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"As I discuss issues with Weston residents throughout the campaign, many are unaware of our First Selectman’s proposal for a massive town building project," he said. November’s election results will have a significant impact on this proposal, your future taxes and a significantly higher debt burden for Weston residents."
The town's current 30-year-old public safety building is inadequate, Ferguson said. But he disagrees with Weinstein's backing for a new town building project.
"I have reviewed the planned facility and have met with Police Chief Troxell. I don’t debate that our current 30-year-old facility is inadequate," he said. "The current structure is in violation of several state codes and some areas could present a liability to the town in today’s litigious environment. Unfortunately, if even one additional foot of space is added, all of the code violations must be rectified, per state mandated requirements."
Weinstein’s only proposal thus far takes advantage of a real police department need by adding several million dollars of additional costs for expansion, relocation and refurbishment of current town offices, Ferguson said.
"This project has morphed into a massive building extravaganza that includes elevators in town hall and a new first selectman’s office and conference room, making it a costly and unnecessary proposal," he said.
He questioned Weinstein's priorities.
"Considering that our First Selectman has consistently snubbed several police department budget requests in the past, one has to wonder why she favors building a whole new complex now?," Ferguson said. "The code violations have been issues for her entire 6 years as a Selectman. Could it possibly be that this is the only way for her to gain the additional space she wants for town hall, once the PD vacates their current facility?"
He said Weinstein wants to build a new town hall as her legacy.
"If I’m elected to continue serving on the Board of Finance, I pledge to take better care of your tax dollars," Ferguson said.
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