Bailey: I'll Keep the Character and Quality of Life Intact

Rockfall's Edward Bailey is running for a third term on Middlefield's Board of Selectman on November 5.

Ed has lived in town for nearly three decades, served as Chief Engineer in the Merchant Marine and as a commissioned U.S. Naval Reserve Officer and currently serves as chairman of the Water Pollution Control Authority and Lake Beseck Environmental Committee.

Here's a Q&A with our candidate:
 
Q: What your goals are for the town?

A: The goal I have for Middlefield and Rockfall is to keep the character and quality of life of our Town intact, maintain Town services, provide a superior and safe education for our children and maintain the line on spending. During the next two years as a Selectman I would like to make further efforts to improve our commercial tax base, see environmental issues at Lake Beseck addressed and that our Town government provides necessary services economically.

Q: What are your plans for its future should you be elected?

A: The goals might sound rather basic but they are actually complex. The successful reopening of Powder Ridge is a win-win for the Town by creating commercial tax revenue that will grow over time, by maintaining open space and providing jobs.   This is good example of what our Town should have more of in the future; an expanded commercial tax base coupled with jobs along while maintaining our character.  It is important that a balance be maintained between residential and commercial property tax revenue so that residential taxes don’t become burdensome, particularly on our seniors.  Jobs are leaving Connecticut as it is an inhospitable place for business.  The general economic environment is poor. Developing our remaining commercial property in Middlefield might take years or even decades.  What we can do today is watch our expenses. The Town portion of our budget accounts for about 20% of taxes collected.  Since the school budget represents nearly 80% of the taxes you pay, we must see that District 13 provides a top notch education, while providing every economy possible.
 

Q: What makes you a great candidate?

A: Having served four years as Selectman, I believe I am a great candidate that brings experienced and proven leadership to the position.  I am not a Selectman that just shows up for meetings. I made myself available for service to the Town during the many hurricanes and snow storms that struck our Town during the past couple of years. My background in engineering gives insight into complex technical matters that come before the Town. My efforts as Chairman of the Water Pollution Control Authority have put me in contact with citizens not just as a politician but as service provider.  As a business owner I bring the understanding of what it takes to manage an organization like our Town. I have made critical choices for the Town, choices that if left up to some would have taken the Town in the wrong direction. The decisions made by the Board of Selectmen affects the lives of all Middlefield families and should be reflective of the values of our citizens.  The policy decisions of today will determine the course and character of our Town in the future.