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Key to our Success

Now that I have announced my intention to run for first selectman again, the rules say that I am not allowed to write my selectman’s column until after the election (provided I am re-elected). I suppose that’s fair, but it doesn’t mean I can’t communicate with Madison residents via The Source. I just have to do it through letters to the editor and keep it short, which is just what I’ll do.

We had a workshop in town last week run by the Connecticut Economic Resource Council (CERC) for more than 40 attendees that included town employees, town board and commission members, the Chamber of Commerce, and local business people to discuss best practices for a robust program of economic development. I thought it was good to get a cross-section of disciplines involved that can then be a part of the implementation of our greater plan for economic development in Madison.

I firmly believe that the key to our success in holding down taxes and helping seniors and others afford to stay in town, and to attract new people to town, is to have a plan for economic development that includes dramatic growth of our Grand List above the normal annual growth. We’re currently working on a few opportunities and identifying new ones. We are doing this with the understanding that they must preserve the character of the town and be a positive addition.

Another component is outreach to existing businesses. We have a large number of home businesses and many small businesses renting space that we may be able to help to grow. Part of our plan is to find out what they need to be successful and how our economic development initiatives can help. We need to build on what we already have.

First Selectman Tom Banisch

Madison