League Of Women Voters Holds Stonington Candidate Forum

The was the site of political question and answer sessions Tuesday night when the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut held a candidate forum featuring the candidates for first selectman, selectman and board of education.

There were questions about voting histories, creating jobs and language education choices. There were discussions about economic growth, planning and zoning regulations and state funding. There were grateful words to family and friends, praise to the forum sponsors and hosts, a little bit of political bickering and even a birthday cake from one of the candidates moms.

First Selectman And Selectman Candidates

A question and answer format with brief opening and closing remarks permitted the two first selectman candidates—incumbent Democrat ., and Republican —and two selectmen candidates—incumbent Democrat Selectman and incumbent Republican Selectman —to respond to questions that sought to answer their qualifications and goals for the town.

The first question posed to the candidates asked what they would do if the town received a cut of $1 million or more from the state.

“It would have to be a shared burden between the town and the schools,” Haberek said. “There would be some town cuts and some use of the reserve fund.”

McKrell responded that he would give back any pay raise he would receive as first selectman and then would he get more people involved specifically town residents to solicit their opinions and input.

Another question asked whether the candidates felt the planning and zoning laws and regulations should be updated and what if any role the board of selectmen should play in that process.

“It’s up to planning and zoning to address at this time,” McAnanly responded saying that every ten years the town re-evaluates its blueprint for the town and that will occur again in 2014.

Crouse concurred with McAnanly that it was up to planning and zoning but added that he personally hated to see large development move into residential areas.

When asked what a small town can do to bring in jobs McKrell and Haberek differed over their approaches.

“The biggest opportunity for growth is small business,” McKrell said.

Haberek responded but citing his tour with earlier in the day and added that larger companies such as , and the in Pawcatuck have recently come into Stonington.

The question that elicited the most laughs from the audience and candidates however, was a question about the candidates voting history.

Crouse said he was always active in politics and cited the John F. Kennedy presidential election as the first time he voted. Haberek said he cast his first vote for Michael Dukakis in the 1988 presidential election, and McAnanly first voted for Ronald Reagan in his second presidential election. While McKrell said the first election he votes in will be this year’s municipal election.

Board Of Education Candidates

After the first selectmen and selectmen candidates closing remarks it was time of the board of education forum. The same format permitted the four board of education candidates—Republican Stephen Bessette, Republican , incumbent board member Democrat , and Democrat —to answer questions.

Topics included the role of a board of education member, the candidates reasons for running, language classes, challenges other than the budget the board faces, the $100 student parking fee, tying teach salaries to student performances, pay-to-play and teacher tenure.

“I don’t have a personal agenda,” Todisco said. “ My reason is truly to be a voice for the children and their parents.”

Todisco and the other candidates agreed that the role of a board of education member is to work as a team for the community.

All of the candidates also agreed they would have loved to see continue but that in tough times tough decisions would have to be made.

When it came to if students should have to pay $100 to park when teachers don’t, the candidates also concurred that due to fiscal constraints the pay-to-park was appropriate.

“Teachers don’t have the option of riding the bus,” Esposito said.

While Bessette said it’s a great lesson in economics for students and supply and demand.

“What a great idea to teach a kid in 11th grade the value of that space,” Bessette said.

None of the candidates felt completely comfortable with doing away with teacher tenure or having teacher salaries tied to student performance.

“Students are all so differently, how will it work?” Downie asked. “It’s a test of how well you take a test,” she said of standardized test.

Connecticut holds municipal elections on November 8, and eligible Stonington residents will cast votes for first selectmen, selectmen, town clerk, town treasurer, tax collector board of finance board of education and constables. Visit Elections 2011 for more election news.