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INDEPENDENT PARTY

Petition For Improved Local Governance

wtnindependents

We, the undersigned eligible voters of Watertown, Connecticut, being personally affected by the grievances expressed below, submit to our Town Council this petition, asking that it be addressed fully, and with urgency:

  • Stop commercial enterprises from expanding operations in residential neighborhoods, including the staging of outdoor concerts, amplified music, and other loud, public events disruptive to residents

  • Stop conflicts of interest in our local government o Town officials who have personal and/or business relationships with owners of commercial enterprises must not make decisions regarding those enterprises

    • Attorneys representing the Town must recuse themselves from matters involving businesses they’ve worked with in private practice

    • Planning & Zoning board members and Zoning Board of Appeals members must not make decisions involving businesses in which they have a prior/current relationship, interest or ownership

  • Stop the Town from subsidizing private business operations without full transparency and exposure, including: o tax abatements allocated to private businesses

    • rent reductions for lessees of town-owned properties

    • extraordinary use of roads, road improvement funds, and other preferential treatments benefiting private enterprises

Comments from Signees

  1. Every Friday and Saturday evening we are bombarded by loud music from the sunset grill. We used to be able to sit on our porch and enjoy the sounds of nature, but the loud music and fireworks is totally uncalled for as we live a mile from the venue. Why does the music need to emulate to the entire neighborhood? Please help us get back to our tranquil country living. I live on Old Farms Rd. Watertown.

  2. signed no comment

  3. Outdoor concerts/conflict of interest in local government

  4. signed no comment

  5. I agree with all of the points in the petition. I think the single most effective path to improve the situation would be a charter change to make all elections for town officials non-partisan. Issues and concerns in Watertown do not align well with the the policies and politics of the major parties at the state and national level. I think it would be better if local elections were issue based rather than politics based. Finally, as a matter of transparency, I think you folks that are circulating this petition and planning subsequent strategies should identify yourselves to those you are asking to join you.

  6. signed no comment

  7. AS A LIFETIME RESIDENT OF THE AREA AND AN ALUMNUS OF THE TAFT SCHOOL, MY TIES TO WATERTOWN RUN LONG AND DEEP. LET'S PRESERVE THE PEACE AND THE SANCTITY OF THE SUBURB. MY BUILDING A BRAND-NEW HOUSE IN WATERTOWN WAS THE REALIZATION OF A LIFELONG DREAM. DO NOT DESTROY IT.

  8. signed no comment

  9. I am concerned with the health hazards associated with the chemicals used on the vineyard. Would like to see public disclosure on the chemicals used for spraying and the application process.

  10. signed no comment

  11. I have no problem with businesses operating within the same rules as everyone else, but should not be given preferential treatment because of who they know. Additionally, who they know should not lead to lower taxes. That just puts more burden on the residents of town.

  12. Want to know what’s going on in town

  13. Our Ethics Ordinance is weak, and many in our Town leadership act unethically over and over, even when called out. Filing complaints go nowhere.

  14. signed no comment

  15. I have photos taken in October, 2020 of approximately 900 patrons at that winery - most without masks. Photos were sent to Board of Health and to newspaper. This activity was repeated every weekend in October.

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