Election 2023: Nineteen candidates run for Groton Town Council
Oct. 14—GROTON — Nineteen candidates, from slates endorsed by Democrats, Republicans, and the newly formed Groton Independents Party, are running for nine seats on the Town Council.
Terms are for two years.
The ballot features Democrats Portia Bordelon, Rachael Franco, Dan Gaiewski, Bruce Jones, Juliette Parker, and David McBride, who are incumbents, and Roscoe Merritt, Adam J. Puccino, Sr., and Jill Rusk.
Republicans candidates are Susan Deane-Shinbrot, Thomas Frickman, John F. Scott, Pantea Umrysz, and Harry A. Watson.
Genevieve Cerf, Bill Furgueson, Lauren Gauthier, Bruce McDermott, and Scott Westervelt, currently an incumbent Republican councilor, are running under the Groton Independents Party.
They weighed in on whether the town, which has met and exceeded the state's 10% affordable housing threshold, needs more affordable housing, and how to prepare for the anticipated growth at Electric Boat.
Bordelon, 44, a Democratic councilor since 2019 and a medical and clerical assistant, said Groton has not calculated its affordable housing accurately. She said the town needs mixed income, mixed use developments in all districts to widely distribute affordable housing, including options for home ownership, not just rentals.
The development of affordable home ownership opportunities is relevant as EB hires new employees, she said. The town and the city also should prioritize the redevelopment of Thames Street, the primary gateway through Groton to EB.
Cerf, 79, a Democrat running under the Groton Independents, Representative Town Meeting member, and a retired research scientist in AI and senior system architect for Verizon, said more affordable housing is critical for young people raised and educated in Groton who want to stay here.
She said the town should plan for housing and amenities attractive to young workers, including restaurants, a movie theater, music venues, and a popular grocery store, and reward good design with tax incentives for more appealing but still affordable development.
Deane-Shinbrot, 66, a Republican RTM member and retired Groton Public Schools paraeducator, said she is proud Groton has achieved and exceeded the state's 10% mandate for affordable housing and encourages neighboring towns to do the same.
She proposes a dedicated person, possibly a volunteer, to serve as a link between the town and Electric Boat. As a lifelong resident, she has seen too many opportunities go by. She would encourage local businesses to provide employees what they are looking for in Groton.
Democrat Franco, 54, an accountant seeking her fourth term, supports partnering more with the Groton Housing Authority to increase affordable housing, while leveraging public land for housing. Her other ideas include promoting rental assistance programs, enhanced Accessory Dwelling Unit policies, mobile home park protections, and responsible zoning changes.
With housing a challenge as EB grows, Franco highlighted housing slated for the William Seely and Colonel Ledyard schools and said Groton is also taking steps to prepare, such as marketing to businesses and enhancing parks and recreation.
Frickman, 49, a teacher and Republican RTM member, said the town should work with large and small businesses in Groton to see what their employees need for housing. If affordable housing is what they need to help Groton grow, then that should be pursued.
He said he would work to ensure new staff hired at EB has housing in Groton. He also would encourage more walkways and new restaurants and businesses to make the town a more attractive place to live.
Furgueson, 51, a Historic District Commission member and an Independent endorsed by the Groton Independents, works in marketing and development. He said more affordable housing, is needed. He would seek small, local and ethical developers who can create housing to meet various needs and include residents, especially neighbors, in decisions.
To attract EB workers to live in Groton, he said the town needs infrastructure, including an opportunity for a night life, parks, strong schools, and an opportunity to fulfill their living needs in town.
Democrat Gaiewski, 23, an intern in the lieutenant governor's office, Olde Mistick Village store worker, and councilor since August, said Groton needs more housing, from affordable housing to single-family homes. To decrease rising costs, he advocates for more housing options, with the goal of environmentally sustainable developments that preserve neighborhoods.
As EB expands, he would recruit businesses for entertainment and shopping for workers. He supports seeking proposals, which could include but not be limited to housing, for former schools such as Pleasant Valley and S.B. Butler.
Gauthier, 27, a contracts professional and RTM member who is unaffiliated but endorsed by the Groton Independents Party, which she chairs, said Groton needs a variety of housing. She supports energy-efficiency upgrade initiatives for homeowners, and, where appropriate and supported by the community, well-developed housing plans.
She said there needs to be a multi-faceted approach to EB's growth, with participation from residents, EB and the Navy, and considerations made to infrastructure, education, public safety, and quality of life. In addition to addressing housing, Groton needs to improve its business community, recreation, public transit and sense of place.
Democrat Jones, 68, a retired small business owner seeking his second term, said the town needs more housing, including market-rate, affordable and for older residents. He said the town is better positioned to move forward with some of its housing needs, now that it has completed a Property Re-Use Policy.
He said EB's anticipated growth will increase housing demand. He said having employees live in town is vital for economic development, but maintaining a good balance between future development and open space also is important.
