Improve Accountability and Transparency
Most people probably think that state land reserved for open space is protected forever. In fact, most state land, even parks and forests, can be sold, given away, or swapped by the General Assembly without even a single public hearing. Question #2 on the Nov. 6 ballot would amend Connecticut’s Constitution to require common sense safeguards to prevent back-room deals involving public land. First, an open, public hearing would be required before state land can be sold or swapped. Second, a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly in favor would be required, so any deal would need to be truly bipartisan. We, on behalf of the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) Board of Directors encourage your readers to vote “Yes” on this important Question #2. Simply put, this will improve accountability and transparency of public land transactions.
The GLCT has worked hard to protect Guilford’s natural resources—often in partnership with the state—and we should be assured that these areas will be protected. In Guilford, the state owns substantial acreage in Westwoods, in North Guilford near the Guilford Sportsmen’s Association (part of Cockaponset State Forest), and in the salt marshes to the east of the town marina.
This amendment would not prevent the sale of public lands; it only requires that the public be informed and be allowed to participate in the process. Voting in favor of Question #2 will ensure that the public can have a voice when it comes to state land transactions.
David Grigsby, President
John DellaVentura, Vice President
Sarah Williams, Secretary
Michael Macris, Treasurer
Guilford Land Conservation Trust