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Need for New Leadership

Change is not always easy to embrace or accept. We often are nostalgic about wanting life to return to the old days, when we felt things were simpler. The state is facing huge deficits and the new reality is that municipalities will be facing cuts in Education Cost Sharing and grants that were unimaginable even two years ago.

In Clinton, for too long we have imagined that the same old leadership that has been running things for several terms would be good enough in Town Hall. The tough truth is that there is a great need for new leadership. We need new talent to handle the big issues facing Clinton and aggressive economic development.

Fortunately, we have a unique opportunity to vote in a Democratic primary on Sept. 12 for a fresh start for the town. The talent is here! Christine Goupil is running for first selectman. I have worked with Christine and know her to be incredibly able, smart, and focused. A project manager, she knows how to tackle big projects and get them done. She is young, energetic and I for one welcome her experience and vision. Jack Scherban, who has chaired the Board of Finance, has an unusually strong fiscal background and attention to detail. Tim Guerra completes the ticket with management skills and a background in business and sales.

We cannot treat another election in Clinton as a popularity contest or a walk down memory lane. Let’s save our little town from any more empty storefronts or closed businesses. The current leadership is responsible for the failures we face. Rather than shift seats on the Board of Selectmen, let’s elect Christine Goupil and her fellow running mates, Jack Scherban and Tim Guerra, and get Clinton on the road to a healthy, stable future.

Lauren Santos

Clinton

Democrat Lauren Santos serves as an alternate on the Board of Finance.