Seven Questions for Mayor Fred Allyn

Incumbent Mayor Fred B. Allyn Jr. is one of four candidates running for Mayor of Ledyard on Nov. 8. He is seeking a second term as a petitioning candidate. His background and responses to seven questions appear below. 

Name: Fred Allyn Jr.

Age: 70

Address: 610 Col. Ledyard Hwy, Ledyard

Hometown: Ledyard (lifelong resident)

Employment: Serving as Mayor

Education: B.S. Business Admin- The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina

Incumbent?  Yes - Elected November 2007

Previous elected experience: 1968 Board of Finance (prior to Mayor form of Govt.) Elected to Zoning Board of Appeals (served 18 years) Town Council 2003 and 2^nd Term 2005-2007

Civic experience: Prior Officer Ledyard Fire Co., former Officer Ledyard Fair (Treasurer and VP), Previous Economic Development Commission, previous Library Commission, Chair, President Ledyard Rotary 1992 also 2002, also Pres Elect 2012, various School Building Committees. 

1. What do you consider to be the single biggest issue facing the town?

I consider careful allocation of tax dollars combined with protecting and maintaining the “quality of life” (which brought residents to Ledyard) while supporting the educational system. Good schools also protect property values. By careful spending this Administration has underspent the first three audited years by $1.9 million. This has helped buffer and protect the education budgets.

2. What do you think Ledyard can do to attract and encourage greater economic development?

Ledyard needs to devote more effort to economic development. I am able to share the responsibility because of my many years of commercial real estate practice. I have facilitated the CVS deal, engaged Ocean State last year and this year in meaningful discussion of redevelopment of Ocean State Plaza, continued working with Great Wolf Hotel project, developed an improved relationship with the Mashantucket leaders for potential mutually beneficial projects. I will engage and support appropriate development of the Baldwin Hill Industrial property currently in P&Z.

3. How important would you say it is to maintain strong, professional working relationships with the town council and other branches of town government?

Certainly it is important to have good working relationships with ALL involved in our Ledyard government. That includes volunteer Boards and Commissions. That requires two-way communication, including listening as well as talking! The Town Charter details how we are supposed to work and it must be followed. Confusion over the intent of the Charter must be made clear to all by meeting and discussing with all involved. I have proposed a meeting immediately following the election to pursue that goal.

4. For several years Ledyard has considered transitioning to an independent police department. Do you support or oppose the idea, and why?

I support our Police Department becoming independent. The study I commissioned two years ago reported that we are ready and advantages are available. Under the current Resident Trooper Contract (and we do have a very good Resident Trooper!) Ledyard has no control over many details of our policing. The study not only stated that we are in a position to make the change, but that we can save some valuable tax dollars in the process. Our Police Department is ready! 

5. Assuming there are still savings to be found in the annual town budget, what are some likely places to look? 

There are opportunities for savings in the General Govt. budget, which is the only portion I control. I do work with schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Graner to seek and implement joint opportunities. I believe strongly that a Town Purchasing Agent would save far more than the cost. Diligence directed to our new Single Stream recycling program can save significant costs. I am pursuing additional Solar projects. Added to that is the earlier discussion of economic development which can generate more revenue. We have just this month initiated a Grant Data Base program which has great potential for us to identify Grant opportunities to bring in outside investment.

6. A state economic development consultant recently called the riverfront in Gales Ferry the town’s most under-utilized asset. In your opinion, how could the town take better advantage of this asset?

Actually, the facilitator, Tom Marano, who I brought to Ledyard to open discussions about “vision” made the comment. However, his comment did not speak to “riverfront” development, but made reference to the location of our town and it’s proximity to the river. There are non-financial opportunities which I am currently pursuing. There are few development parcels “along the river” on which we can increase our utilization. That said, our Town of Ledyard is located in such a position in SE Connecticut that we can pursue unique opportunities.  

7. What is your “vision” for Ledyard and what makes you think you are the best person to lead the town toward that vision?

As I spoke yesterday with a small group in my office, I do have ideas and shared some with them. However, I believe strongly that the “vision” for our town should be developed based upon resident ideas. I can best lead Ledyard toward a true “vision” because of several factors, such as economic development experience, relationships with many who can assist us, an ability to engage residents in meaningful discussions leading to results. I have the “Leadership- Experience- Commitment” to “Lead Ledyard Forward!”

Next up: Democratic candidate Anthony Saccone.