SHARON — On a rain-soaked Friday night, Sharon’s political candidates gathered at Town Hall to hash out the issues facing them in the upcoming election.
Local radio host Marshall Miles (robinhoodradio.com, WHDD-AM1020) sponsored the forum, and was on hand to moderate the event amidst a solid turnout of about 30.
Topics of discussion centered on open space, affordable housing and educational matters.
Participation from the candidates themselves was somewhat spotty, however. The forum was primarily a Republican event, with only two Democrats in attendance: Marilyn Yerks and Sharon Coon.
Democrat Larry Power said afterward that he felt he would be outnumbered by the opposition, and only had a few days’ notice that the forum had been planned.
Republican candidates who attended were Bill Manasse, Stanley MacMillan Jr., Al Tortorella, Tina Pitcher and Harry Rubicam.
RTC Planning and Zoning candidate Bill Manasse spoke of issues including plans for the creation of a land acquisition fund. He said there are already plans in the works for such a fund.
Manasse also noted that the Board of Selectmen would be the office that would authorize such a plan.
An audience member asked about the town’s ability to share budgeting for land acquisition.
"It’s a good idea if it doesn’t raise the mill rate," responded Tina Pitcher, who is the RTC candidate for town treasurer (Coon is her opponent).
Al Tortorella, who is running for Planning and Zoning alternate, also noted that it would take slow growth and careful planning.
"Thirty-point-two percent of Sharon is preserved space," Manasse pointed out. "That’s more than any other town in Litchfield County."
Stanley MacMillan Jr., who is up for re-election on the Planning and Zoning Commission, emphasized that open space is important but if Sharon were to have 50 percent of its land preserved it could make living in Sharon too expensive.
He also suggested that some crossover of land use could be utilized with the town using some of the open space for recreational purposes.
"Recreation is an important part of the budget," said Coon. "It attracts families with children and provides an outlet for both young and old."
The theme of the evening, however, was hidden costs and an audience member asked about the downside of the proposed recreation center.
"We are trying to get a community center and make more land available," MacMillan said. "However, the town needs to look at other options and consider the additional costs that may arise, such as for restrooms and concession stands. Further investigation may be necessary before committing to large amounts of money."
One audience member asked a question that was apparently designed for DTC Planning and Zoning candidate Larry Power. Power is both the president of the Sharon Land Trust and a founding member and vice president of the Sharon Housing Trust.
The question was asked if being on those two boards and being a Planning and Zoning Board member might constitute a conflict of interest.
Tortorella said it might be since it could put a board member "on both sides of the table."
Manasse and MacMillan agreed, saying that board member might frequently have to recuse himself from voting on land use matters.
Affordable housing came up several times, and the candidates were queried about the possibility of adapting existing structures.
"All avenues must be addressed," MacMillan said. He is the town’s building inspector and noted that regulations would allow such adaptations.
"It makes a lot of sense," Coon said. "It may not be ideal, but existing houses could serve as good starter homes. It gives people a chance to work their way up."
Pitcher also brought up the possibility of adapting barns into affordable housing, an idea originally proposed by Sharon resident Jessica Clerk.
Cutting education costs
Board of Education DTC candidate Marilyn Yerks was asked for her thoughts on the plummeting enrollment rate at Sharon Center School.
She noted that the rising cost-per-student (now at $15,000 a head) is a major issue, as are skyrocketing overhead costs. Yerks suggested that combining grades may be an option worth looking into in order to increase class sizes.
RTC Board of Education candidate Harry Rubicam took a different view. While he agreed with Yerks on the concerns of declining enrollment, he added that smaller class sizes aren’t necessarily a bad thing; they allow students to receive more individual attention.
The candidates were then asked about the possibility of expanding school enrollment to the surrounding towns. Both Rubicam and Yerks agreed that the emphasis should be on boosting enrollment from within Sharon.
Increased affordable housing would help to bring more parents into the community, the candidates noted. Yerks felt that improving Connecticut Mastery Test results would make the school more attractive.
Why me?
The last question of the night: Candidates were asked why they want to be elected.
Rubicam spoke of his strong belief in the public education system and the dedication he will exhibit to Sharon Center School.
Yerks cited her attendance at every Board of Education meeting and her familiarity with the school budget. She also emphasized her work as a PTO member and as a room parent.
Treasurer candidate Tina Pitcher highlighted her years of financial experience as well as the knowledge she has gained from her years of service as the selectmen’s secretary at Town Hall. Her opponent, Sarah Coon, stressed her experience as an accountant; she is a fast learner, she said, and can bring a fresh approach.
P&Z candidate Bill Manasse spoke of the expertise he has gained from his time on the board. He vowed to use his experience for the good of the town.
MacMillan said he adds something to the mix, noting that the zoning board as it is now works well together as a whole.
Al Tortorella answered the question with a question. When asked why he would like to be elected as a Planning and Zoning alternate, he answered simply, "Why not?"
He went on to describe himself as "high energy" and "enthusiastic," and emphasized his desire to be able to take part in finding resolutions to some of the problems facing the town.
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