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Ask Your Town Leaders

For too many years, some Chester voters have not considered important issues. Some have not bothered to vote. Before the municipal election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, I’d suggest the following issues be considered and with some “opinion.” Voters — perhaps more informed — can decide how to vote.

Property taxes. Too high.

Affordable housing project. How did this happen?

One of the most expensive per-pupil public school systems in the nation. Really? Yes, higher per-pupil cost than regional private schools.

A library not handicap accessible, lacking public facilities, and 1/3 of the size recommended by professionals. What happened to $1 million state grant and $500,000 spent a few years ago?

Recreation center. No more. $500,000 insurance money? Wasted and lost.

Former Governor Dannel Malloy’s natural gas pipeline — free. It came through Old Saybrook, Essex, Deep River. It stops at the Chester/Deep River line. Huh? Ask your town leaders why.

The firing and demotion and taking away of health insurance from town employees during the pandemic. No way! Oh, yes. Ask your town leaders.

The failure to file for state and federal grants for expensive town purchases in a timely fashion, losing out on many tens of thousands of dollars while neighboring towns did not.

The failure to protect Chester’s environment. Seen the entrance to Chester Creek on the Connecticut River lately? It was beautiful. Now, massive development on one side and the wasting of the other for a commercial boatyard. Ask the birds and animals that lost their homes – if you can find them.

Turnover in almost every town department: Police, assessor, building, treasurer, public works. Where did all the longtime, trusted town employees go? Ask your town leaders.

Pay attention, Chester voters, it’s costing you in many, many ways.

Joe Cohen

Chester