Taxpayers won’t foot the bill for reopening the theater

The people of Stratford deserve a response from the editorial in the Connecticut Post concerning public funding for the Shakespeare Theatre. Exactly who the Post has been talking to here in Stratford for their information is a concern. They only needed to contact our consultant, Willem Brans at Arts Consulting Group, for some educated answers. After all, this is what the town is paying him for. And he's doing a great job, by the way.

Opportunities to meet the Mayor

I wasn't surprised to read Mrs. DiFederico's letter in last week's Star (Awaiting Reply, May 3, 2012). This civic-minded resident is not the only one who's awaiting reply from the Mayor's Office. A number of letter writers complained about the lack of responsiveness. Others spoke about their experiences, asking to discuss an issue with the mayor and getting the run-around from his chief of staff.

The EPA must hear a message from Stratford

On April 11, the Environmental Protection Agency came to Stratford to tell us why they won't be using an innovative technology to permanently fix Stratford's "Toxic Legacy."

During that meeting, the EPA expressed numerous "uncertainties" about Thermo-chemcial Processing that, since 1997, has already been proven to successfully destroy asbestos and PCBs and could be used in Stratford to eliminate the toxic Raymark waste on many contaminated properties. The most stunning admission during the meeting came from the EPA's Raymark project manager, who publicly stated, "Up until three months ago, we had no idea about what this technology was or what it could do."

Animal Control, advocates need to live within their means

Prior my retirement in 2006, I had been an animal control officer for 28 years, 15 of those years as the chief municipal animal control officer for Stratford. In the interest of full disclosure, I was the person who suggested to Ms. [Marjean] O'Malley that she join STARS. In 2003, I nominated STARS to the state animal control office in Hartford for the Paul A. DeNault Award for Volunteer Group of the Year. STARS won that award, to my great pride.

Taxpayers need to hear specific pension solutions

After reading Mayor Harkins's April 26 letter to the editor titled "Pension concerns permeate municipal governments," I felt compelled to addresses this matter from a concerned citizen and taxpayer perspective.

The Mayor mentioned that Stratford has the ability to pay for its pension promises through sound fiscal management and planning for the future. However, he does not mention specifically what he will do to manage the unfunded pension obligation. A recent report from one of the bond rating agencies (Moody's) claims that the Town of Stratford's liabilities in pension and other post employment benefits (OPEB) continue to grow. According to a report from Moody's, the Town of Stratford has low reserve levels, and revenue weakness with ongoing expense demands. As a result of these findings our bond rating was lowered and as a result we now have to pay more for our long-term borrowing needs.

Open the door to fixing Stratford’s White House

I have lived near the Shakespeare Theatre for most of my life. I have seen it in full action and was very proud to say I live near the theater. I have seen it go through many hands. Obviously the right people have not come around to undertake its revival. There are people in town who have a vested interest in the theater and its property, but from what I read, their hands are tied as far as getting any cooperation from those who hold the key.

Awaiting reply after pointing out mess to Town Hall

To the Editor:

I live near Wooster Park and walk my dogs there every day, along with about 30 to 40 other dog owners. The majority of dog owners are very responsible and pick up after their dog. There is a group of irresponsible dog owners that every day let their dog defecate in our park and feel it is beneath them to pick it up.

No need to wait longer to return art to the Shakespeare Theatre

To the Editor:

Man was born to live, and not to prepare live.

— Boris Pasternak

Theater was indeed intended to be performed. So, after many years of a silent stage at the Shakespeare Theater, it seems unnecessary at this point to make more and more preparations that would delay the come back of the Gray Lady on Elm Street.

Puck Ponzi pensions’ per-ME-ate political perversions?

To the Editor:

I believe: If Stratford had the winning $ 640 million Powerball ticket, I don’t believe the $ 640 million would completely cover a projected $750 million estimated lifetime cost of the “Defined Benefit Pension.”

Breakdown estimation? $175 million paid by taxpayers 1996-2012. Approximately $300 million obligated and projected $275 million future obligations to the Defined Benefit Pensions.

Fix the rail

To the Editor:

It’s been months since Tropical Storm Irene came through Stratford. I was impressed by how soon repairs where made to the Gazebo in Paradise Green.