Letters to the editor of the Record Journal: “Overgrown lawns” and the response “Blighted conditions”

The letters below are “as published” from the original writers to the Record Journal on April 20 and April 24, 2012.

Overgrown lawns
Editor: I have a request for the members of Wallingford Town Council who truly care for the quality of life in our community. It is in the best interest of the town to amend the Blight Ordinance to include overgrown lawns that create a hazard and affect the value of homes in close proximity.

There is a house in my area where the grass grows in excess of three feet and blocks the sight line of vehicles exiting the intersection. I have extended an offer to the homeowner to cut the grass for free on a regular basis because it is unsightly and a hazard, but I was rebuked by him. Because of this sightline hazard, the Town of Wallingford periodically has to cut the grass on the town right-of-way (which I am sure is very large and needless expense for the town).

Now, how about concentrating on quality-of-life issues rather than attacking hard-working town employees like Hank McCulley? McCulley is a dedicated, honest, loyalty employee with a great deal of integrity.

It is my wish that neighbors and others facing this situation would speak out and let the Town of Wallingford know we’re tired of looking at rundown properties with homeowners who do not take pride in their neighborhood.
JOHN J. ANZIDEI, WALLINGFORD

 

Blighted conditions
Editor: My comments are directed to a letter headlined “Overgrown lawns” (R-J Readers’ Opinions, 4-20): The writer expresses his frustration with blighted conditions, and the law is complicated.

Linda Bush and I started a Problem Sites Committee several years ago, and we feel it has been successful. All of the town enforcement departments — Health, Building Dept., Housing Code Enforcement, Dept. of Police Services, Corporation Counsel and the Fire Marshal — meet to discuss problem areas and plan strategies for corrections. The committee reacts to public input and the observations of individual members of the committee. Anyone with a problem can call any of the listed departments or town council members. I do have records of what has been accomplished to date.
BOB PARISI, WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL

From the Editorial Page of the Record Journal: Vote with confidence

As published in the Record Journal on Election Day, Tuesday November 8, 2011

Voting is Democracy’s bedrock — a truly American activity which should not be taken for granted.

Elsewhere on this planet other societies don’t have it so well. In recent Arab Spring uprisings, thousands risked lives to demonstrate in favor of ballot-based elections, rather than further remain subjects beneath despotic leaders who abuse authority and employ violence to retain power. For centuries we have enjoyed what these modern protestors fight for. Today we can celebrate their efforts, and our first-world freedoms, by exercising one of a U.S. citizen’s most important rights — voting.

At last, Election Day has dawned. Local political clamor will soon yield to results. In copious political opinion letters to the Record-Journal, readers have expressed preferences for individual candidates and thoughts on pertinent issues in oft-times unequivocal terms. But mistake not the numerous political-letter- writers as enough interested individuals to decide an election. Every vote counts, and it is your responsibility — not someone else’s — to register your opinion.

As our country continues preparations for next year’s presidential race, municipal voting comes to have its own unique flavor in comparison. People familiar with one another in the same community get to express support, or lack thereof, for local candidates who are neighbors, and not TV personalities or names in a newspaper. It’s a chance for civic leaders to see what sits well with voters — issues and allegiances come into political alignment.

Campaign season is a long haul, and even though many candidates enjoy getting out and meeting people, it’s just possible some have rung enough doorbells by now. Nevertheless, let’s not forget that extensive efforts by political hopefuls and their supporters add impetus to the fullness of Election Day’s turnout and significance. Underscore this point: voting — it’s part of a great American tradition and the exercise of a powerful right in democracy — a freedom not to be wasted or squandered.

And before exercising such rights, residents should fulfill their responsibility to make informed, confident decisions. Do research. Learn not only about candidates as community members but also where they stand on important issues. For instance: in today’s entrenched fiscal stagnation, those running for municipal office have by now expounded personal financial and economic development policies of all sorts. Citizens should identify which proposed monetary measures they believe as best suited to propel more expeditious economic recovery, and vote accordingly.

In coming days, supportive signs will swiftly dwindle from front lawns and political ads will disappear from television air time. Election Day will fade into tomorrow. But the results — candidates authorized to take office, some replacing incumbents while others gaining additional terms — will last for two or more years. Thus, we hope that all voters participating in today’s election have done reasonable, if not thorough, homework. Make that vote count — know your mind. Vote with pride.

More opinions on the Wallingford Parking controversy and the petition drive

As published in the Record Journal, Sunday August 21, 2011