To the Editor:
Although I’ve lived in Norwalk for over 30 years and understand that some of the difficult issues facing the city must be tackled on a local basis, I also believe that our towns and cities cannot survive in isolation and that many of our problems can be resolved more economically and efficiently by taking a regional approach to those issues. Roads, bridges, rail and communication come to mind. I would like to see any candidate for whom I vote focus on this larger view.
I would like my candidate to be a long-term local resident who works well with people and who, through work and community service, is thoroughly knowledgeable about local and regional issues.
My candidate would understand that it is imperative to invest now in upgrading our region’s failing infrastructure, take a pro-active stance on inland and coastal flooding and work to increase sustainable energy and conservation programs. If we hope to lure new business, and therefore new jobs to the region, the importance of a clean, inviting and litter-free environment cannot be over emphasized.
A regionally co-operative approach to job creation involves developing a program that informs and incentivizes small and developing businesses to locate here. From light manufacturing to startup entrepreneurs, companies must be made aware of our region’s advantages – and no, I don’t mean tax breaks! There are loans and grants available from both the Federal Government and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development that provide investment funding for all kinds of business enterprises. That investment helps put people back to work, provides well paying jobs and in so doing enables money to circulate back into our economy. It’s a win-win situation!
An interactive program between towns and cities would help prospective employers to find location sites that fit their specific needs. Many vacant plants and idle office spaces can be repurposed to suit various kinds of businesses. Such a program would also streamline the currently long, difficult and expensive permitting and permissions process.
My candidate will support programs that use the power of a combined regional approach for energy purchase. Increased emphasis on the benefits of lowered energy costs and investments in solar and other sustainable energy sources would also encourage more businesses to locate in Norwalk and surrounding areas.
Because this region is located on the main corridor between Boston and New York and has easy access to major road, rail and water transportation my candidate will be in an ideal position to sell the region’s transportation advantages to prospective businesses.
Add to this, that we live in an area with beautiful parks and beaches, amazing history and great restaurants where, when properly maintained and promoted, people will want to work and live.
My candidate is Andy Garfunkel.
Kathleen Mary Tepper
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