A Message from the First Selectman
Good afternoon,
Lest we forget about Covid this week Easton passed 500 cases overall. Still the trend is towards better. As you know, several weeks ago I joined my Republican colleagues, the First Selectmen of Fairfield and Westport in declaring a mask mandate inside all buildings in our respective towns. We have all struggled with enforcement and this week our respective police chiefs got together to discuss this as well. We all want to be perfectly clear that the mask mandate is real, and as you know if you attended the last Easton Board of Education meeting the police will be called to enforce it. I am sorry that they have needed to be put in this position, and worse they are being taken away from more important duties to do this which is also a waste of your tax dollars. Nonetheless, the mandate will be enforced.
Tomorrow features various events. The day kicks off with the 21st Dare Race, registration starts at 8:30 at SSES. https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Easton/TheEastonPoliceChase5K. Followed by the 2nd annual Easton town party from 1:00pm – 7:00pm located at 200 Center Road presented by Ashlar-Aspetuck Masonic Lodge No. 142 https://eastontownparty.com/ Please note, Center Road will be closed from Adams Road to Morehouse Road from 12 – 8pm. To cap off the evening, EMS will be holding their 2nd annual EMS fireworks display at Morehouse Fields. Gates open at 5pm. http://eastonems.com/75th-anniversary-fireworks/ Come enjoy, but more importantly contribute to the EMS association as we gear up for a new EMS headquarters. There will be an opportunity to learn about their plans. Hope to see you at all the fun filled events.
Alison Witherbee, the Municipal Agent for the Aging, asked me to pass along the following: Frauds and Scams continue to be threat especially with Medicare Open Enrollment around the corner. Come to a hybrid/ZOOM presentation on Friday, September 24th at the Easton Senior Center at noon to hear from Senior Medicare Patrol representative, Lisa Alhabal, speak about how to spot and protect yourself from potential Medicare fraud. We will also address the other scams that you should be on the lookout for so that you can be well educated. For any questions or to sign up, contact Alison Witherbee 203-268-1137.
On Tuesday there is a town wide referendum taking place at SSES (515 Morehouse Road) from 6am – 8pm. I cannot urge you strongly enough to get out and vote, but first please take the weekend to learn the issues. There is a bounty of information available on the different items on the town website www.eastonct.gov. There are other sources, but I urge you to be critical if you are basing your decisions on social media or mailings. Funding for the design of the pathway is probably the most controversial item on the agenda. As I was asked to post the basic information on the website, below is a quick summary.
The facts presented at the meeting have not changed: My predecessor, Republican Adam Dunsby, initiated this proposal in 2019 for a grant reimbursable at 80% for this improvement designed to benefit town connectivity and safety, especially given that kids walk this busy stretch of Sport Hill. The vote on Tuesday is for the first design phase--estimated at $80,000, which at the 80% reimbursement, would put our liability at $16,000. The project has the unanimous, bipartisan support of the Planning and Zoning Commission and was approved by voters in an advisory referendum in March 2021, and has been recommended by two police chiefs, multiple school and district educators, and was supported by a state road safety audit. The people of Easton must rely on fair and open debate. However, false and conspiratorial narratives help no one.
You are our government so please be informed and participate.
Have a great weekend.
Dave