Unaffiliated, 'Purple' Voters for 'Responsible Farmington'

Regardless of one’s vote on the Farmington High School (FHS) referendum – and my point is not to relitigate its merits - we should be grateful, not vindictive toward politicians and individuals who have the courage to raise legitimate concerns and defy ‘go along to get along’ pressure by their party bosses and neighbors.

Jon Landry and Justin Bernier gave voice to self-evident flaws in the FHS conceptualization and decision-making process. They should be lauded, not vilified by the Republican Town Committee (RTC) and taxpayers for exerting civic responsibility in opposing it. While peer politico’s opposed this project (version) privately just weeks earlier, they ultimately failed this same test of leadership. The RTC's subsequent retribution toward Landry and Bernier is at best, a sophomorically tone deaf reaction to the 2:1 vote against this project and in effect, their own continued status. In short, the wrong people were being fired.

For this reason, as a normally ‘purple’ unaffiliated voter with three school age sons and a previous track record of 100% support for school projects, I fully endorse Landry, Bernier, Cianci and Apuzzo in their Primary race. They’ve earned it. Pragmatically, their plan to create an independent, bipartisan Building Commission will insure that all of Farmington’s school and municipal building’ requirements are taken into consideration, transparently prioritized and budgeted for responsibly. No more swansong trophy projects. This ‘best practice’ is critical for Farmington as budget obligations inevitably shift from the State to towns and we are forced to make tough fiscal choices – and be nimble to seize opportunities - over the next decade.

But the general election should be more than a one-issue pony and a newly composed RTC should not rely on historical dominance to declare victory. Farmington desperately needs fresh, progressive minds to avoid losing its identity altogether and becoming a speed bump. What and where is Farmington? Smarter development and creating a pedestrian friendly community ‘center’ is hardly incompatible with core strategic priorities of ‘traffic congestion reduction, quality schools and efficient taxation’. But it involves the 'old guard' accepting that the economy and demographics of CT are changing and we need to better anticipate the curve.

There are fine Council candidates on the Democratic side as well. But they should face the best the RTC has to offer in Landry, Bernier, Cianci and Apuzzo. This team has earned the right to face them in a general election.