Say NO to Redrawing Town Council districts

Because of US Census results and changes in Stratford’s population, the Town Council will be considering a redistricting plan proposed by the Republican Town Committee Chairman.  Besides the usual gerrymandering of streets that is almost expected, this plan also proposes renaming District 2 to become District 3, which should not be taken lightly.  The move avoids changing the Charter which pairs District 1 & 2 to elect a Land Use representative for Planning, Zoning, and Board of Zoning Appeals, as does District 3 & 4.  The people of this town need to have an opportunity to understand and to make their opinions known.

Simply put, renaming District 2 & 3 does not lower taxes, make us safer, or improve education.  It does not address the bigger problems in Stratford that we should be discussing. It will create considerable confusion for voters who have had the same District identification for generations.   Regardless, the Republican Town Chairman’s redistricting proposed plan was pushed through to the town council for approval.   The proposed plan advocates that the Lordship and South End neighborhoods could not elect a Land Use person who could effectivelyrepresent both area’s interest, because they believe the neighborhoods are too dissimilar.  I wholeheartedly disagree.  Let us not overlook the common interest of excessive flooding as we share the same demographic coastal flood plain, or the common land use concerns of the Airport and planes flying overhead as the bordering neighborhoods,  or the common land use of the Army Engine Plant and Access Road.  It is not irrelevant that over 50% of Lordship School students travel from the South End, and that we share the same concern for a rerouted or flooded Main Street.  We also border the largest industrial area in Stratford, and of course we share and advocate for the Shakespeare Theatre, and Historic District.  These are just a few issues we have stood together on. 

As the current Councilwoman from District 2, and a former “Board of Zoning Appeals” commissioner elected with the support of Lordship and the South End residents; I found the proposed plan insulting as I have stood with Lordship residents over their fight against Airport expansion attending many meetings and Airport hearings, testifying at the EPA hearings to support Lordship residents against the expansion of a shoreline pier, supporting Lordship residents to protect Long Beach West, and a persistent voice against the mismanagement of the Short Beach Golf Course. Our current land use officials Ms. Linda  Manos, Mr. Joe Paul, and Ms. Mary Young, all from District 1 have represented both districts admirably, and have the full support of District 2 - there are no complaints.  State Rep. Terry Backer has represented both District 1 & 2 with overwhelming support for years.

This redistricting plan is drastic, will create voter confusion leading some people to be dissuaded from voting, and harms the collaboration that has developed over the years between District 1 and 2. In short, it is unfair to the 15,000 residents of District 1,2, and 3 while it is in effect for the next 10 years. The Republican leader pushed this plan forward for other reasons, and I hope the residents of Stratford see through this smoke screen.  I want to believe the Stratford residents are tired of blatant politics.  I encourage residents to contact their councilmen to request the Town Council to send this plan back for a compromised map from both political parties. I encourage you to speak at the next Town Council meeting May 13th. Alternatively you could sign this petition Say NO to Redrawing Town Council Districts.

We have bigger problems to address than renaming Districts 2 & 3.  Let’s focus on these issues and leave our traditional Districts alone.