Monday, August 18, 2008

Boardman Lane back in the news...


Come one, come all...the Army Corps of Engineers meets with city, state, and federal officials TOMORROW night, (Tuesday, August 19th) at 6:30pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Col. Keith Landry, District Commander US Army Corps of Engineers, David Dale, Deputy District Engineer, and Diane McCartin, Program Manager, will be in town to answer questions, and explain the project/process for the proposed Army Training facility in Middletown.


Many state and federal officials are expected to attend as well: Congresswoman DeLauro; Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz; Attorney General Richard Blumenthal; State Representatives Ray Kalinowski, Gail Hamm, and Joe Serra; and State Senator Paul Doyle. The city and the army have invited Senators Lieberman and Dodd. Governor Rell is unable to attend, but she will be meeting with Army officials earlier in the day.

The meeting is open to the public, but there will be no public comment (meaning you can't stand up and ask your own questions or state your opinions). However, EVERYONE is encouraged to attend and observe: continued public interest in the process ensures the base will sited in the best possible location for all concerned. Families are also encouraged to bring their children to witness local government in action (gets you back in the mood for school to start, if you needed such an excuse...).

For more information, go to the Westfield Residents Association webpage. If you have specific questions regarding the process that you'd like answered, please forward those concerns to any or all of the elected officials you see listed on the WRA's website (links to contact information are provided for you).

In the end, even if you don't think you care about an Army base in Middletown, where else can you go for such great free entertainment on a Tuesday night? Who knows, you might even get to be on the news or interviewed by yours truly for my editorial after the fact (a big draw, I know). If that's not convincing enough, remember that YOUR taxes pay the salaries of EVERYONE talking at the meeting...you ought to be concerned!

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