This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

The Courage and Energy

Planning and zoning are both quality of life and fiscal vibrancy issues. They are also key components of Clinton’s reputation as a place to live, to work and to locate and grow a business.

Clinton’s current Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) has not instilled confidence that it is fair, friendly, or responsive. That is why I am running and seek your readers’ votes for the Clinton PZC. Sensible economic development should preserve our town’s healthful environment and add to the wellbeing of all of its citizens, not merely the few who will personally profit from the development.

My family and I have no means to profit from the construction and development projects that PZC reviews. I am not a commercial landlord, contractor, realtor, or developer.

With the support of many, I helped lead the successful effort to keep an industrial waste recycling dump out of Clinton and assisted an initiative that voters approved banning the storage of fracking waste in Clinton. I also actively supported the successful appeal in Connecticut Superior Court that nullified the Clinton zoning amendment that improperly eliminated the buffers between contractor storage yards and adjacent residential areas.

Major-party monopolization of the PZC has enabled public interest to be sacrificed on the altar of political favoritism. By voting for me, a Green Party candidates, voters can neutralize that arrogance and indifference.

More important, they will elect someone who shares their love of Clinton’s natural but fragile beauty and who has the courage and energy to challenge those who do not. Clinton’s wellbeing and safety will always come first if your readers entrust me with their votes.

James J. Connolly

Clinton

James Connolly is the Green Party candidate for Planning & Zoning Commission.