Subscribe to Chester, Deep River, & Essex LocalOnlineNews.TVNews FeedSubscribe to Chester, Deep River, & Essex LocalOnlineNews.TVComments

Browse > Home / Essex / Essex First Selectman Contest Turning on Management Decisions

Essex First Selectman Contest Turning on Management Decisions

By Charles Stannard

ESSEX — Democratic First Selectman Phil Miller is pointing to his six-year record in a Nov. 3 election contest with Republican challenger Joel Marzi that is focusing on management decisions Miller has made over the past year.

Miller, 51, was first elected in 2003 after making unsuccessful runs in 1999 and 2001 against former Republican First Selectman Peter Webster. Miller was uncontested for a third term by town Republicans in 2007 after defeating Republican Richard Stebbins on a 1,758-909 vote in 2005. A former director of the Bushy Hill nature center in the Ivoryton section, he is single and has lived in town since 1982.

Phil Miller

Phil Miller

Marzi, a 54 year-old married father of one son, has lived in the Centerbrook section since 1978. He operates a business, Essex House of Framing, out of his home. Marzi has served on the board of finance since 2003 after previously serving as a member and chairman of the zoning commission. He also serves on the building committee that supervised the renovation and expansion of Essex Elementary School.

Marzi contends “leadership” is the major issue facing the town and suggests that problems arising from Miller’s management of town hall are preventing progress on other issues. He also suggests Miller has stepped back from previous campaign promises of open government, pointing to the cancellation of the board of selectmen’s evening meeting in September and this month as an example.

Marzi questions Miller’s decision to lay off town sanitarian Carol Lord last February, noting that a severance package paid to Lord negated any possible budget savings from the move. “It doesn’t add up at all,” he said.

Marzi said he would restore the position of full-time sanitarian pending a possible decision by town leaders and voters on joining the Connecticut River Area Regional Health District. He also contends Miller “acted unilaterally” in allowing a town police officer to obtain a dog for a possible police K9 program without approval from the other two selectmen.

Miller, declaring that Marzi “has never managed anyone in his life,” defends the decision to lay off the sanitarian as a cost savings to the town which now utilizes a part-time consulting sanitarian. He described the recent controversy over the prospective police dog as “a non-issue.”

Miller said complaints about his management style and relations with town employees are contradicted by a recent re-election endorsement from the local chapter of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, the union that represents town road crew workers and cafeteria staff in Region 4 schools.

Joel Marzi

Joel Marzi

Despite their dsagreement on some of Miller’s management decisions over the past year, the two rivals concur on some of the issues facing the town. Like Marzi, Miller favors taking another look at joining the regional health district after declining participation in 2006 and suggests a town vote on joining the district could occur by next spring.

Both candidates offer preliminary support to a plan for a full regionalization of Region 4 schools, though Marzi notes the Essex share of a regional education budget could rise when elementary school students are included in the school average daily membership calculation that is used to split the budget between the district towns of Chester, Deep River, and Essex.

Both candidates reject the idea of a four-year term for first selectman or other major changes to the structure of town government. But Miller said the time may have come for Essex to consider adopting a town charter because that is the only way the elected offices of town clerk and tax collector could be changed to appointed or hired positions at some future date.

Miller counts completion of three street improvement projects using state grant funding and the 2005 opening of the swimming area at Viney Hill Brook Park as accomplishments during administration He described Marzi as a “good worker” for the town, adding “that’s why I appointed him to the school building committee.”

Marzi said he would be a full-time first selectman if elected and would improve communications on the board of selectmen and with other town boards and commissions. He also promises a non-political approach to local issues. “I have never voted on a party line basis on any board or commission that I have served on,” he said.

For the first time in more than 15 years, the municipal contest has not featured a public debate between the two first selectman candidates. Marzi said his campaign had been requesting a public debate at town hall or some other venue since early September.

Both candidates have waged active door-to-door campaigns, visiting hundreds of homes since late summer.

Miller is running with Democratic Selectman Norman Needleman, a local businessman who was first elected with Miller in 2003. Marzi is running with Republican Selectman Vince Pacileo, who was also first elected in 2003.

The retirement of long-time Republican Tax Collector Nancy Stadalnik has set up a contest for the open position between Democrat Megan Dwyer Haskins, a former banker, and Republican Mark Pratt, a former Hamden firefighter.

Posted by admin on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 5:18 pm 
Filed under Essex · Tagged with , ,

  • Frank Hall
    I find it odd that so many people make anonymous comments without using their real name. Why is it so difficult to express your thoughts honestly and be willing to accept different points of view? People talk about trust and other issues but are unwilling to identify themselves.
  • sxactive
    Mr. Hall, I do appreciate your comments and basically agree with you, however; as you can see by some of the comments made on this chat board that there are some individuals who seem very angry and have no room for disagreement with what they deem correct. I personally don't want this sort of individual knowing who I am or where I live. I do respect your opinion.
  • JAMEJO
    It has been my experience that most of those who don't take responsibility for their actions are seriously lacking in their intestinal fortitude, and can find any excuse for not letting others know who they are. Again, comments made by those who are unwilling to let folks know who they are aren't worth considering. I don't. Sorry.

