How the First Selectmen Candidates Responded to League of Women Voters Question

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LVW Darien candidates forum 2015

Candidates for first selectman at the League of Women Voters candidates forum. From left, Rob Werner, Chris Noe (both unaffiliated) and incumbent First Selectman Jayme Stevenson (a Republican)

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In Darien’s 2015 local elections on Tuesday, voters will have choices on who to support for first selectman and members of the Board of Selectmen.

The top five candidate vote getters for either first selectman or selectman will be voted onto the board, so long as no more than three members of a single party are voted in, according to state law.

Here’s the response of each of the first selectmen candidates to the 2015 League of Women Voters of Darien questions, as posted on the league’s website (the written responses are different from statements given in the candidates’ forum):

LVW Darien candidates forum 2015

Candidates for first selectman at the Oct. 20, 2015 League of Women Voters candidates forum. From left, Rob Werner, Chris Noe (both unaffiliated) and incumbent First Selectman Jayme Stevenson (a Republican)

 

[At the bottom of this article is a video from Darien TV79 government access cable television channel showing the league’s Oct. 20 candidates’ forum.]

Candidates were asked to respond to this question:

How do you envision balancing redevelopment and infrastructure proposals while preserving our town character?

Jayme J. Stevenson (R)

Darien is fortunate to have three redevelopment proposals to consider, advanced by people who care deeply for our town and have a demonstrated history of high quality work. We’re also currently updating our Town Plan. This unique confluence of events allows us to reflect on realized and missed opportunities and to lay the foundation for our future. These proposals give us a rare chance to open our minds to comprehensive development solutions and quality-of-living amenities like downtown housing, public gathering spaces, new roads, unique parking solutions, improved pedestrian safety measures and new shops and restaurants to further enhance our vibrant commercial areas.Managing progress by building relationships and partnering with developers is a fundamental responsibility of town leaders.  Expanding our commercial tax base not only helps offset the cost of any required infrastructure improvements but also helps to insure the financial success of our town for decades to come. “Progress is impossible without change.” George Bernard Shaw

Rob Werner (Petitioning Candidate)

Darien’s character doesn’t come from buildings; it emanates from our people and our familiar institutions.   As long as it’s done wisely, I view redevelopment as an opportunity to fix some of our problems, i.e. drainage in Noroton Heights and improving traffic along the Post Road. Further, the proposals when completed will enhance our tax base and finance some of the other improvements we need to make.   But as with all such things, we have to be smart about it. If it’s not adequately thought out and wrong decisions are made, the damage done will be almost irreparable.

Chris Noe (Petitioning Candidate)

It’s unconscionable that both parties bring Selectman and 1st Selectman candidates with no town government experience. I think there should be a requirement of at least 2 years service as a member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) to be considered. It’s in the RTM where you learn how our government works and more importantly how it does not. I have 4 years serving on the RTM, also a 28 year resident.
I am running because I see an important job not being done. I see Republicans bullying Democrats, we are all the losers for it. We need brilliant minds working together not lazy candidates relying on sheer numbers to get elected and re-elected. I promise you I am part of the solution. I will fix everything. I will not rest until I do. VOTE YES FOR NOE

Darien League of Women Voters: “Candidates Night” October 20, 2015 from Darien TV79 on Vimeo.

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