Woodstock CT Café

CPWF Forum introduction by Lindsay Paul

Bill Sowka introduces each candidate.

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Introductory statement by Democratic BOE Candidate John Dlugosz

Introductory statement by Democratic BOE Candidate Cliff Davis

Introductory statement by Democratic PZC Candidate Earl Brazeal

Introductory statement by Republican PZC Candidate and Chairman Jeff Gordon

The Monday Night Forum is recommended by the Democratic Town Committee.
Featuring Jeff Gordon, Earl Brazeal, John Dlugosz, and Cliff Davis left to right.

Join us to meet the candidates and experience the fireworks – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. All are welcome. CPWF

Vote to re-elect Jeffrey Gordon, Chair of the Woodstock Planning and Zoning Commission.  It is a difficult job and he does it well.  Chair of any commission in a small community is complicated.  Chair of P&Z, whose primary  objective is “to manage the development in a responsible manner in order to protect the public health and safety of the town’s citizens, as well as the environment, natural resources and character of the Town, and to further the goals of the Woodstock Plan of Conservation and Development” is challenging.  The position requires good leadership skills, attention to immediate detail while simultaneously keeping an eye on long-term goals, diplomacy, a thorough understanding of regulations and community, and a commitment to the mission of the commission.  Jeff Gordon has demonstrated these qualities repeatedly during his four years of service.  He understands and articulates the challenges facing Woodstock and is aware of the critical nature of decisions and actions at this time in our growth.  His articles in the Villager and online are excellent examples of his work to educate Woodstock’s residents about the work of the P&Z and to encourage involvement.  We are well served by Jeffrey Gordon. 

Gail White, Woodstock

Earl Brazeal is an excellent candidate for a position on the Woodstock Planning and Zoning Commission.  He will bring the skills he honed during twenty years as a research and development engineer to the job.  Mr. Brazeal has most recently demonstrated these skills when he contributed an alternative set of measurable lighting regulations that support the Last Green Valley’s national designation (and align with the Dark Sky Assoc. and the Illumination Engineering Soc. of North America’s Model Lighting Ordinance) to the PZC Regulatory Review Subcommittee.  He demonstrates his commitment to Woodstock by his volunteer involvement in many town-initiated meetings and focus and discussion groups that seek community input including the POCD update meetings.  Mr. Brazeal’s  abilities to analyze, problem solve, think creatively, and keep larger goals and objectives in mind are essential qualities for members of this Commission as it works to sustain into the future what we value in Woodstock while answering the needs of our residents. 

Gail White
Woodstock

In this November 8^thelection,  Woodstock voters only get choices on the Board of Education, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Board of Assessment Appeals. All other open seats are uncontested.  Where you have a choice, please take the time to learn about the candidates.

I am actively supporting PZC candidates Earl Brazeal and Jeff Gordon.  Earl brings a deep commitment to thoughtful long range planning for Woodstock’s growth and development. He has been active for several years behind the scenes by diligently researching  and respectfully advocating for regulations which will help ensure that Woodstock’s historic and rural character can be maintained in the face of development. I know him to be thorough and fair. Of the six candidates running for five seats on PZC, Earl is the only new candidate. It is vitally important to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives in order to have an effective board. New membership can  ensure that entrenched processes, approaches  and interests are challenged from time to time, even as institutional memory and expertise are retained through the older members. Earl Brazeal will bring additional energy and diversity of thought to the Commission. Read the rest of this entry »

It has been my profound privilege to serve on the Woodstock Board of Education for 7 years. Over this time I have developed great respect for our district’s highly capable and committed administrators, for our professional and devoted teaching faculty, and for our dedicated, hardworking staff. Woodstock is unusually fortunate to have such effective and caring people on the front lines of educating our children. I have also been lucky to serve on the BOE with some outstanding and deeply dedicated individuals who have set  high standards of integrity, unwavering commitment to our students’ achievement, and respectful discourse on the Board.

