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Appointments Are Problematic

Branford’s first selectman, Jamie Cosgrove, ran for election on a platform that promised to bring a Costco store to town. Since the proposed construction would impinge on protected wetlands, approval by the Inland Wetlands Commission (IWC) was required. When some members of the IWC seemed to be too independent for Cosgrove’s liking, his solution was to shape the commission into a more pliable bunch. In June he declined to re-appoint every incumbent commissioner (except one), including the long-serving chair. All had requested reappointment.

After much criticism of this obvious attempt to manipulate an independent process, he stated that these are not lifetime appointments and that he believed there were a number of residents who want to get involved. Second Selectman Higgins’s comment on the situation was simply, “Change is good.”

One appointment was Rick Ross. Mr. Ross had served on the IWC before, from 2004 to 2009. His service was distinguished by not showing up much. From 2004 to 2007, his attendance was poor. He missed every meeting in 2008 and 2009. What are his qualifications for service on the IWC? He works in the real estate field.

Another appointment to the IWC was James Sette. He currently is the chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Branford, which creates the potential for conflict of interest.

If bringing in new citizens to serve on the IWC was truly Mr. Cosgrove’s intention then these two appointments are problematic. Regardless of one’s position on bringing a Costco store to town, the citizens of Branford should have confidence that their leaders are honest and fair. It’s hard to see how they can be confident.

Pamela Roy

Branford