WESTON, Conn. The following letter was written by Dan Gilbert of Weston.
Community service helps define our town. From our Volunteer Fire Department to Scout leaders, from EMS to Little League coaches and on and on, neighbors helping neighbors makes Weston a very special place. Our first selectman should be one of those volunteers.
The Charter Revision Commission heard testimony that, for me, sees the role very differently. Both the Democratic Town Committee chair and my selectman (Democrat) colleague told the commission they support a four-year term for the first selectman. Our first selectman declined to take a position on the issue. My position is clear.
A four-year term insulates a poor-performing first selectman from the voters for too long. Imagine electing a person only to find the person is inept at leading and governing? Wed have to live with that individual for three to four years. Also, a four-year term provides the opportunity to build a strong political base. I dont want that opportunity. Neither you nor I want a life-long politician to be our first selectman. We want a volunteer who loves our town.
If my running mate, Dennis Tracey, and I are elected, we will vote to keep the two-year term. We respect your right to say yea or nay.
Because for me being first selectman is about community service, if Im elected Ill take a 10% pay cut. Many of our neighbors in Weston are suffering economic hardship. The first selectman should be first in line to help out. Its what anyone interested in serving you would do.
Dan Gilbert
55 Ladder Hill Road North
203-454-0138
1ctyankee@optonline.net
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