In this November’s 8^th election, I believe that two candidates for the Board of Education stand out: John Dlugosz and Cliff Davis.  They each are independent thinkers with no prior biases or agendas, and are driven by their deep belief in community engagement as a powerful l means  to improve education at the local level. Read the rest of this entry »

from Kirsten

As an out-going member of the Woodstock Board of Education, I write to encourage ALL Woodstock voters to vote for CLIFF DAVIS and JOHN DLUGOSZ for the Board of Education. Both of these individuals will work hard to ensure that our community’s public schools continue to educate our children for the 21st century.

John Dlugosz has already demonstrated the powerful impact he can have on the Woodstock schools. It was his brainstorming and enthusiasm that got the after school Spanish program started at WES this year. Faced with the reality of a budget with no money for in-school foreign language instruction, he helped create a unique after school program that combines the power of community members, private grant money, a local daycare and the public schools to start kids on the road to foreign language fluency in elementary school. John’s work at Trinity College in Hartford and his previous involvement with St. Mary’s school give him a solid background in cutting edge education with a focus on community cohesion. And to top it off, John is a down-to-earth guy with a thoughtful approach to problem-solving. He would be an excellent contributor to the Board of Education.

Cliff Davis has been a life-long zealot of public school education. Anyone who meets Cliff is immediately struck by his energy and curiosity. All of his children were educated in public schools and, while they are now grown , Cliff continues to be involved in public education. For the past three years, Cliff has voluntarily taught a class on communication skills at Woodstock Academy. Cliff’s experience in large corporations and in starting his own successful business provides important real life lessons for his students. The same talents Cliff has for tackling and creatively resolving problems as a businessman, will make him a fantastic member of the Woodstock Board of Education.

Please vote for Cliff Davis and John Dlugosz for the Woodstock Board of Education on November 8th.

Interviews With Woodstock Candidates:

Community Partners for Woodstock’s Future (CPWF) Interviews PZC Candidate Earl Brazeal

CPWF will be interviewing several of the candidates for public office in Woodstock over the next few weeks. The purpose of these interviews is to raise awareness of the platforms, positions, and personal stories of some of the candidates. PZC candidate Earl Brazeal responds to questions below.

CPWF: Why are you running for PZC?

• I will add a technical prospective to discussions using skills from my engineering and civic activity background.  My work over the past 20 years involved the invention and design of industrial lighting for imaging systems, which resulted in new technology lighting. On the civic side, I researched and proposed Dark Sky- compliant and energy-star efficient replacement outdoor lighting for a Woodstock church.

• I will champion regulations that are environmentally sound, protective to historic areas, will lessen energy consumption, and will lower enforcement costs. As an example, over the past several years I have worked with a neighborhood group to draft a Village District Act- based proposed overlay zone for one of the Woodstock historic villages.

• I will provide research supporting regulation of particular areas through well-constructed zoning. I researched examples of the use of Connecticut’s Village District Act in nearby towns to gain insight for drafting a similar set of statutes for Woodstock.

• I will bring a new voice to the dialog of the PZC. Most recently, I worked (under the Citizen Comment agenda topic) with the PZC Regulatory Review Subcommittee to propose an alternative set of lighting regulations that were jointly drafted by the Dark Sky Association and the Illumination Engineering Society of North America (Model Light Ordinance). I was able to work cooperatively with the subcommittee to reach an agreeable compromise and achieve a workable set of regulations. Read the rest of this entry »

Interviews With Woodstock Candidates:

Community Partners for Woodstock’s Future (CPWF) Interviews WBOE Candidate John Dlugosz

CPWF will be interviewing several of the candidates for public office in Woodstock over the next few weeks. The purpose of these interviews is to raise awareness of the platforms, positions, and personal stories of some of the candidates. WBOE candidate John Dlugosz responds to questions below.

CPWF: Why are you running for the Board of Education?