    Jonathan James
  • Frank Hall
    I find it odd that so many people make anonymous comments without using their real name. Why is it so difficult to express your thoughts honestly and be willing to accept different points of view? People talk about trust and other issues but are unwilling to identify themselves.
  • ivorytonresident
    Because that's what America is all about, choice, freedom of speech, etc. Why would posting one's name make the posting more truthful? If someone wants to be anonymous that is their choice, just like it is your choice to post with your real name, IF Frank Hall is your real name. I guess only people who know you personally would know if that is correct. See how that works? It's all about choice. Don't chastise people for posting anonymously, in doing so you are the one not accepting different opinions or choices.
  • JAMEJO
    The main feature of terrorist organizations is their guarantee of anonymity; even the KKK hides under sheets. If you don't have the intestinal fortitude to post your name, as should be required on this NEWS site, then why should, or would, anyone take your opinion seriously. I sure don't.

    Jonathan James
  • ivoryessex09
    Running a town is like a business in that both have the primary goal of achieving efficient management. However, reaching such a goal is not an easy task. But, one can guarantee success if they maintain open, productive relationships with other employees and effectively supervise revenue streams, among other things.

    The current first selectman has had his fair share of opportunities to effectively guide the town (or metaphorically, the business) and has been unsuccessful in each of his attempts to achieve sound management practices.

    As "EssexOldTimer" nicely stated, "a strong team without leadership eventually fumbles and struggles." On Nov. 2nd, let's vote to give First Selectman candidate Mr. Marzi, Selectman Pacileo, and their team, the opportunity to demonstrate what leadership and management are all about. Let us do away with ineffective management and push Mr. Marzi and Selectman Pacileo into Town Hall!
  • dilbert468
    After reading some of these comments, it is apparent many are willing to reelect town officials merely on the basis of one's "knack" for filling out grant applications, rather than on leadership ability. Wake up, Essex! Leadership is not demonstrated by turning in a few grant applications; any town leader do that. True leadership - in just one sense - is exemplified by forging meaningful relationships with residents and other town boards and officials to reach favorable outcomes.

    Consequently, a true leader does not unilaterally cancel regularly scheduled public meetings or forums, stifle conversation, or attempt to cover up the truth.

    That said, I will be casting my vote this Tuesday for Mr. Marzi and his running-mate, both of whom have given many years of service to various town boards and commissions. Their service, and an ability to hear all sides of an issue fairly, shows they are committed to making Town Hall a better place to work and Essex a better place to live. Their actions unequivocally demonstrate the qualities of true leadership and management Town Hall has been lacking.
  • sxactive
    I've lived in Essex for 20 years and have watched this community change a great deal. Our politics have become very negative and dishonest. I support a professional town manager; however, with that being said and without this option, I support Mr. Marzi. For those of us who have run businesses and have managed people know just how poorly Essex has been run for the past six years. Ask how many lawsuits have been filed against this town in the past six years. Ask why the town sanitarian was really terminated just two years short of retirement. Ask how much of our tax dollars have been spent in the past six years defending decisions made by Mr. Miller, then compare this amount with the past 15 years. This will give an interested newcomer or even old timer a small frame of the true picture of our current leadership and our taxes have almost doubled. Mr. Miller's comment about Mr. Marzi was mean spirited when he stated that Mr. Marzi had not managed anything. I was under the impression that Mr. Marzi owns and operates his own business, which manages everthing. Prior to winning the election as First Seletman, Mr. Miller was an employee of the Episcopal Church as a Director of a small camp, Bushy Hill. His training was on the job.
  • Ivorytonresident
    The townspeople have spoken, thank heavens. Phil can now get back to the business of running the town. I have been in town for 22 years and have never seen more improvements made than under the leadership of Mr. Miller. I have volunteered under his leadership and will once again when asked. Employees should leave graciously and not sue their former employer; that's a surefire way to get rehired! Bushy Hill Nature Center, which was implemented by Phil Miller, is no small accomplishment. It was voted one of the best summer camps in America and remains so because of what Phil started. Please, accept the fact that the people of Ivoryton, Centerbrook and Essex do not want Mr. Marzi as their First Selectman. The votes have been cast, counted and announced. It's done.
  • ivoryessex09
    You are absolutely right. I've lived in Essex almost as long as you and have also watched the town and its two villages transform quite a bit. I agree that the way our town operates needs to shift; whether that be to a town manager philosophy or simply by actively promoting ideals of honesty, decency, and, for lack of a better word, integrity, at Town Hall.

