Married with two boys, both of whom attend RSD17 public schools.
Member of RSD17 Board of Education 2004 - 2008 My four years on the Board of Education gave me priceless experience dealing with a budget three times the size of Haddam's. As a Board member I gained practical experience dealing with a board four times larger than our town's Board of Selectmen, and I learned to value diversity of opinion and lively debate.
Reporter for the Haddam Bulletin The Haddam Bulletin is now our community's only source of news on most town issues. Researching issues for the Bulletin, I learned what is great about this town, and where things can be improved.
I believe strongly in the right of residents to know how they are being served by their elected officials. My dedication to sharing information will be a cornerstone of my years as your First Selectman.
Pursuing Masters of Public Administration at University of Connecticut To date, I have completed coursework in municipal finance, budgeting, microeconomics, policy analysis, tax policy and human resource management. As a person dedicated to public service, I am earning my Masters in Public Administration to gain the specialized training a First Selectman needs.
Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology Gaining a Ph.D. in any topic gives one deep experience researching complex issues, analyzing data, teaching, and grantwriting. These are critical skills for anyone seeking to serve as a leader and public administrator.
As First Selectman I will:
Aggressively promote a vibrant Higganum Center
Higganum Center is in worse shape than it was 2 years ago. There has been no clear vision for Higganum Center for years. My vision for Higganum has the stores that our residents need, is pedestrian friendly, and ties in with existing natural features including the Cove and the Reservoir. Two years ago I said we needed public water and/or public septic. Despite research initiated by our Economic Development Commission, visible progress will not happen without support from Town Hall. I will make this a top priority when I become First Selectman.
Find a permanent solution for our Transfer/Recycling Station
Haddam had many years to transition to a new transfer station which meets current environmental regulations and satisfies the needs of our residents. Town hall efforts on this issue have been too secretive, too little, and too late. With the deadline for closing the station less than a year away, Haddam may have no short-term option but to privatize. When I am elected I will immediately contact the DEP to discuss what options remain for a transfer station. I favor solutions which emphasize recycling and re-using our waste. Such approaches are good for our environment and can reduce our waste management costs.
Pursue all available state and federal funding to offset property taxes
Roads must be maintained on a regular cycle or the ultimate repair costs will be much higher than they need to be. Due to lack of attention and the failure to pursue available state and federal funds, Haddam now faces millions of dollars in needed road repairs. As First Selectman, I will ask Public Works to prepare a 5 year plan for road-paving projects, and I will use all state funds available to get our road maintenance program back on track.
Get the best value for our tax dollars
I will work closely with the Board of Finance and our financial officer throughout the year to ensure that town spending is on-track, so we get the best value for our precious tax dollars. To stretch those dollars, I will actively seek state and federal dollars that can be used to offset our property tax burden. I favor a budget built from the ground up, based on the needs of the town, rather than based on what groups have received in the past. As First Selectman I will present my budget concerns to the town in a public forum early in the process. The capital budget should be completed early to give the town as much flexibility as possible. The budget should be online and available to all residents at all times.
Improve communication between Town Hall and residents
Communication between town officials and residents has been sorely lacking. It is much too difficult for Haddam citizens to find out what's going on in town and how to make the most of town services. I want a functional, up-to-date website that posts meeting agendas and minutes in a timely manner. I will set up a "notice of upcoming meetings" e-mail list, and a town notice board in the center of Higganum, and in Haddam Neck. In addition, I will ensure that Town Hall is a friendly, open, helpful place to do business, and that citizens and business owners are welcomed as neighbors every time they visit.
Keep school quality high in tough times by valuing partnership
As a former member of the RSD 17 Board of Education, an educator and a lifelong learner, I am very supportive of our high quality school system, which is one of our town's most important assets. Keeping that system strong benefits parents, students and our residents without children by maintaining the value of our properties. I will do my part to increase communication and cooperation between the town and the school district, especially where the budget is concerned.
Work to keep Haddam affordable for seniors and families
To ensure that long-time Haddam residents can afford to stay here, we need more housing alternatives. I will work to encourage the development of housing which will help keep our retirees in town, and help keep our kids in town after graduation.
Recognize our valuable historic resources
The Historic Jail is an important piece of history for Haddam, Connecticut and New England, and the structure should be stabilized to prevent further deterioration. Restoring the building for an as yet undetermined use will cost a lot of money and is not fiscally realistic at this time. However, I will actively support the Haddam Historical Society's efforts to pursue grant funds to pay for restoration and re-use of this important building.
Support a vibrant Haddam community
I strongly support the Higganum Village Farmer's Market, which has been one of the few recent bright spots in Higganum Center. I am very sorry to see the problems with Haddam River Days, and I will work with the DEP to restore this terrific town event. Value our open spaces I like to see promises kept, and I support maintaining the acreage around the decommissioned Connecticut Yankee power plant as open space. This land is so far removed from Haddam's infrastructure that it is difficult to imagine what sort of development could occur on that land without overwhelming our resources. Protecting remaining open spaces on both sides of the river will maintain habitat for wildlife, preserve the quality of ecosystems and help maintain Haddam's rural character.
Protect public health and safety
Clean drinking water is a public safety issue. It is the Town's responsibility to monitor drinking water quality and provide solutions where needed. I am working towards the establishment of an environmental review board that will keep track of currently known areas of contamination, make sure that required testing is completed promptly, and make sure that when properties are transferred or new developments are being considered, information about water quality is available. Many water quality problems can be solved at reasonable costs in comparison to seeking alternative water supplies. I believe in enforcing existing laws making polluters responsible for cleaning up their own mess. The DEP has the authority to investigate and enforce orders on these matters. As First Selectman I will work with the DEP to resolve long-standing contamination issues in Tylerville, Higganum and Haddam Neck.
Diane Stock for First Selectman