After much deliberation, I accepted the Democratic Town Committee’s offer to run for the BOE as a way to serve my community and the students in our school system. When my children attended St. Mary School in Putnam, I was passionate about making the school as strong as it could be, working with the administration, staff, parents and faculty in the areas of communication, technology and marketing. I was devastated when the diocese choose to close the school. Since my children have been in Woodstock Elementary School, I have been delighted with the enthusiasm, caring and commitment shown by educators, parents and community members. I am excited by the opportunity to bring my passion for education to my own community. Although the challenges are great, I feel I can bring a fresh perspective and the experience of working in higher education to the BOE.

CPWF: What do you see as the major issues facing the Woodstock Public Schools?

The greatest ongoing challenge seems to be balancing and prioritizing the needs and desires of parents and students with the demands the state puts on faculty and administrators. There simply don’t appear to be enough hours in the day to do all that everyone wants. By searching for common ground among all stakeholders I feel there can be creative ways to address this.

I feel our schools must continue to foster critical thinking skills and curiosity in our students. Such skills and traits will be essential as they face the challenges of jobs and careers that may not even exist yet. With this in mind, I feel it is essential to look beyond our own community and find a way to make language and cultural study a part of the curriculum. Expanding student’s experience beyond the classroom–both with technology and perhaps with trips to other communities–seems a worthwhile goal. Read the rest of this entry »

Interviews With Woodstock Candidates:

Community Partners for Woodstock’s Future (CPWF) Interviews WBOE Candidate Cliff Davis

CPWF will be interviewing several of the candidates for public office in Woodstock in these weeks prior to the election. The purpose of these interviews is to raise awareness of the platforms, positions, and personal stories of some of the candidates. WBOE candidate Cliff Davis responds to questions below.

CPWF: Why are you running for the Board of Education?

I did not come to this decision lightly. After deep conversation with my wife, family and people I respect in the community (and on the BOE) I decided I could make a difference. I have always believed that a strong group is one that contains diversity. Open and respectful disagreement usually yields a better outcome. My children are products of public education and I have been a strong supporter throughout their lives. I moved to Woodstock about 10 years ago largely because the school system was well respected. Having been in large companies and now in my own business, I can bring a “business with a heart” perspective to the board. The board has members with children in the system and those without children in the system. My three have graduated from college, did not attend school in Woodstock and do not live here anymore. Having watched them grow up in another quality school system (Andover, MA) provides me with a knowledge base to share with the group here. New ideas are always worth considering even if they are not always worth implementing. I feel that I can make a difference with objectivity and strong listening skills.

CPWF: What do you see as the major issues facing the Woodstock Public Schools?

The issues that arise are dynamic. They seem to change all the time which is what can be exciting about this challenge. The obvious challenge appears to be the continuing improvement of the already strong education of our children and to identify and find the funds to do so. Class sizes must be controlled as we react to the changes in our population. Read the rest of this entry »

Interviews With Woodstock Candidates:

Community Partners for Woodstock’s Future (CPWF) Interviews PZC Candidate Jeff Gordon. Jeff is currently the Chairman of PZC.

CPWF is interviewing several of the candidates for public office in Woodstock in these weeks prior to the election. The purpose of these interviews is to raise awareness of the platforms, positions, and personal stories of some of the candidates. PZC candidate Jeff Gordon responds to questions below.

CPWF: Why are you running for PZC?

I am seeking re-election to Woodstock’s Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) to continue the work I have been doing these past 4 years for the community in which I live. The PZC has achieved many meaningful successes. An out-of-date land use fee schedule was updated; a multi-year update of Woodstock’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is well underway; a thorough update of the zoning regulations is nearing completion; new commercial zoning regulations to guide much needed economic development have been drafted; a set of non-residential design guidelines has been proposed; a streamlined, user friendly approach to regulatory processes has been put into place; more opportunities for members of the public to communicate and work with the PZC have been provided; and the administration and enforcement of the regulations has been conducted in a very fair and consistent manner. These things need continued attention to keep them in a current and well-functioning state of affairs.

CPWF: What do you see as the major issues facing Woodstock from a planning and zoning perspective?

