I am writing to give an account of my experience at a recent “special meeting” of Stratford’s Town Council. The meeting was held on Monday July 21, 2008 in Town Hall. The Council chambers were crowded. Most people in attendance were there to hear discussion regarding the potential sale of Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Council’s possible vote to end negotiations regarding the sale. Other items slated for discussion were a bonding ordinance for various public improvements and the Shakespeare Theater assessment report along with a discussion with Mr. Bill Hanney, the developer chosen by the Town Council to reopen the theater.

After Chairman Henrick announced that the discussion regarding Shakespeare would not happen, and a line-by-line discussion of appropriations of money for capital improvements and equipment, the meeting moved on to the subject most people in attendance came to hear. Would the Council allow public hearings and discussions regarding negotiating a sale of Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to continue, or stop the process and end negotiations?

I have found that people on both sides of this issue are passionate in their belief. I for one am in favor of further negotiations and sale of this property. I am sure there will be a need for some changes and specific items spelled out before the final document is presented, but isn’t that what “negotiations” are all about? I have found my conversations with people who oppose the sale to be both cordial and informative. Unfortunately at this meeting, this was not the case.

Melissa Spear, Connecticut director of the Trust for Public Land, the organization that is acting as intermediary between the Town of Stratford and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, gave an informative presentation with the facts and details of the proposed contract. When finished she offered to field any questions that our Council may have. This would have been a great time to open constructive dialogue, but not tonight. The first to question (badger may be a better term) Ms. Spear was Councilman Kubic. He went into this long dissertation about the proposed boardwalk/walkway in a tone that was both condescending and rude, which when finished, brought a groan of disgust and embarrassment from at least half the chamber. Even when a representative of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tried to offer clarification, Mr. Kubic, refusing to listen, and interrupting, reread his statement regarding the boardwalk/walkway, causing our “guest” to walk away from the podium! Is this how we want our elected officials to act? I think not. In the end, I AM pleased that the Council did the right thing and decided to allow the special public hearing scheduled for Thursday July 24th to proceed.

I believe we all want to see our town move forward both economically and as a destination spot. We should welcome new people with new ideas to our town and encourage our citizens to become more involved. Many times it is our elected officials that provide that first impression of our town. We should hope that first impression would be an inviting one.

As we move forward as a Town during these exciting times, let us be open to new ideas, open to constructive dialogue, and when we disagree, as we will from time to time, let us please do so in a respectful way so as to keep constructive dialogue open.