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10/23/2017 12:00 AMVincent Cimino has announced he will be a write-in candidate this November for First Selectman of Clinton. He is a graduate of the Quinnipiac University School of Business and has worked in real estate more than 30 years, as well as for the Lorensen Auto Group. He has served as chairman of the Historic District Commission and on the Economic Development Commission, the Open Space Committee, and as a constable. He has participated on planning committees concerned with future town development.
A long time regular contributor of letters in the Harbor News, Cimino said he is proudest of his efforts to protect the people of Clinton.
“I consider it my civic duty to inform residents of all important issues facing the town. Partisan politics have plagued Clinton for a long time now and that must end. Clinton has a town meeting form of government. The people of Clinton must decide these important matters, not politicians. Greedy developers and corrupt politicians cannot be allowed to collude for personal financial gain. I will demand transparency and accountability.”
“I will continue to inform residents of important matters, just as I have in the past. When I learned of Global Petroleum’s plan to build an enormous propane gas terminal in Clinton, I immediately circulated flyers and contacted residents in Clinton and Madison, urging them to attend public hearings. They did and the application was unanimously denied. It was those Madison residents I contacted who actually hired an attorney to successfully fight Global’s appeal.”
“When I learned of the CVS plan, I supplemented my many letters to the editor with a petition in opposition, which garnered more than 300 signatures. And I’m not done yet. I attended the “settlement” hearing. P&Z’s attorney failed to mention the tremendous opposition. And I communicated with CVS and learned the applicant never even had a contract with CVS. This matter is not over.”
Cimino is on the executive board and co-founder of the current Clinton Taxpayers Association.
“We have continuously defeated irresponsible budgets, thereby saving taxpayers more than $10 million. Each year, at budget hearings, I propose an alternative budget that would result in no tax increase. With the current situation in Hartford, it is more important than ever that we eliminate unnecessary spending. My goal will be no tax increases. Period.”
“Clinton squandered countless economic grants on unnecessary and questionable projects, like the ridiculous dump skating rink, for example. Despite my strong efforts, hundreds of thousands of dollars were given to a couple of guys who had no ice rink experience, submitted no financials and wouldn’t open their books. The Board of Finance said it wasn’t concerned because it was “free money”. This ignorant attitude has contributed to Clinton’s financial woes.”
“Large vacant properties, like the old Morgan and the Unilever plant, require close scrutiny and sound evaluation. And, ultimately, the community must be informed and must decide what is realistic and best for Clinton, not a handful of unqualified individuals. As first selectman, I will monitor every board and commission. I will make residents aware of every important meeting and I will attend those meetings, not hide in the balcony like a former first selectman did.”
“Another attempt is quietly underway to build a monstrous recycling dump next to Founders Village on Route 145. With 100 truckloads of debris and dangerous material coming in each day, by truck and rail, this would present serious health and safety issues and destroy established residential neighborhoods. Remembering the terrible fire last year at the recycling dump in Essex, I strongly oppose this plan, contrary to other candidates who just do not understand the situation. Or don’t care. I care and I am opposed to this plan, which would also constitute a use of the property not allowed under P&Z regulations.”
“Budgets must be scrutinized and controlled to keep Clinton affordable and attractive for its residents and potential new businesses. Future development should provide positive revenue and enhance our town. We all know Clinton needs economic development, but it must be responsible development that does not detract from the character of our town or endanger our residents. My first priority will always be the safety of Clinton residents.”