    Additionally, as I alluded to in an earlier post, running a town is like a business, and Mr. Marzi is well positioned to direct efforts at Town Hall because of his ability to successfully manage his own local establishment. Further, I find it saddening to see town politics have hit a new low, especially when the current first selectman states Mr. Marzi has "never managed anything in his life." Such a statement is despicable and one can discern Mr. Miller's true character from that very comment alone.

    I also want to thank Selectman Pacileo for his efforts to combat the majority for the past several years. He will also be receiving my vote tomorrow. He is relentless in his efforts to bring the Board of Selectmen back to a level of civility that we have not seen in years and it's nice to know there are still people at Town Hall like him who we can rely on.
  • EssexOldTimer
    The central issue of this campaign is trust and leadership. No other significant concern whether it be from infrastructure maintenance, financial planning or cost and spending controls can be handled effectively until we re-engage a sense of trust and leadership at Essex Town Hall and with the community.

    Success and accomplishment in Town management, as in any team, is the result of the contributions of our town volunteers and town employees. It is to their credit that we live in such an attractive and desirable community. However, even a strong team without leadership eventually fumbles and struggles. Good employees leave or are forced out, mistakes are made and not admitted, relationships turn nasty and legal fees mount, money is misspent…our Town risks losing its unique beauty and essence, volunteers stop volunteering. The center cannot hold.

    Only with a change in leadership can we expect to effectively manage the challenges that face our entire community, together.
  • irissilberberg
    Phil Miller is my pick. The idea that he doesn't communicate well promulgated by his opponent is ludicrous. After living here for years I can attest to the fact that he has always been a most available and responsive public official. His commitment to the environment and the improvements I see in Ivoryton are some other reasons I will happily vote for Phil this election day.
  • Brian Cournoyer
    I’ve come to know Phil as a leader who bases his decisions on the town’s best interest. This leadership and the quality of town services are the reasons I recently moved to Essex.
    As a new resident, I look forward to voting for Phil and Norm on Tuesday.

    Brian Cournoyer
  • Jerome Wilson, Essex
    What an excellent, excellent article by Charles Stannard on the race for First Selectman in Essex. The only thing missing might be photographs of the two candidates. Do you ever incorporate photographs with your articles? It adds an extra dimension.

    Again, the comprehensiveness of Mr. Stannard's article is simply first rate.
  • Essex resident
    Type your comment here.I fully support Phil Miller - I believe Essex citizens are pleased with the good job he has done as first selectman. I believe he should be complimented on cutting the size of government when times dictate such change. As far as the dog -. it is clearly a misunderstanding that has been rectified and it is tiring to continue to hear about it. Phil is a full time plus manager - He is on the job from early morning to late into the evenings.Clearly Megan Haskins has more of the skills needed for the position of Tax Collector than her opponent and I fully support her. I do wonder if it would not be better, in the future, to hire the Tax Collecter and Town Clerk as many towns do. Perhaps it is time to consider a Town Charter, if that might be one of the results, as Mr. Miller has indicated.
  • satisfied citizen
    I think it is unfortunate that so little attention has been paid to Mr. Miller's many accomplishments.
    In the many years of Mr. Miller's service to the town his opponents are only able to find two that they perceive to have negative consequences.
    It is sad that they have such limited vision and are unable to recognize the need to look at long term outcomes. They have proposed no platform and are simply proposing that they will rehire a former town employee.
    The citizens of Essex need only to look at the current conditions in town. They would receive a ten in all areas.
  • Fiscal Conservative
    It is ironic the Republican in the race is trying to make government bigger and criticizing the Democrat for making it smaller. My, how times have changed.

    Mr. Miller is getting a lot of heat but I agree with his decisions on personnel. Cuts are never easy but they are necessary in this economy. Cutting government employees in a small town takes guts given the inevitable backlash that comes about.

    Mr. Marzi's a Board of Finance member and it's a bit surprising he doesn't know what is (or isn't) in his own budget. All of the staff reductions are not in this year's budget and won't be in next year's either.

    Unless of course Mr. Marzi gets elected and hires all of them back like he's promising.
  • Essex
    What is disappointing is that Mr. Miller is afraid to debate Mr. Marzi.
  • Frank Hall
    It is unfortunate that you are spreading incorrect information. Mr. Miller debated Mr. Marzi at two meetings, one at the Chamber of Commerce and another at a Rotary Club meeting. Fortunately, the voters chose to not listen to you.
  • janefrancis
    I must say I am very dissapointed with the recent actions of Mr. Miller. I did vote for him in the past election, however that will not be the case this November. What is unbelievable is the Lord lay off with the severance package. Also, all the employees getting a COL increase. Why not forgo COL increases? I don't want a tax increase and I certainly don't like services compromised at my town hall. I do like that Mr. Marzi sits on the BOF and will have a good handle on spending. I would like to see Mr Marzi be our town's new Selectman.
blog comments powered by Disqus