East Haven 2019 Election OpEd

Submitted as an OpEd from Cindy Willams:

"By now, you have already decided who your mayoral pick will be. But now you need to know some important information about the under ticket, most importantly Town Council.

Ken McKay (Incumbent – District 1): Mr. McKay was quoted as saying “I don’t believe Joe would be turned on by this girl in anyway or sexually aroused” when speaking to the New Haven Register on November 29, 2018, regarding the sexual harassment lawsuit brought against Mayor Joe Maturo. He went on to say he didn’t believe any of the four woman that have accused the mayor, his long-time friend. I think we can all agree that nepotism is a big issue in our town. Ken is no exception. Now, lets discuss Ken’s position regarding the sale of DC Moore. He stated in the August 6, 2019 public hearing that “he understands concerns but they are looking to sell the piece of property”. “We are looking to rid the town of unnecessary expense keeping the school going, police presence, etc.” Inreality the school had been closed for many years. So it was a foregone conclusion starting with the chairman of the town council the intention. Lastly, he added that “he understands they don’t want change in their neighborhood. He doesn’t want a new store in his neighborhood, but then they built a new Dunkin Donuts on Main Street and he can’t stop it. You can’t stop a piece of property from being developed once someone buys it” But the town council had it in their control to sell or not sell the property known as DC Moore School. Now residents who pleaded with the town council not to sell will be involved in a never-ending battle against developers plundering which should have been kept as a natural green space. Lastly, as chairman he continues to tout his many years of experience on the town council but cannot seem to grasp Roberts Rules of Order. The town attorney has to constantly correct the chairman on how to run a meeting, voting procedures and has little control of the meetings.

Linda Hennessey (Incumbent – District 4): Where do we start. Her behavior at the August 6, 2019, town council meeting where she continually referred to residents as “them” and “those people”. She also made it clear that she was there to sell a piece of property regardless of the complete opposition by the town residents. Linda says “In listening very carefully to the public comment, those who spoke about a park, the next meeting they will be complaining about it because that was what was done. They complain about the drug use and whatever is left behind. Linda went on to scold a town resident who would be directly impacted by this project basically calling her a racist when the resident asked a simple question regarding the square footage of the homes proposed. She added that she is aware there is a “knowing there is a water problem the developer would do a lot to develop it”. “The issue tonight is selling this property” “The Council is looking to eliminate a piece of property they don’t need to hold onto anymore and have it turn into another 200 Tyler Street as an eye sore”. Well, I guess we know how she feels about our community. She is perfect for the Tracey ticket as she stated “Is anyone thinking about the developer and the chance he is taking”. “If the sale goes through tonight and he goes up against the commissions that he has to he gets denied and just spent $410,000 plus demolition for something he might not be permitted to build. It may be 13 hours or maybe less. It could be plus, we just can’t hold onto another piece of property”. Let’s also not forget her husband, Tom Hennessey (Incumbent for the Board of Education) voted “no” to have the Board of Education audit results released to the public along with his friend John Finkle.

Judy Carlson Sittnick (Incumbent – District 1): Although she normally has no input during council meetings. With regard to the sale of DC Moore, she backed up her fellow councilwoman and addressed the residents as “they” She “felt for the people in District 2 but half of them say that it floods, it is muddy, their dogs are sinking in it, etc”. “That is not open space for them”. If they want a park there is a lot of work that would need to be done for that”. What makes her an expert?. However, on a Facebook post (which has now been deleted) she responded to a resident by saying the following: The sale was the best alternative. It was iffy anyway that it would be passed with Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands and that it should be a park for open space. Everyone is asking for transparency and Judy should be the same regarding her brother-in-law being one of the town attorneys.

Bill Richardson (Candidate - District 3): There has been a lot of discussion about the duplexes on Thompson and backed the development on of Sperry Lane. Although the two mayoral candidates were not on the board when those projects were approved. Guess who was? Bill, and for both projects. Only this election season did he reappear and attend one Sperry Lane meeting with residents. Maybe he felt the pressure of the voters of Foxon knowing he did not do a great job of representing their wants and needs coming in 6th out of 6. What would make him think he should regain the voters trust in being placed back on the council. Again another episode of East Haven being sold out from under the residents. Not to mention his contribution to the Republican nepotism, Bill should also be transparent as to who his brother-in-law is.

Judy Esposito (Incumbent – District 3): As already mentioned she was part of the fire sale of East Haven land with Thompson and backed development of Sperry Lane. She was also a “yes” vote on the selling of DC Moore. She is an example of perfect attendance not adding any value to the seat. She has had barely any voice or comments on any controversial issues that have come before the council this last term. Unfortunately, she votes party line regardless of the best interest of the residents or the town. We can certainly ascertain her feelings on the sale of the old high school and its purpose as during public comment she asked the developer to have a penthouse apartment.

Rob Ranfone (Candidate – District 4): They should make a movie “The Corvette cop and the Bondsman”. Don’t believe this article? Just Google his name. Do we really want to cast another dark cloud on the town? Similar to Sal Maltese he also likes to flip, flop parties to suit his political needs. At one time, he wanted to run on the Independent ticket for mayor in 2015.

With all the above said, there are plenty of good candidates in the 2019 town council election. This is a snapshot of who this town cannot afford if we want our voices heard and our town land protected along with our quality of life. Please take the time to educate yourself on all the team members for each mayoral candidate. The town council plays a very important role in a mayor’s administration but an even more import role in that they represent US, the residents and are OUR voice."

-Cindy Williams