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Will Fight to Protect Our Community

I’m running for Chester Board of Selectmen with a firm, simple stand on proposed affordable housing planned for St. Joseph’s Parish Center: I am opposed.

I am not opposed to affordable housing. I believe Chester deserves a clear position on this controversial issue from all candidates. And I’m unequivocally opposed.

First, I want to work to keep all housing affordable for all groups. That includes housing for existing residents and taxpayers. This development – if allowed – will burden existing taxpayers. I’m trained in accounting and business, and I understand numbers. Frankly, there are too many political wannabes who don’t. I’m for fiscal restraint, holding down taxes, and, as a result, making housing more affordable for everyone.

Second, I object to the developers — who plan to primarily use government money — using state law 8-30g. Connecticut State Statute 8-30g, enacted in 1989, is a bad law, should never be applied in rural communities, is being misused, and ignores Chester’s current housing makeup. Did you know more than 25% of Chester’s existing housing meets the state “affordable” threshold? The state requires only 10% to opt out of 8-30g. But housing must be “designated” affordable. Chester’s housing is not designated. Bottom line: Chester has plenty of affordable housing, but not “designated.”

Third, and in some ways most important, I want to protect existing families living near the proposed development. I want to protect their health, safety, and quality of life. Why should outsiders damage and diminish 40 or more existing families so 40 new units of housing can be built? It makes no sense.

I believe current town officials erred in not having Chester excluded from 8-30g when they could have. I would have done that.

I’m asking for your vote Tuesday, Nov. 7. I will fight to protect our community.

Ron Amara

Chester