Rossi: Naugatuck Needs a 'Tried and Tested Leader'

Editor’s Note: This letter was written and submitted by Naugatuck Republican mayoral candidate Tamath K. Rossi.

To the Voters of Naugatuck:

As I have knocked on over 4,000 doors and spoken to so many of you during this election, I have heard the same consistent message. Residents are struggling, feeling disconnected and that Naugatuck has lost its way. We can do better.

Despite being the Deputy Mayor for 12 years, I have never been part of the political insider crowd. I have always done what is right for Naugatuck and my decisions have not always been popular among Democrats or Republicans.

My decisions have been based on doing the job that the voters have elected me to do, not being popular. As a mother, business owner and volunteer within this community that I call home, I have never shied away from the difficult decisions and none have ever been made with concern of popularity or benefitting the well connected.

As Mayor, I will continue to make the critical decisions for our community based on the principle of what is best for the community as a whole and for our future and will be made while engaging and empowering our residents and businesses and encouraging them to be a part of our future.

Naugatuck is at a critical time and we need a tried and tested leader with multifaceted experience and a track record of getting things done.

Naugatuck is experiencing incredible momentum with its downtown development plans and I am so proud to be a part of the team that has worked on this.

For the first time, we have a true project for Parcel C, which will be the gateway to our downtown and a springboard to the additional downtown project of Parcels A & B, which is now taking shape.

Having worked with the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation for the last 6 years, I have the knowledge and experience to continue to see that project to fruition and to continue to tackle the challenges with our newest project for parcels A & B (General Datacom property).

I will work collaboratively with the NEDC Board and the Developers to ensure that we develop that property in a thoughtful and advantageous way to best benefit our community and build our tax base.

We have great smaller economic development projects currently going up on New Haven Road (30,000 sq. foot gym and a storage facility) and in Union City (a new gas station and bakery).

I value the benefit of these smaller projects as well and will continue to work with the Director of the NEDC to seek and encourage these types of projects as well as work with current businesses to foster good relationships and encourage them to stay and grow here in Naugatuck.

In addition I will continue to pursue long term strategic Economic Development opportunities for Naugatuck. Together with the NEDC and the new Board of Burgesses, I will lead us to do everything on the local level to assist our businesses including promotion of our recent tax abatement program.

As Mayor, I am proposing a full slate of activities and incentives to draw people to Naugatuck and the downtown business area.

While Economic Development remains a critical component in a better future for Naugatuck, we need to be proactive in the way we conduct the Borough’s business. While there have been significant improvements in some of our operations, improvements and advancements are needed in centralizing several of our procedures.

My plan addresses and provides a full pan to tackle these critical issues that will lead to greater efficiencies and savings for the taxpayers.

I will work closely with our new Superintendent who has already made incredible strides, to continue to improve our school system, while living within our financial means. My plan includes working with Principal Saam of the High School to bridge our businesses and students.

Having worked closely with our seniors over the past 12 years, the cost of living on the rise, and higher taxes squeezing us all, our seniors are being hit the hardest.

As seniors take on the role of caring for spouses, children and even grandchildren, their needs are ever changing and we must be able to meet those demands. I have a plan to tackle the challenge of doing all we can to ensure they can remain in Naugatuck.

Democracy is alive and well in Naugatuck, but there are ways we should be communicating with residents and those we serve in the community to build stronger trust and openness. My plan includes several components of greater accessibility of Borough business through public access Television, YouTube, hardcopy and E-Newsletters.

These proposals have zero budget implications to the town but help involve residents and businesses in the decisions being made that impact them. I want to give everyone a chance to engage in the critical budget discussion in an open forum and am proud to include that in my plan for Naugatuck.

We will also host a Taxpayer Town Hall Meeting prior to the budget workshop process beginning.
We have made a lot of progress in Naugatuck, and selecting the next Mayor of our Borough will determine whether we continue that progress or fall behind.

We have no room for government gimmicks proven not to work, catchy phrases with no substance or explanation, or proposed expensive bridges to nowhere. Naugatuck needs responsible growth and strategic planning and building of our economy utilizing collaboration and community solutions that are pursued in a continued open and transparent forum.

There is no room for deals cut behind closed doors that only benefit a privileged few.

I have served 12 years under both Republican and Democratic Mayors and majorities, I have the proven leadership and ability to move Naugatuck forward. Naugatuck needs a hardworking, inclusive and collaborative leader that will provide results.

I look forward to the opportunity to be your next Mayor and thank you for your consideration and support.

Please remember to vote Tuesday, November 3rd.

Very truly yours,
Tamath K. Rossi

My full plan can be viewed at www.rossifornaugatuckct.com for additional information.