Enfield Patch Questions the Candidates: Town Council District 3

Earlier this month, Enfield Patch sent a series of questions to all 25 candidates on the ballot for the Enfield Town Council and Board of Education. Beginning last Friday and concluding today, the responses from the candidates will be published.

Today will feature comments from candidates for Town Council in District 3.

Key: D - Democrat; R - Republican; I - Incumbent

Question 1: What ideas do you have to stimulate business growth in Enfield, particularly in the re-use of the town’s numerous empty commercial properties?

Bill Lee (R-I): Here are six ideas or strategies I feel the Town Council should pursue or support in earnest:

In the coming two years the Town Council ought to take advantage of new state legislation that creates a more streamlined process for municipalities to use an economic development financing tool called a TIF. Tax-increment-financing (TIF) helps a business more easily expand or locate in place that might require public infrastructure improvements to make the expansion possible. A TIF also helps protect taxpayers. To get us on track I am proposing an educational workshop on how TIFs are used and established to be scheduled in January.

Second, I believe the Council should seriously consider the emerging availability of super-fast Gigabit Internet Connectivity for every home and every business in Enfield. (Think speeds of 20-40X faster than the average bandwidth speeds widely available today.) Creating this technology advantage could have a major impact on how Enfield learns, how healthcare can be delivered, how we access entertainment, and certainly how the speed of commerce can be conducted in our town. In the next 6 months if Enfield explores, and then chooses to assemble a proposal process to invite firms to provide this leading edge of Internet access it will be a very strong differentiator and attraction for those in or considering Enfield.

Third, I feel the Town Council should expand the locally funded and controlled programs that help homeowners and businesses rehabilitate our historic or architecturally notable properties. Capitalizing on our town’s heritage and what makes Enfield’s neighborhoods unique is positive economic value. So much is being done around Connecticut and the nation at the “street-level”. People are rediscovering the energy and the possibilities in their local “downtown” districts. Enfield remains very close to capitalizing on this economic powerhouse. By the time the new commuter rail service begins my hope is Thompsonville is properly positioned to benefit fully.

Fourth, I would propose that the next Council, our Planning & Zoning Commissioners, and the new Town Manager spend time learning how the town and our region’s demographic trends may impact the neighborhoods and retail business activity in Enfield. The implication to our town’s grand list and tax rates could be significant if we are not more prepared.

Our mall and Enfield’s shopping centers can thrive only if there are customers with strong incomes and consumer needs to serve.

As a Council member, I want the Town of Enfield to have a detailed understanding of what it can do better to ensure that our business community and our residential communities prosper—and remain in harmony, so that neither is forced to carry an unnecessary tax burden for the other.

Fifth, to potentially support a repositioning of the Enfield Square and a renaissance of the properties that ring it, I would suggest the Council consider a proposal to identify it as a re-investment zone which could assist the mall’s ownership in devising and financing the “What’s Next” for this regional retail destination. Designating it a re-investment zone may open the possibility of some property tax advantages authorized by the State for new investment or improvements made at the site.

Lastly, in the new term I would encourage each Town Council member, to remain or get involved with the State Department of Transportation’s forums for municipal leaders along the commuter rail corridor. Enfield must remain strong in its positions while advocating for the appropriate rail station and transit-relayed improvements in our community. Mayor Kaupin currently co-chairs this important group which is hosted by CRCOG. Since 2005 Enfield’s goal has been clear—to ensure that our business community and our commuting residents have an equal opportunity to take advantage of the benefits that the start of the Hartford Line service will deliver to Greater Hartford-Springfield. Trains are anticipated to begin rolling in mid-2018. We want them stopping in Enfield on Day One.

Generally, as professional and attentive as the Town is, the next Town Council must continue the effort to encourage Enfield to become even more helpful, more resourceful, and more hospitable to a business prospect or current owner, or a resident when they approach Town Hall seeking-- or even thinking about, getting a permit or establishing a new business here.