There are two major related issues: how to balance the continued inevitable growth of our town and how to preserve the character of Woodstock. There is an important balance that needs to be achieved. We must protect individual property rights while providing for our town’s overall welfare. We must have zoning/subdivision regulations to prevent haphazard growth while not having unnecessarily burdensome rules that befuddle good and needed land uses. We must promote economic development for tax base diversity in order to fund public services and education while maintaining our neighborhoods, villages, agricultural lands, open spaces and recreational areas. We must simultaneously look at the entire town and at each component part of it. It requires a reasonable and responsible approach so we can guide development in Woodstock successfully. We won’t get a second chance to get things right. Read the rest of this entry »

From Sarah: “To learn more about these and other pieces of legislation, visit http://www.cga.ct.gov/

Simply type the bill number in at the top. I find Joint Favorable Reports very helpful.

Today is the last day of the 2011 Legislative Session so it should prove interesting.”

Hello Everybody in Café-Land! I have a friend looking for an apartment to rent… 2 bedroom in one of the ‘sending towns’. They already reside in one of the ‘sending towns’… so, there won’t be any impact on the WA student population. Thanks – Becki

The Cafe was down last night from from about 7PM to 6AM (starting Wednesday night) this morning because of some corrupted HTML code. No visits were detected during that period. Admin

Our current system produces a visitor map which is misleading because it shows only one balloon for each town where multiple visitors come from. I’ve added a new widget in the right sidebar that will produce a red circle of which the area of the circle will reflect the number of people checking in from Woodstock and the surrounding towns. It will be interesting to see what this visitor map looks like. We should start seeing incomplete results after a two days. I included the ballon from Washington DC – yes, a visitor from the US Congress. We also have other visitors who are from outside the state and country. For example we have multiple visits from a military base in Quatar on the Arabian Gulf. We are happy that people who leave Woodstock can still tune into the Cafe and read/see things that will not be found in newspapers that are on the Internet. We greatly appreciate travelers’ visits.

Commentors, Please see campaign statement rules here.

from Steve Adams, Republican Candidate for Judge of Probate

As an observer at this morning’s meeting, it appears that the sole deciding factor for the Court location was the cost to the towns. While I agree that Putnam is better situated for the population center of the district, there was not an affordable Putnam location at this time. The only other current option to Thompson Town Hall was in Brooklyn in the Green Community Center where the Regional Children’s Probate Court is located.

In my opinion, another significant reason for locating the Court in Putnam would be the proximity to Day Kimball Hospital. The hospital is the largest consumer of services for the current Putnam Probate Court, and will be for the new consolidated district. I know this first hand as the attorney for DKH over the past couple of years, and previously as a Court-appointed advocate for elders and those incapable of managing their affairs that were patients, along with the mentally disabled being treated in the Psychiatric Inpatient Unit.

Most people do not realize that the Probate Court handles much more than just the settlement of decedent’s estates. While that may have been the bulk of the caseload for the past and current Woodstock Court, all of that will be changing for the new consolidated Court.

The jurisdiction of our Connecticut Probate Courts also includes:
- the appointment of Conservators for people unable to manage their affairs;
- custody, guardianship and termination of parental rights regarding children;
- guardianship of individuals with developmental disabilites;
- commitment to a psychiatric institution and permission to adminster psychiatric medication for individuals with mental disabilities;
- review and accountings of agents acting pursuant to powers of attorney.

It has always been my position that our Connecticut Probate Courts serve as our ‘other’ Family Courts where the needs and rights of our citizens least able to protect themselves are protected. The new consolidated district deserves a qualified, experienced, compassionate and understanding individual who has successfully served as an advocate for the people of Northeastern Connecticut. I am running for the office of Judge of Probate because I believe that I meet those criteria, and because I wish to serve and work for the public in this capacity.

This statement has been submitted by Steve Adams, who approves of this statement; Campaign Treasurer, Glenn Converse

From Cafe Admin: Campaign postings are provided for an in-kind value ($1 each). The Cafe will provide the treasurer of any candidate’s Election Committee a receipt for the in-kind value of any candidate’s statements posted here at the Cafe.