Why Be Involved? My First 2 Years on a City Commission

I am not an ambitious person, and I am not particularly interested in politics or government service. But, I am a person who cares deeply about the place where I live and work, and so when I was asked to consider joining Middletown's Conservation Commission I took on the challenge with little hesitation. It is not a very large commitment at just one meeting per month. The Conservation Commission is an advisory board that is enabled by state statute to research land use issues and to provide opinions to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency and the Common Council . Sitting on this Commission also provides the opportunity to assist the City with acquiring and preserving land as open space. I just completed the second year of my appointment, which means I have attended approximately 20 or so meetings. As the newest member of the Commission, it has taken some time to get accustomed to the pace and the manner in which things get accomplished. But in just two short years, I have been a participant in what has resulted in small and large victories alike. In addition to an impressive amount of land that we have successfully preserved, we have had small victories too like drawing over a dozen out of town hiking enthusiasts to our spring hiking event last year, and providing a voice during the revision process for the City's Plan of Conservation and Development.

Below are my thoughts on some basic questions that may arise in the mind of anyone who is curious about what it is like to sit on the Commission.

Is the work difficult? No, it is not. Mostly it requires a willingness to show up and to listen. Particpation in discussion is, of course, encouraged.

Is it frustrating? At times yes it can be. Despite this, there are obvious rewards. Most notably, working towards a common goal with a group of like-minded peers is one great feeling.

For me, what has been most rewarding about sitting on the Commission is getting to know all of the wonderful people that have thanklessly given their time and efforts towards conservation.

First, in memory of James Fortuna, who was a fixture of the commission, and a member for many years. His dedication to Middletown was always obvious. He was an exemplar of giving and public service who will be greatly missed.

Katchen Coley is a walking history book whose knowledge and list of contacts have no bounds. Her passionate advocacy and action on behalf of the environment have taken her from the State House in Hartford to Washington, D.C and beyond. Her energy has inspired many.

Jane Brawerman is unwavering in her convictions and her dedication to the work of the Commission.

Eric Mosher has spent countless hours donating his mapping and drafting skills to improve on and contribute to the production of our maps and trail guides.

Kate Miller has a powerful academic mind and is always able to thoroughly analyze every issue from simple to complex, and then articulately and eloquently present her thoughts to the Commission.

Michael Ennis is a character. His comedic one-liners aside, it is clear that he cares deeply about the environmental health of Middletown and has worked tirelessly for open space preservation.

Sheila Stoane is, well, no pun intended, a rock. The fearless leader of the Commission, we wish her speedy recovery and want to see her back at the next meeting. Her wisdom and strength keep the meetings in check without compromising her natural warmth.

Nancy Newman is a dynamo. Nancy is always very clear, concise and helpful. Her knowledge of every road and street, parcel of land, and nook and cranny throughout Middletown is impressive and essential to the Commission.

David O'Brien and Howard Reid are dependable and pensive people whose presence is much appreciated.

Stephen Ladd is an engineer with technical knowledge who has been an active and loyal member for many years.

Ellen Lukens is a hardworking member known for her thoughtfulness and diplomacy. She has dedicated much of her time to evaluating and securing new properties as well as successfully advocating for funding and state and federal grant money applications. Ellen was instrumental in Middletown's being selected to host the 2007 BioBlitz project.

In the Conservation Commission, nobody expects to receive attention or aspires to climb into politics. We are all there for one reason and that is because we believe in the process and the protection of our community for future generations. It's easy to have an opinion; almost everybody does. What takes it to the next level is turning an opinion into concrete actions. Service on local Commissions is one way to achieve this. To learn more about opportunities to serve, please visit the website of the Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development and click on “contact” in the lower left: http://www.middletownplanning.com/. You may also contact Matt Dodge via email at matt.dodge@cityofmiddletown.com or by telephone at (860) 344-3425