Much has improved in the last several years, but more can be done. We all know Connecticut is not an inexpensive place to operate in. Electricity, fuel, wages, insurance, the burden of regulation and business taxes, and the flight of our graduates, all contribute to making it more costly around here than just about every other place in the nation. To overcome some of these state or regional disadvantages, the Town of Enfield and its government need to be exceeding willing to hold every hand and walk every applicant through a predictable and consistent development process whether they are a family looking to add on a porch, or a corporation seeking a new headquarters.

With a step in that positive direction, I am very pleased that a goal of the Town over the last two years is nearing its completion. A new online permitting portal will be rolled out to the public in the coming months. It should greatly assist an applicant in addressing precisely what steps are required of them, and provide an online method to submit an application and manage it through to completion.

Liz Davis (D): In order to stimulate business growth, I would propose that we review the current strategies and identity those deterring business development. We need to focus on attracting diverse types of businesses to town.

We need to stand behind our many small locally owned businesses and support them, and help them grow. I have spoken to many small business owners and they have shared with me their concerns. Small business owners give their heart and soul to creating their businesses, and they are taxed and over-regulated on the tiniest details of their business operations. Rather than driving them out, we need to assist in their growth. The strategies that encourage small business growth is also a way to attract larger businesses. This in turn will create growth of job opportunities, and encourage businesses that pay living wage.

Also, town contracts need to be bid out in a fair and equitable way, so that those opportunities are available to a wide array of business owners. I would work with the CT State Community College System to look at ways to expand our already flourishing local community college. This is an opportunity that will attract a positive business opportunity culture in Enfield.

I believe new candidates bring in a new and fresh perspective and new energy to town decisions, and to proposals. Having a new town council members with a fresh perspective will look at issues and ideas through a very different viewpoint.

Question 2: There has been considerable talk about bringing a casino to town. Do you feel a casino would be good or bad for the town, and why?

Davis: I believe to make a decision on any proposal we need to learn all that we can as a community about how a casino would benefit our town and its residents. We need to learn about the drawbacks to the community. My opinion is that a casino is not a viable option for Enfield. However, just as I have in the past, I believe that this is a decision that should be decided with full input from the community. This decision should be based on what the community wants, not what a select few decide they want. If elected, I am committed to listening to my constituents and engaging in a collaborative interactive conversation about their thoughts, ideas to continually improve our town.

Lee: I feel the prospect of gaming in Enfield or anywhere in Connecticut that is off the Tribes’ lands is a bad idea. Further, I feel it is terribly unfortunate that the Connecticut General Assembly believes the only way to sustain its current level of spending in the state budget is to target a community for an addictive activity.

My view is that if successful, an expansion of gaming to North Central Connecticut will do little more than drain the financial resources of our residents and neighbors, and further the dependence on government support of those who sadly view gambling as a means to a productive end.

In my opinion, the expansion of gaming outside of the Tribal lands should never have been considered without first seeking the approval of voters on a state-wide referendum. I suspect though, that Connecticut is finally realizing that an economic strategy built on a bet against the citizens is at best hollow and is clearly fleeting.

Practically, regardless of whether the proposal the current Town Council has seen is for a casino or some other use, what we know about the manner in which it would be reviewed, negotiated and approved, is too troubling to consider.

Question 3: What do you feel is the biggest priority item for District 3, and if elected, what is your plan to deal with it?

Lee: I feel that one of the biggest priorities for District 3 is one shared across the entire Town. Enfield must follow through on the strategy the municipality has developed to address its buildings, schools, and neighborhood infrastructure.

The time and investment in creating the proposals and maintenance plans has been well considered and is ready for implementation.

Taxpayers should be relieved that the engineering and budgeting involved in devising the comprehensive plans, which appear on the ballot as referendum questions, can and will result in more predictable budgeting on energy, repairs, and ongoing capital improvements well into the future.

The thought that $80+ million in infrastructure work over the next several years might only involve a taxpayer investment of 25-35% is an accomplishment that Enfield ought to be proud of.

