AFFORDABILITY

Under 4 years of Republican control, the Town Council has delivered two tax cuts and kept taxes stable. We campaigned on the promise of fiscal responsibility, accountable leadership, transparency in spending, and stable budgets. We have delivered on those promises. One of our greatest examples is our work in reducing the town’s debt service.

By reducing the debt, the council is protecting the town’s credit rating, keeping interest rates low and encouraging investment from the private sector. We’ve done the same belt-tightening at Town Hall that we have all had to do in our homes.

Throughout the duration of our term, we have consistently identified savings through negotiations and creative thinking, allowing us to keep taxes stable. For example, the Council was able to save roughly $300,000 for our town in energy costs. By going to a reverse auction (essentially where the roles of “buyer” and “seller” reverse), the town was able to purchase the commodity as either part of a consortium or in bulk. This provides for a much larger discount and benefit to the consumer, which is us as taxpayers. Pursuing this course of action in an incredibly volatile market was astute, and another example of Republicans fiscally responsible and forward-thinking management.

Our focus is ensuring that your property taxes remain stable during these tough economic times.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Republicans on the Town Council have fully funded our police: putting more police on the street, purchasing new cruisers and equipment to replace aging ones, winning a grant to train patrol officers in forensic and investigative techniques, and introducing a new Traffic Division. Day. Furthermore, we formed an interagency agreement with the police departments in Rocky Hill, Newington, Cromwell, and Berlin. By providing a regional approach to policing, the town is able to provide a more efficient delivery of service, as well as creating a multiplier effect.

We also designated one patrol officer to full time traffic enforcement to reduce the number of accidents and speeding. This, combined with the creation of a new policy that allows our PD to cite panhandlers, have made our streets safer.

We have continued to support programs that improve the relationship between the community and the WPD, including Bike Patrols, and the formation of a Police Activities League program to help connect our law enforcement with youth activities.

We’re investing in making our community safer, and we’re committed to supporting our police and cracking down on crime. Public safety and quality of life is our top concern.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Republicans have properly prioritized capital improvements and engineering projects, most notably with reconstruction on Highland St. and Wolcott Hill Rd. By making main, well-traveled roads a primary concern, they have assured Wethersfield’s taxpayers get the most “bang for their buck”. We have also successfully sought out and won grants for road rehabilitations, cross walks, ADA ramps & signage.

The Republican council majority refurbished the Tennis and Basketball courts at Standish Park, the baseball field at WHS, and the scoreboard on the softball field.

Our team has aggressively pursued grants to improve our infrastructure. We received a $1.4 Million state grant for infrastructure improvements to Mill Woods Park. These funds are only to be spent on the park, and our team has already identified projects and currently await state approval to proceed with construction. Additionally, we received a $1.7 Million grant to upgrade and renovate our library, as well as a grant for reconstruction and improvements on two major projects (Highland St. to the Rocky Hill line and Wolcott Hill Rd. from Jordan Ln. to Victoria Rd.) Both projects included pedestrian and bike safety components, since we’ve put a renewed focus on ADA compliance and road calming improvements.

We have fully funded our road improvement projects and increased the budget in the most recent fiscal year. We hope to further our progress and help rebuild our town!

SCHOOLS

Republicans have increased school funding for each of the last four years of their control, while ensuring our classrooms are fully staffed, safe, and outfitted with modern technology. After years of being ignored, we addressed our deteriorating school buildings, hired more teachers and expanded curriculum options.

At a time when our students were most vulnerable, most out of their comfort zone, and in jeopardy of falling behind academically, our Town Council and Board of Education stepped up. They ensured that no teachers were laid off, despite historically difficult economic times. Not only did the voters of Wethersfield need leadership during those times, the students did too, and our elected officials stepped up to the challenge. They prioritized hiring tutors to give personalized attention to any students who fell behind during remote learning. Not only was it the right decision in building test scores, but it was also the compassionate decision.

We’ve been creative in doing more with less. For example, when the Highcrest Portables were approved, it was done methodically and creatively. When the project went out to bid, most offers came in with a price tag well over $500,000. Instead, the council directed that the project be done by town employees. The final costs came in at a price tag under $100,000, thus resulting in over $400,000 in savings.

While previous administrations kicked the can down the road, we repaired or renovated the Highcrest roof, Charles Wright portables, Hanmer boilers, Highcrest portables, Highcrest boilers, and improved every school’s ventilation system.

Republicans have crafted strong, responsible school budgets, modernized and renovated school facilities under their expected costs, expanded curriculum options, and recruited and hired new staff bringing a mix of experience and fresh perspectives where needed.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Republicans created a position for the town’s first ever Economic Development Director. The Director works full time on working to promote the Town of Wethersfield as an attractive location for new businesses, while retaining and expanding existing businesses. Businesses are bringing back jobs and investing in our town, and we will continue to make economic development a priority.

Prior to this, Town Planners had to dedicate part of their time to Economic Development. Over the past two terms, a vibrant Old Wethersfield village business district has emerged. We will continue to work to extend this success to the Silas Deane Highway and the Berlin Turnpike.

We’ve seen numerous small businesses open in the last four years, attracting a new, positive energy to our town. Some of our favorites, such as Indulge by Palazzo, Luna Pizza, Slipaway River Tours, Donut Station, Soulshine Yoga, Drumroll Coffee, Doro Marketplace and many of our other go-to spots opened with Wethersfield Republicans at the helm. We want to keep the positive momentum going!