what happens in this town and to this town. The fact that this seat has been left essentially vacant for so long with just a name in front of an empty chair is a condemnation of both town committees and disrespectful to the people of Clinton and the Members of the ZBA.

It has been an honor to serve with Mark, George, Eileen, Paul, Cheryl and Jim, and the town of Clinton. Thank you for the opportunity. Vote for George and Eileen.

Mark Kiefer