Parker, 50, a Democratic councilor since 2017 and an administrative secretary to the city police chief, said Groton needs housing across all income levels. She would work with state representatives and community organizations to help families secure permanent housing.
She said the town needs to foster more affordable/workforce housing and offer housing attractive to the young professionals that EB is seeking to hire. That would help the environment by reducing commutes for prospective employees, and build the population of people who will contribute to the community.
Democrat McBride, 54, a director of finance seeking his second council term, said Groton needs more affordable housing. He would encourage more thought-out and community-involved discussions on housing, with requirements for a certain percentage be affordable, in proper areas, while also addressing the short term rental issue. He further supports rental assistance and first time home buyers programs.
As EB grows, he believes the town needs to focus on efforts for additional housing and amenities, including opportunities for rail, bus and bicycles, recreation and entertainment.
Groton Independents-endorsed candidate McDermott, 83, who is retired and on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Beautification Committee, said Groton needs more housing of all kinds. The town should considering reusing former schools for housing. Zoning can help alleviate housing constraints, including moving short term rentals into permanent rentals.
Preparing for EB's growth needs to involve ideas from the city, town, and EB, which has the biggest stake. "What incentives can they provide to establish housing much as the textile industry did in the 20th century?," he asked.
Merritt, 78, retired, is a Democratic RTM member and chairs its Public Works Committee. He worked as mechanic for the Town of Groton and for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in parks and forests at Fort Trumbull. He served four decades as a volunteer firefighter with the Poquonnock Bridge Volunteer Fire Department and left as captain.
He did not offer detailed comments to the questions at this time.
Democrat Puccino, 58, a home improvement contractor and RTM member, said he would not only be in favor of more affordable housing but better housing. He also would be in favor of any positive initiatives that would help people living in less than adequate housing.
With the growth at EB, he said he will advocate for more housing, small businesses and civic activities to help new residents and businesses prosper, while maintaining the town's low tax rate as inflation creeps up.
Democrat Rusk, 50, RTM moderator and community impact resource manager at United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, said 40% of Groton residents struggle to meet basic needs and the region's lack of housing has increased housing costs. She supported "strategic zoning and creative developments to provide homes that the growing workforce demands, across all income levels."
Since 80% of EB's town-based workforce lives outside of Groton, she proposes continued investment in schools, roads, parks and services and increased diversified housing and economic development, to make the community more appealing.
Republican Scott, 54, an RTM member and also a school board candidate, is an insurance sales manager and former state representative. He said he would seek out commercial development that supports EB's growing workforce. He said economic growth brings opportunity for people to grow financially and create generational wealth.
As Electric Boat works to attract talent, he supports working with developers through the Economic Development Commission to ensure policies are in place that make Groton attractive.
Umrysz, 38, co-owner of East Coast Pro Painting who is unaffiliated but endorsed by the Republican party, said affordable housing is incredibly important. She understands housing need and said it's important "for where we are now and our town's continued growth."
She said she fully supports the 304 apartments being built at the long-vacant former William Seely School. She looks forward to learning from the experience, and from there, being able to making smart and strategic decisions for the community.
Watson, 74, a Republican who is retired from Pfizer, said he gave a presentation on affordable housing in 2008 when he was town mayor and he is sure the trends remain the same. If elected, he said an analysis of the town's current housing stock would be important.
As EB grows, he said the town should offer full support to the submarine manufacturer. He said the Council should meet with EB executives and get their input.
Groton Independents-endorsed Westervelt, 60, a traffic signal superintendent who is seeking his second council term, said affordable housing is important, and many young families that grew up here would like to stay here.
He said Groton has a sense of community and keeping families together helps promote community. He'd like to see more single-family home starts as well as two-family houses and condominiums. Ownership will help to build communities.
Bordelon: While I agree there is a need for some massive infrastructure investments, I believe there is an additional opportunity for an immediate, achievable solution. Establishing regular, convenient commuter bus routes to environmentally responsible lots on the outskirts of commercial districts, such as Mystic, with smaller, electric shuttles running people to the retailers and tourist attractions would relieve residential parking stresses by removing employee and tourist traffic while avoiding parking meter installation.
Cerf: Public transit: bring back the trolleys! They're charming and popular. Parking: an acute problem in downtown Mystic, the addition of small (paying) parking lots (thanks to our churches, Chelsea Groton Bank, and local developers) has been very helpful. Adding meters to Main Street in summer months and possibly off-site parking with shuttle service for store employees would both help.
Deane-Shinbrot: Parking. The downside to being a popular place to be. A public shuttle or "trolley " would help during peak seasons. Using empty parking lots and running a shuttle along RT 1 would be, I feel, the least costly way to reduce an ongoing problem.
