Letter to the Editor: 09.12.2024

09.12.2024

To the Editor:

The lack of transparency in Town politics was on full display at the September 3 Town Council meeting.

The Town Council was asked to consider giving a tax abatement to a new factory in town.  Democratic Town Council Member, Carina Noyd, asked if there could be any environmental impacts from the factory, but Economic Development had not investigated that.  Democrat Rachael Ryan asked how the abatement would benefit the Town and the business.

These were questions that the public also wanted answered.  Unfortunately, rather than answers, they got eye rolls from their Republican counterparts.  Chairwoman Rosa even said that asking questions was criticism.  As is typical, the Republican majority had already decided how they would vote in their pre- meeting caucus.  Anyone asking questions was challenging their judgment and wasting time.  Nevermind what the public wants to know, they just want to move it along and go home.

The Republican majority has been in power too long. They want to rubber stamp their decisions in quick meetings. They feel no responsibility to inform the public. (Sound familiar – think Water and Sewer.)

I suggested that the employee responsible for losing the $63,000 senior center grant be dismissed. Town Manager Raimo took responsibility for causing the loss but scoffed at the idea of being fired over something as small as $63,000, as the Town has received millions in grant money.

Does Mr. Raimo get to decide that he will face no consequences?  Would he feel that there should be no punishment if any of his employees lost $63,000?  Or does he believe that only he deserves special treatment?  Since it is such a paltry sum, let’s reduce his salary by $63,000.

Katherine Camara

KatherineCamara, 31 Cottage Place, Oakville, CT06779

203-592-2043