First Selectman Defends Business-Like Approach To Coronavirus

NEW CANAAN, CT — It is a question that leaders often ask themselves, how much is too much? For New Canaan First Selectman Kevin Moynihan the question centers on his visibility, or lack thereof, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Moynihan, whose professional background was in corporate law, has largely taken a busy-behind-the-scenes approach during the health crisis, and has delegated the role of the face of the town's response to Emergency Management Director Mike Handler.

As Moynihan likes to say about himself, he's "a work horse not a show horse," happy to eschew the limelight.

"We have an incredible Emergency Management Team and we communicate as a team," Moynihan says. "Mike Handler has been the voice of Emergency Management for the Town for over 10 years even though he is a volunteer and not an employee."

However, for one resident and some of her friends, that behind-the-scenes approach is not enough. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

The resident, who Patch is not naming because she did not send the letter to the publication, recently wrote to Moynihan and criticized the seemingly hands-off approach.

"In times of trouble the citizens of the town expect to have the leader of our town front and center, guiding the way, encouraging us, sharing vital information with us, grieving with us, protecting us, and being truthful and transparent with us on a daily basis," she wrote.

"Myself and many others I’ve spoken to are wondering where you’ve been, and why you aren’t visibly at the helm for all to look toward, rely on and count on?" she added. "I don’t want to hear emotionless, at times cryptic messages from Mike. I want to hear from you, the leader of our community. And we want to know details and statistics every single day, as we try to follow what’s happening within our community."

Moynihan agrees that there may be a perception in the community that he's not around, nothing could be further from the truth.

He works nine to 10-hour days, participating in daily coronavirus-related meetings while also continuing to run town government.

But Moynihan admits that Handler's dry approach to communications occasionally can appear underwhelming.

"I've discussed [Mike's] style several times with him because many residents find his tone funereal while others find it comforting and reassuring," Moynihan says. "Emergencies usually last a week or two, and Mike and I have debated the messaging style and content in this unprecedented pandemic."

The resident, however, wants more. "Mr. Moynihan, we need to hear your voice, your concern for our community, your explanation of the parks closing, the death rate, the testing, the store closings," she wrote. "We need to feel that the leader of our town is standing shoulder to shoulder with us. The calls should be more conversational in tone, strict when warranted, sincere, completely informative. Talk to us about the chaos at Acme, the empty shelves, the fact that we can’t find toilet paper, or disinfectant. Guide us on what to do. Give us tips on best days of the week to shop at Acme or Walter Stewarts. Tell us how to keep our elderly out of the stores when there is a limit on how many boxes of kleenex you can purchase. I try to shop for my Dad and my Aunt, but I’m only allowed 'one' of so many items. Tell us what to do in those cases. Talk to us about our neighboring towns, what are they doing, how are they doing?"

While the town does not have a full-time communications person, Moynihan says that he will try to be more visible in the future.