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02/14/2024 08:00 AMOn Jan. 29, the Board of Finance (BOF) heard two major town project items: the police headquarters renovation project and the Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) field improvement project. Both were approved unanimously. Under the former Republican leadership of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), a process was in place where, after being heard by the BOF, projects would seamlessly proceed to the appropriate RTM subcommittees. However, the new Democratic leadership has introduced a procedural shift, opting to divert these projects to the full RTM before referring them to committee—a departure from the streamlined process that has served us well for the past decade. This revised approach appears convoluted and risks unnecessary delays.
The significance of the WIS field improvement project has been a topic of discussion in our town for quite some time. The overwhelming support for this initiative was palpable at the BOF meeting, where numerous parents and student-athletes were in attendance. Similarly, the police headquarters renovation project has garnered attention, especially during the RTM's bipartisan support for a new voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone system for our Police force. The dire condition of the police headquarters, marked by water and moisture damage, outdated cell blocks, and the need for additional lockers to accommodate the growing number of female officers, underscores the urgency of this renovation.
The decision to extend the approval process by sending these projects back and forth between the full RTM and committees introduces an unnecessary layer of complexity. This convoluted approach may potentially hinder the timely commencement of these projects—projects that are not only critical to the safety of our residents but have also received vocal support from those we serve.
Victoria Verderame
Branford
Victoria Verderame is the Representative Town Meeting Minority Leader and represents District 4.