To the Editor:
Like all Monroe residents, I want to know that the management of my town is in good hands. We all want a community that is safe, with strong emergency services. We want municipal services to run efficiently and effectively. We want to see our parks and facilities well-maintained and responsibly improved.
As with any municipality, big projects take time. The process is impacted by a wide range of rules, regulations, and laws – ranging from our Town Charter to state and federal laws. The process can be frustratingly slow at times, but many of these rules are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and checks and balances.
During the 2023 campaign season, one of my greatest concerns was the fate of the many projects and programs that were in progress. I wanted to know that progress would march forward. I hoped that the seemingly endless hours that were invested by me and dozens of other staff, volunteers, elected and appointed officials, would not go to waste.
I’m grateful that two years later, we are certainly continuing to move forward. This does not happen without responsible leadership and a solid team. Terry Rooney has proven that he can lead the team in the right direction, and simply get things done. Terry and the Republican team of elected officials continue to prove their ability to foster and support a smooth and efficient local government.
Just a few examples: Under Rooney’s oversight, the long-overdue and major renovations to our animal shelter have been completed. A significant expansion of the Housatonic Valley Rail Trail has started at Wolfe Park.
Perhaps the best example is the long-term and complex project to transform the former St. Jude school into the Monroe Community Center. Rooney completed the acquisition phase and today we see planned renovations well underway and the town starting to utilize this space.
Throughout town, we continue to see commerce thriving with a sustained business-friendly environment and improvements made to our online permitting system. Rooney has been aggressively pursuing grants to support many projects, and we have maintained our top AAA bond rating.
Let’s continue to build on Monroe’s success, and keep moving Monroe forward, by supporting Terry Rooney as First Selectman and by remembering the strength of the entire Republican team when casting your vote.
Ken Kellogg
Former First Selectman
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
