7/10/2020 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass...
Good afternoon,
As if 2020 were not interesting enough, this afternoon we will be impacted by tropical storm “FAY”! It looks like it will not hit us too directly, but be aware of high winds and possible flooding. Please be careful, but know that our dedicated Police and Public Works Departments are at the ready should the storm cause downed trees and power outages.
Easton and the state continue to do remarkably well. However, as I look at pictures from the southern states, the hospitals look a lot like ours did several months ago. It is eerie, and people in healthcare will tell you that we do not want to go back to that scenario. I have very strong convictions that the difference between Connecticut doing so well and the other states seeing surges is largely due to wearing masks, social distancing and good hygiene. Particularly as we look to the fall, we want to everything humanly possible to prevent a “second wave”. As some of us travel out of state this summer please know and observe rules for travelling to states with high rates of the virus. The same rules apply to those who visit us from out of state. Guidance is available at www.ct.gov/coronavirus.
In Town Hall we are furthering the redesign of some of our processes. Hopefully, you will find that some of the basic functions of Town Hall are actually more user friendly than before. Meanwhile, tax collection continues under the rules set forth on the town website. I am pleased to announce that the Tax Collector page is now able to accept credit, debit or ACH payments. You add your tax bill to the shopping cart and “check out” as if you were shopping on Amazon!!
All registered voters with a party affiliation were sent an application for an absentee ballot for the August 11, 2020 Presidential Primary. Please follow the instructions. Those registered as unaffiliated are not allowed to participate in the primary.
The First Selectman’s of Easton and Redding are meeting with the Region 9 Central Office next week to discuss school re-opening plans for the fall. This will still be a fluid situation, as much can change (even in the next 6 weeks). I believe there will have to be multiple contingencies. None of us can imagine the complexity of what is involved in bringing our children back into the schools. From bus rides to drop offs, snack and lunch time, recess and physical education and the day to day learning, the task before our schools and district administrators is monumental. Frustrations may arise, but please do not lose sight of how difficult a job they are required to do and how incredibly dedicated they are to doing what is best and safest for our children.
Enjoy the weekend and be safe.
Dave Bindelglass