Franco: I support increased bus routes, as well as a Downtown Groton train station. After studying parking issues within Mystic we should explore our options. Encouraging tourism bike rentals, enhancing bike lanes and sidewalks, increasing bus routes and shuttles to and from hotels and attractions would also be beneficial.
Frickman: I would enforce the parking hours that are currently posted before any other changes are made. I am concerned that installing meters in downtown will only lead to more people parking in the residential areas of downtown Mystic. High Street is already a concern with cars parked on both sides of the street enabling only one car to pass at a time. We first need to limit cars to 2 hours where posted and determine if there is still an issue. I believe access to more public transportation would also help this issue. Groton should look for a location where they could provide a low-cost shuttle to Downtown Mystic and Thames Street in Groton City to encourage visitors, similar to what is done in Newport.
Furgueson: A while back I was looped in to the Mystic parking discussions and options. I think more education to the community on the availability of mass transit options, as well as an incentive program for businesses that show that a certain percentage of their employees utilize mass transit — which in turn would free up parking in town.
Gaiewski: My thoughts on improving public transit in Groton are to continue looking at the potential design and rail development in our area. There have been public discussions on how we can use rail to commute workers and consumers into our area while alleviating the parking shortages, and allowing for workers to have a different way of commuting to work. To improve parking I would look at developing, and continuing partnerships with private property owners to allow them the opportunity to profit from their privately owned lots. Allowing the private owners to open up their lots can assist them financially while also filling the need for parking in the Town. The problem for the Town right now is we do not own enough property that could be converted for parking and the spots we currently own are limited. Currently, I am opposed to the implementation of parking meters because I fear it could disincentivize potential consumers from shopping at local merchants and it could push these consumers to park their cars in the surrounding neighborhoods that would potentially still be free to park which is not fair to the residents of those neighborhoods.
Gauthier: Increase bus service through Groton, to include shuttling for high-parking demand areas, especially during tourism season.
Jones: We have spent quite a bit of time developing the Downtown Mystic Parking Study and have issued a final report. We are slowly starting to put some of the recommendations into action. Things like off street parking and shared lot parking agreements. I would like to see some of the other recommendations tried and see how they work out.
McBride: I am an active supporter of the Eastern CT Corridor Transit group and their plans to bring additional rail opportunities in Groton as well as around the region. However I believe these plans are several years away and I think we can take certain steps now to improve the issues which currently exist. Examples include incentivizing business owners in downtown Mystic to ensure employees (and also guests and customers) to take a community sponsored shuttle which could loop around Mystic with various stops around the the Mystic area within Groton and Stonington. There are numerous options for how this could be paid for and where the designated stops could be and all should be discussed so that everyone is involved in the final decision. Its also important to ensure everyone who is receiving the additional benefit of the service are sharing in the cost for. Over time these shuttles could also be expanded to increase its loop to surrounding areas outside of downtown Mystic which would continue to foster economic development and solve additional traffic and lack of transportation issues in the area. These shuttles over time could be intertwined with the plans for the Eastern CT Corridor Transit Group. I also believe many employees and guests would use bicycles, scooters, and other methods of moving people around if such was made more accessible and easy to utilize.
McDermott: We should shuttle visitors to Mystic from larger more remote parking areas. Mystic is simply too small an area to manage the traffic, particularly if the drawbridge is in operation. Longer term solutions really require light rail build out east and west of Groton to free up congestion.
Parker: This would take community partnership involving our largest employers, public transit (additional stops with SEAT) and parking. It is important to have a place for parking as well as sidewalks in areas that do not have it. This is an infrastructure concern for all. The Town and community partners would need parking lots and/or structures or satellite lots. Both are equally important to the community.
Puccino: I would like to see a shuttle service from town and City owned parking lots to Mystic.
Rusk: Groton struggles with parking in both the City and in downtown Mystic. I support working with Electric Boat to encourage ride share programs and establishing off-site parking. Throughout Groton, I support the increase of public bus lines and shuttles, remote parking as well as enhancing sidewalks, trails and bike lanes.
Scott: I have long been an advocate for bringing a train station to the Town of Groton and for making sure that both Amtrak and Shoreline East have stops in town. I think this is an important first step in improving public transportation.
Umrysz: This is a priority. Our town is growing. Parking is limited. The town hired a consultant to address the "Mystic Parking and Rehabilitation Plan." Continuing to foster a Groton and Stonington all-hands-on-deck approach, we need to take the next steps to work with what we have — ex. promoting and expanding the Seaport shuttle service and exploring other ideas.
Watson: Support SEAT and consider pursuing a rail stop in our Town. I would have to review what has been done with parking in Mystic since I served on the Council.
Westervelt: I wholeheartedly support expanding Shoreline East to our area and beyond to Westerly. I believe this would service many in our area and would allow folks easier access to the other areas served by the rail system. I believe also that Shoreline East will also help feed the growth at EB.