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Set the Example

East Haven is an Environmental Justice town that is in the middle of development issues where private corporations and private interests leverage privilege over local taxpayers. Mayor Joseph Carfora and the Town Council have chosen individuals to serve our boards and commissions, who sit in silence at monthly meetings and tread behind closed doors with information not shared with the public. This has happened on the Tweed Airport Authority, Inland Wetlands, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Individuals who have conflicts of interest must present documentation to the Town Clerk Lisa Balter, but the binder in the vault remains empty. It is a problem when friends interrupt governance, as it leads to misinformation and flip-flopping stances on important issues such as airport expansion, short-term rentals, and whether pre-existing nonconforming uses are recognized by zoning applications. One way for positive change is to evaluate the list of appointments immediately, identify individuals who have conflicts, and ask them to disclose conflicts or resign from their positions. Friends can interfere with governance to the taxpayers’ detriment, but Mayor Carfora and the Town Council have to set the example.

Thank you to all residents who participate in civic processes to make a better East Haven, and get the facts on the Facebook page “East Haven Politics.”

Lorena Venegas

East Haven