Politics & Government

Republicans Say Glassman Has Canceled Too Many Meetings, First Selectman Defends Record

Simsbury Republicans have charged that First Selectman Mary Glassman has left important business linger with too many canceled meetings.

Glassman in turn, defended her record and said much has been accomplished while she’s been in office.

A press release issued by the Simsbury Republican Town Committee said four out of the last 14 regular Board of Selectmen meetings have been canceled, including one last Monday night. They contend she left to attend a conference in Boston without much notice.

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“With Simsbury facing the loss of its largest taxpayer, this is not a time for an absentee First Selectman,” the release states.

"The results of the study on The Hartford property was made available this week. I was looking forward to a discussion of future uses of that site,” Republican selectman Sean Askham said in the prepared release. “I believe we need to responsibly build our tax base to ensure that we don't need to cut services to our residents and to keep our taxes in check."

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The release also charges that too many Economic Development Commission meeting cancelations have stalled important projects, such as Big Y. 

Glassman, however, responded that work is being done.

“As First Selectman, I respect the time and dedication of our volunteers,” she wrote to Patch after we requested a response to the release.”This year alone, I have asked the Selectmen to attend 19 meetings and workshops, three public hearings and a weeklong Charette process to focus on future planning for The Hartford site.”

Selectman Nancy Haase is challenging Glassman in this fall’s election, said, "I am running for First Selectman because it is time for a change at the top in Simsbury. We need to be in front of these issues and as First Selectman I will work to bring in businesses to fill our empty properties. Simsbury residents deserve better than these cancelled meetings."

Glassman, however, touted the town’s record under her leadership.

“I am proud that this hard work has led to the lowest town budget increases in the town's history and has kept Simsbury's 2013  budget at the 2008 level,” she stated. “By creating public-partnerships, engaging in advocacy at the regional and state level and bringing professional management best practices to our Town we have been able to put Simsbury on the map. You don't need to look hard to see the fruits of our labor as CNN Money Magazine Best Places to Live, Best Neighborhoods by This Old House magazine and the highest Aaa Bond rating.” 


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