Easton: Vote to Elect Planning and Zoning

Voters in Easton have a chance to weigh in on an important issue facing our town. One of the questions on the ballot on Tuesday asks whether the Planning and Zoning Commission should transition to an elected board.

Planning and zoning in our town has gained much attention in recent years. Questions about what should be allowed, where it should be allowed and how to address non-standard proposals have a direct impact on the future of our community.

I believe the people in this town should have a direct voice in who is making those important planning and zoning decisions. Currently, they do not. The Board of Selectmen appoints the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. If people in town are unhappy with the decisions made by the commission, they have little recourse other than to publicly speak their concerns or to file costly lawsuits against the town.

The current administration has repeatedly stressed the value in giving voters the choice on important matters in recent years. I found it surprising that our First Selectman last week voiced his intent to vote against the ordinance change. In essence, he’s voting against giving voters the input he has so advocated for on other issues.

Conversely, I’d like to point out that this issue has bipartisan support from myself and Selectman Nick D’Addario. (April 28 Op-Ed: Let’s Elect Planning and Zoning)

Let’s allow the people in this community to select the individuals who will make decisions on their behalf. We elect the members of our Board of Finance and Board of Education. To me, the Planning and Zoning Commission should receive the same level of voter input.

Will passing this ordinance change address all the recent issues and concerns surrounding planning and zoning in our community? No, more work needs to be done but I believe this is a step in the right direction.

Kristi Sogofsky

Easton Board of Selectmen