Election Blog: Economic Development in Oxford

The sensible, careful, and coordinated development of Oxford’s commercial properties is vital for the strength of the Town, and is the key to maintaining a low tax rate for all residents while protecting the Town’s natural beauty.  To accomplish this, I believe it is imperative that Oxford have an individual responsible for seeking out and attracting the right businesses to Town.  We need someone who lives in Town so that we can ensure that they are working in our best interests (as what they do will affect them also); someone whose job is dedicated solely to our Town, so that Oxford does not become just one of several clients- we need to be Number One in their eyes for the right reasons.

As First Selectman, it is my job to work with the person responsible for Economic Development to make sure they stay on task and promote Oxford as a place that welcomes clean and ‘green’ industries that will work in concert with our plan of Conservation and Development, and not result in a blight on our landscape or erosion of our natural resources.  As I meet with potential developers I intend to make these goals clear, and to make it equally clear that that anyone sharing our goals will find a friend in the Town, and those that do not will find a closed door.

Anyone who has had any dealings with the State is well aware of their bureaucracy, and the problems the State is facing now.  Nevertheless we have reached Governor Malloy’s ear, and he is hearing our voice.  Our local Representatives strongly support our Town, and I will work with them to maintain pressure on the State to recognize and respond to our needs not only with regard to economic development, but also a host of other issues vital to the Town including support for our schools, police and road maintenance.  I have spoken with the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, James Redeker, who has promised to work towards making his department more responsive to our needs, and to speeding up projects such as the installation of the traffic light on Route 67 at Riggs Street.

Oxford has had amazing commercial/ industrial growth in the past few years, and this has contributed to the Town’s ability to keep taxes nearly flat, even in a recession.  It is my goal to double that growth during my term, in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.