November 7, 2023 Municipal Election
A strong community is built on respect, unity, and a shared vision. We need to work together to aim for a better future.
November 7, 2023 Municipal Election
A strong community is built on respect, unity, and a shared vision. We need to work together to aim for a better future.
To us, "community" is the core of our campaign. We want to create an environment where each citizen feels heard and plays a role in shaping our collective future. Together, we’ve passionately served in various capacities, from educational boards to legislative roles and community volunteering.
In our view, "open government" means full transparency. Every resident should have access to the information and processes that shape our community. It's a system where town meetings are platforms for genuine dialogue and public influence.
We want to ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and effectively. We aim to prioritize essential services, cutting inefficiencies, and investing in projects that provide long-term benefits. Our promise is to exercise restraint, wisdom, and foresight in every financial decision.
Dear Resident of East Windsor,
At this critical juncture in East Windsor's history, we're faced with multifaceted challenges, many exacerbated by the present administration’s lack of transparency and a disregard for our town’s core values. As independent petitioning candidates, our commitment goes beyond party allegiances. We are dedicated to equality and justice, restoring fiscal sanity, defending our agricultural legacy, and rectifying the misinformation that's undermining our town’s unity and future.
1. Commitment to Equality and Justice:
In our diverse community, every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, deserves equal opportunities and respect. We are deeply concerned about the racism and harassment uncovered by a police investigation in the public works department. It is alarming that the previous administration may have overlooked these issues by treating them as "peripheral matters". Our stance is clear: there's zero tolerance for such acts. Every voice deserves to be heard, and every resident deserves justice and fairness.
2. Fiscal Accountability:
The current administration's handling of financial matters, notably the flat grand list and convoluted tax maneuvers, is concerning. Our vision counters this approach:
- Crafting budgets that prioritize essential services.
- Streamlining processes to stimulate business growth.
- Ensuring fiscal decisions are transparent, backed by concrete data, and open to public scrutiny.
3. Industrial Solar Concerns:
The rise of industrial solar developments on East Windsor farmlands poses threats to our agricultural tradition. We stand firm against this. Our campaign believes in responsible growth that aligns with the community's interest, rather than making political gains.
4. Combating Misinformation:
One of the most concerning aspects of the current administration is the dissemination of misleading narratives. We pledge to:
- Implement open forums for public queries.
- Regularly communicate the rationale behind significant decisions.
- Encourage public participation in decision-making processes.
Your independent stance, rooted in discernment and a focus on factual representation, is the beacon we need. Our collective emphasis on fiscal transparency, community engagement, and countering misinformation reflects our shared vision for East Windsor's future.
We vow to ensure that every tax dollar is spent judiciously and effectively. We promise open governance— live-streamed meetings, prompt FOIA responses, and full transparency. Town meetings should be platforms for genuine public input, and live-streaming and recording all public board meetings is non-negotiable.
In sum, we envision an East Windsor where fiscal responsibility and respect for our agricultural heritage stand strong. A town where every decision, especially concerning land use and fiscal policy, is made with rigorous research, compassion, and forward-thinking. For us, there's no debate: civil rights and human rights stand at the very core of our community's principles.
Join us in steering East Windsor into an era of renewed trust, transparent governance, and steadfast commitment to our town’s foundational principles.
Warm regards,
Keith Yagaloff, Lynn Stanley, Mike Ceppetelli, the Our Future East Windsor Team
Dear Resident of East Windsor,
1. East Windsor Farms are still much sought after: while some farmers might be retiring or moving on, there are others eager to buy farmland. New tobacco sheds are being constructed, and significant investments in farming are evident throughout our town. In short, farming in East Windsor is generally healthy.
2. Solar Developers and Land Pricing: Solar developers are pushing local farmers out of the market for farmland. These developers are inflating prices. In East Windsor, the multimillion dollar tax abatement given to Gravel Pit Solar has worsened the economics of farming and the damage to our community will be lasting and perhaps irreversible.
Contrary to some narratives, the notion that EW farming is on the decline or that farmers have no options other than selling to solar developers is a myth.
Another misleading narrative being spread is that the town has no influence over industrial solar projects being built on farmlands. This claim deeply concerns us and many residents who oppose these projects. Keith has outlined measures the town should consider, like designating scenic and historic roads, updating the plan of conservation and development, and enacting town ordinances. During the most recent hearing, the Siting Council inquired about East Windsor’s plan of conservation and development, and why certain designations have been omitted. We firmly believe that if we're proactive and assertive, the Siting Council will be more receptive to our concerns, and developers will have increased costs if they intend to propose a project here. The surge of industrial solar initiatives began when the town negotiated a tax agreement with GPS, even before they approached the Siting Council. No doubt the multimillion dollar tax agreement was a primary reason that GPS located its solar development, the largest in the Northeast, in tiny East Windsor. Yes, the town has had plenty of say in these projects, and unfortunately what they said was welcome, build here on our farms and forests.
Our task isn't just to challenge solar developers but also to correct these misconceptions. It's crucial that everyone understands the potential impact of our actions. Currently, we have 1000 acres, most of which is farmlands transformed into solar arrays. This rise of industrial solar developments on East Windsor farmlands not only poses threats to our agricultural tradition but also threatens residential property values and quality of life for those that live nearby.
We stand firm against industrial solar on our East Windsor farms. We advocate for growth that truly benefits the community. Vast 450-acre, 120-megawatt solar projects, and their associated million dollar tax breaks, are not benefiting East Windsor, especially when none of the electricity is going to East Windsor residents or business. Our campaign believes in responsible growth that aligns with the community's interest, rather than making political gains. Please join us in our fight for East Windsor.
Warm regards,
Keith Yagaloff, Lynn Stanley, Mike Ceppetelli, the Our Future East Windsor Team
Dear Editor,
East Windsor is at a crossroads, facing challenges that demand responsible leadership. I am prepared to tackle these issues and believe in a vision for our town rooted in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
My background includes experience as an attorney, scientist, farmer, small business owner, and inventor. My educational journey includes a Ph.D., J.D., masters and bachelor’s degrees.
Throughout my years of community service on the town council and board of education, I have had the privilege of learning from our residents and understanding their concerns.
The challenges we face are evident:
Fiscal Mismanagement: The current administration's approach to finances, including excessive spending and complex tax maneuvers, poses a threat to our town's financial stability and affordability.
Transparency: East Windsor deserves a government that operates openly and transparently. The lack of transparency in decision-making and the absence of genuine public engagement hinder our community's progress.
Agricultural Heritage: Our agricultural traditions are under threat from industrial solar developments on our farmlands. We must preserve our heritage while ensuring responsible growth.
East Windsor needs a change from the current administration.
I am proud to have two dedicated individuals, Lynn Stanley and Mike Ceppetelli on my petitioning team. Together, we pledge:
Fiscal Responsibility: We will prioritize essential services, eliminate inefficiencies, and invest wisely, ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and effectively.
Transparency and Accountability: Our commitment to open governance includes live-streamed meetings, prompt FOIA responses, and full transparency. Town meetings should be platforms for genuine public input.
Preserving Our Heritage: We will stand firm against threats to our agricultural tradition and work towards responsible growth.
East Windsor deserves a leadership team that listens, understands the challenges, and is ready to act. Join me in steering East Windsor toward renewed trust, transparent governance, and a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Sincerely,
Keith Yagaloff, Candidate for First Selectman
Contaminated Broad Brook Mill
Contaminated Broad Brook Mill Part 2.
Solat at Plantation Road.
Solar at East and Middle Roads.
Reservoir Park playground.
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