www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 18, Number 27
Friday, July 9, 2021
Dems call for referendum on local pot sales By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff
The local Democratic Town Committee has released a statement in support of allowing voters to decide on the issue of permitting or prohibiting marijuana dispensaries in town.
“We owe it to residents to give them the opportunity. This is the most democratic option we have as residents,” said DTC Chairperson Erica Byrne. The legislation which went into effect on Thursday allowing the recreational use of marijuana for those 21
and over permits dispensaries to begin opening in 2022, however it has provisions allowing municipalities to prohibit sales locally. Municipal zoning boards could amend zoning regulations to bar businesses from selling marijuana or a referendum can be held if 10 percent of registered voters petition for a vote.
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
See Referendum, A8
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Fifth-grade teacher Sandra Chavez works to show her students what they can do, whether that be run for Kid Governor or organize Oshana Elementary School’s Foxathon fundraiser.
It’s a second career for Chavez, who spent her first working years in Hawaii in the hospitality industry. After moving back to Connecticut with her husband and children, of whom she now has six, she was drawn to teaching. Chavez said she likes giving students opportunities to take responsibility, empathize with others and lead.
“The fact that this legislation explicitly allows for town residents to have an opportunity to weigh in on if
Solar panels get PZC nod after facing early denial
Teacher honored for charity work, Kid Governor program
Chavez was named teacher of the year by the Southington school district for 2021-2022.
According to town voting records, 3,146 signatures would be required for a petition to force a referendum in Southington.
Sandra Chavez, of Zaya A. Oshana Elementary School, is Southington’s Teacher of the Year. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
“There’s never too young of an age to start that,” she said.
Drawn to teaching Chavez and her husband adopted a son with cerebral palsy. She was impressed with how teachers cared for her son and it drew her to the profession.
“It was amazing to me what was going on in the schools and how people committed 110 percent to each student,” she said. With five children and her husband working two jobs, Chavez decided to attend the University of Bridgeport.
Rising electricity costs and environmental considerations prompted a Wedgewood Road couple to pursue a solar array. Despite an initial denial from the town, they eventually received approval and could start construction this week. Richard Vocke, owner of Evergreen Energy and a Southington resident, plans to install 48 solar panels at the home of David and Rebecca Balkun. The application with the town caused regulation changes in May making it easier
See Teacher, A4
Summer Soccer Registration! Week-long soccer camps for children age 4 to 14
Register Today at CheshireSoccerClub.org
See Solar, A2
Last Call!