Reprinted from The Connecticut Post © Copyright 2006
September 14, 2006

A disturbing display of partisan politics was the mantra of the evening at the September 7th Trumbull Town Council meeting. It was unfortunate to watch elected representatives from the Democratic Party subjugate themselves to the demands of First Selectman Ray Baldwin. In a display of total Svengali-like control, no Democrat member of council could express an independent thought in one of the most important matters for Trumbull 's future – the Plan of Conservation and Development.

The Planning and Zoning Commission (Democrats and Republicans) approved this Plan of Conservation & Development unanimously, not once, but twice. It was also unanimously endorsed by the council's Legislation & Administration Committee back in May. PZC did an outstanding job of ensuring Trumbull 's sanctity as a beautiful town, safe for residents and businesses.

Like puppets on a string, however, Democratic members of the Town Council proposed changes obviously written by Baldwin. These changes include: removal of height restrictions, a restriction on alternate forms of housing that could jeopardize Trumbull 's affordable housing moratorium, and commercial development along the southerly portion of Main Street.

Baldwin in his desire to rule Trumbull like an autocracy has forgotten the meaning of democracy. When the first selectman says "jump", the Democrats on Town Council ask, "How high?" Baldwin has relegated elected representatives to robots carrying out his every desire – like earlier this year when the Democratic Town Council rubber stamped a budget adding an additional 19.5 jobs to the town side of the budget.

Council Chairman Mark Altieri had the audacity to have a report read into the record at this council meeting saying P&Z Chairman Timothy Herbst and members of the panel did not attend a council subcommittee meeting about the plan – a gross mischaracterization considering that Herbst and the commission were not even invited to attend!

Herbst tried to communicate in a thoughtful process the very essence of Trumbull and its beautiful character. Baldwin chose to dismiss much of what was presented and did not show Herbst the recognition he and his fellow P&Z members deserve.

The future of Trumbull is now jeopardized by Baldwin's blatant disregard for the democratic process.

Jack Testani
Trumbull

Testani is vice chairman of the Trumbull Republican Town Committee