Debate II Recap – 2/27/2009
Posted by Bob on February 27, 2009 under Daily Blogs | 
2 Comments to Read
Our second debate at City Hill Middle School on Thursday night was a lot of fun and for a good cause. The debate was organized to raise funds for City Hill and Hillside students who will visiting Washington D.C. this spring. Thank you to all those who attended the debate for the generous contributions made throughout the evening.
Special thanks to the moderator, Attorney Dave Heller, and all the students who asked questions during the debate. It is amazing how young people understand the problems and concerns facing Naugatuck and want to play a positive role in shaping our future. The City Hill and Hillside students who participated in drafting and asking questions did a fantastic job. The quality of their education and skill of their teachers is evident in their ideas, composure and knowledge.
I congratulate my opponents who participated in the debate. Discussions were cordial and issue-oriented. I believe our collective performance served as an example to the students in attendance that politics and public service can be conducted in a positive manner. Someday those students who drafted and asked the questions Thursday night will be leaders in our community. Hopefully our debate serves to increase their interest in Naugatuck and the value of public service.
With the March 9, 2009, primaries only ten days away, this week’s debates gave voters the opportunity to examine candidates’ qualifications, hear our positions on the issues, and see how each candidate can articulate their individual plans and vision for our community. Thanks again to all who attended.
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Len Yannielli said,
Remaining cordial is fine. People want to see and hear what you offer that’s different. Your position on the town-owned land at Gunntown – that it remain passive open space, that is land with no impervious surfaces and synthetic turf to be gradually introduced to our athletic fields – is a substantial difference from your opponent(s).
This needs to be brought out more often and developed. The five wetland types, and the different wildlife they engender, on this small parcel of land are reason enough for it’s preservation. Given it is 40% wetland and only 39 acres, the remaining land is far too small to have both active and passive open space activities. For example, bird watchers will not see any birds with an athletic activity taking place, with players yelling and crowds roaring. A large parking lot will lead to gasoline, oil and other car fluids making there way into the wetlands.
The history of this land also begs for preservation. It is here that Chauncey Judd escaped a murderous British agent thanks to quick thinking by some friends of young Judd. Story tellers have related this saga in the past and can do so again to the benefit of both grade school children and adults.
The state anthropologist thinks this land might have been a winter camping place for native people. Controlled searches in key spots may reveal artifacts. This would be a great activity for our high school youth.
While these activities are not compatible with active open space, they are perfect for passive activities.
Bob said,
Thanks Len for your comment.
The time has come to end this divisive debate over Gunntown and work for real solutions that will protect passive open space and provide quality recreational space for youth sports. As you rightfully state in your post, passive activities at Gunntown can benefit our citizens in many ways. Anyone interested in my detailed position on this matter can visit my previous blog on the topic at http://www.bobmezzo.com/?p=44.
Your work and that of others over the years to preserve the Gunntown Property as passive open space represents a tremendous commitment to protecting Naugatuck’s natural resources. While we have not always been of the same mind on this issue over the years, I have always believed that a win-win solution was possible and had not been explored in a creative, non-partisan manner.
Our campaign is about fundamentally changing the way our government operates in Naugatuck. In this pursuit, a plan has been presented to Naugatuck citizens which protects Gunntown as passive open space and looks to create a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for our active recreational space needs for years to come.
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