Volume 20, Number 27
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
www.TownTimes.com
Friday, October 18, 2013
Middlefield first selectman candidates Jon Brayshaw
By Mark Dionne
Town Times
Three candidates are running for first selectman in the town of Middlefield: Republican candidate and current First Selectman Jon Brayshaw: Democratic candidate Lucy Petrella: and unaffiliated candidate Marianne Corona. The election is Nov. 5. Town Times asked for their responses to the following questions: 1) Why do you want to be first selectman? 2) What special skills or experience would you bring to the position? 3) What is the most pressing issue for Middlefield? 4) How do you like to be contacted by constituents?
be done with open discussion and transparency. I have spent many years as a volunteer in leadership roles wherever there was a need. I also represented our town at regional and state levels. The issues have ranged from garbage, library, a state organization for wetlands and conservation, our Coginchaug River, capital planning, community college, local development, Peckham Park, open space acquisitions, development rights to assist in preserving farm lands, local planning and zoning, the local wetlands commission, support for Powder Ridge and Wadsworth park issues. Also, I was and continue to be, a supporter of the 490 Act which helps to support the continued operations of our four golf courses, the ski area and farm operations. With my proven background, experience and skills I firmly believe that I am the best candidate to make the changes needed to move our town away from the self-interested current administration to what’s best for everyone in town. 2) I have listed above my Middlefield and Rockfall volunteer experience. My professional background includes having run a very successful small business. For over 30 years I managed the finances, payroll, staffing, insurance decisions, audits, and a multitude of unexpected problems. Running a business is not very different from the management responsibilities of a irst selectman. One Marianne Corona skill I have which I consider 1) I believe, as an indepen- most important is the ability dent candidate, that I have the to work with all folks regardbackground and skills to not less of political persuasions. 3) Annual tax increases only be a leader for the town but also assist the residents and management of our town of Rockfall and Middlefield with their issues. This will See Selectman / Page 7
kindness in its many forms completes my interest and abilities. 1) Seeking the ofAnd finally, the 16,000 fice of first selectman hours of managing is a strange mixture the Town over eight of calling, duty and years does help. a healthy dose of 3) Middlefield and willingness to serve Rockfall are in good ones town and those Brayshaw Corona Petrella shape in spite of what who live in it. I have mous value. Being in the conis going on around a long life experience and what better way to struction field for 50 years us. What will always be im“wrap things up” than to find has given me the means to portant is to: Provide for our a way to use my skills to step be comfortable with the va- safety; manage our finances; up and give back for the bet- riety of issues facing running safeguard our children’s edterment of all. My wide-rang- the town. Being a profes- ucation; maintain the town’s ing family has grown well in sional engineer and archi- character; keep you informed; Middlefield and we owe a lot. tect has given me experience keep order; provide for social 2) My “skill set” has served in the world of the physi- services —all while exercisthe town well over the 10 cal. Running an office with ing kindness. If I could identify one years I have served on the employees for 30 years has Board of Selectmen; eight given me assorted personnel shortcoming that I see on the as First Selectman. Raising a and employment skills. My horizon it is the reduction of family in town was of enor- life’s interest in promoting citizens willing to volunteer for a wide variety of needs. Today, it takes over 200 volunteers to run the town properly, 90 are appointments. The essence of what we all “feel” and love about living here was put in place by hundreds of individuals decades ago who in the past served in multiple venues. Fewer volunteers will in time reduce the quality of life we have grown to enjoy. 4) Since taking office as first selectman eight years ago, I have always had an open door policy at the Town Hall and enjoy face to face meetings whether by appointment or walk-ins. Otherwise, e-mail or a phone call works well. I do enjoy meeting and hearing from folks as I attend town functions and interact with constituents.
BETTER EVERY MILE
The Independent Day School’s Cross Country Team joined the ING Run for Something Better “Final Mile” event on Oct. 8, at Rentschler Field. They joined 3,000 student runners from around the Greater Hartford area to celebrate crossing the finish line of the final mile in their marathon. Since September, the IDS individual runners have run at least 25.2 miles or more. Participants earned a commemorative finisher’s medal, and attended the World of Fitness Expo with games, activities and demonstrations. | (The Independent Day School/Submitted)