Elected or not, I will support and monitor the work proposed at the town’s facilities in District 3, including Nathan Hale School, Hazardville Memorial School, Eli Whitney School, and the Central Library. Improvements needed at each are extensive and all together necessary.

Well-equipped and efficient buildings, particularly schools, are critical parts of the equation that help Enfield remain an attractive community to live and prosper in.

Further, if re-elected I would continue to push the effort to provide the municipality the tools needed to address blighted and abandoned homes. The federal government created an environment after the housing bubble burst that has allowed banks and mortgage companies to leave homes to deteriorate with little incentive to get them re-occupied and back into productive use.

Residents in District 3, and all over the town, are paying a price in the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The Town must remain diligent. The path to resolving cases can be very long, but the work of town staff, with Council support, is beginning to bear fruit. I am encouraged that additional enforcement proposals will be presented to the new Council as early as November.

Finally, striking a balance with the State of Connecticut DEEP on their operations plan for the Scantic River Recreation Area and State Park lands is also a District 3 issue that impacts the entire town. Again, elected or not, I will remain engaged in the dialog and the effort to promote Powder Hollow as a historic place with a very beautiful river that ought to remain that way.

Access to well-maintained local recreational opportunities is also one of the certain keys to attracting and retaining active, healthy, growing families here.

Davis: The biggest priority for District 3 is giving our residents back there voice, we need to develop a long-term plan with a clear vision that will benefit all. We need to work collaboratively with the Board of Education to create a strong school system, as schools are often a number one consideration when deciding where to buy a home. We need to lower the amount of for sale signs and foreclosure properties in town. We have a lack of green space available to the community, and a long range plan in my District would include putting an emphasis on preserving parts of the beautiful farmland in District 3 for the benefit of our children’s children.

I believe that the way to work towards this vision is to have continually open lines of communication with all citizens of the town, as we have much work to do, together.

Question 4: Tell us as briefly as possible why District 3 residents should vote for you (NOT why they shouldn’t vote for your opponent).

Davis: The voters of District 3 should vote for me because of my leadership qualities and ideals that I possess. These ideals and qualities were shaped through my years serving as a leader in the military and also through my experiences participating in town events, speaking at town meetings and especially talking to people while volunteering at many events through the years. I am strongly committed and dedicated to ensuring that our citizens have a voice and are involved in decisions related to the town. Regardless of who you are, you need to know that I will work tirelessly to guarantee that your voices are heard always.

I believe it is critically important to have a transparent and open town government that we need to sharply improve our fiscal responsibility.

I believe in engaging in purposeful long range planning by outlining clearly understood goals with deliverables that the citizens are involved in developing. Being a life-long residence has shown me the power of community spirit in our town. We need to build on this positive. I will work to further strengthen and expand our strong community spirit so that all of our citizens are actively involved in an aspect of the community that is most meaningful to them and to their family.

People are our greatest resource in this town. We have a great community spirit because of the people who live here. This needs to be embraced and expanded. Enfield isn’t just a town to me, it’s my home and where my heart is. We are way more than just a town we are a community and family!

I am asking for you, to let me earn your vote, I give you my word of honor I will always stand up for what is right and make sure everyone’s voice is heard!

Lee: I ask for the vote of my District 3 neighbors for the simple reason that I and my colleagues on the Council have done exactly what we said we would do when seeking their vote over the last several years.

I have supported and championed reforms in Enfield that are making our local government more responsive, nimble, and modern. As noted, many of these efforts are coming to fruition in the next few years. I seek another term as the District 3 representative to help see these efforts through, and to help ensure our next Town Manager is someone who also understands the value in the positive and prepared direction we have led the town in since 2007.

The Republican majority that Enfield has delivered to the Town Council remains committed to no one else but the voters and the interests of this community.

I have been grateful for the opportunity and honor to serve as a Council member, and request two more years of trust from District 3 that we may continue to do the right thing-- for Enfield.