This Week’s Letters to the Editor

Editor’s Note: The Letters to the Editor section in the Woodbridge Town Chronicle is a place where community voices can be shared and heard. In the print newspapers of years past, letters to the editor were often the liveliest section, where readers spoke directly to one another, the broader community, and its leaders. To submit a letter for consideration please refer to the submission guidelines.

Principle Over Party: One Democrat’s View on the CCW

To the editor,

In late September, President Obama described questionable federal healthcare policy as ‘violence against the truth.’ With sincere apologies, I’ll paraphrase him today by saying that, in my opinion, current trends toward large-scale Woodbridge development constitute violence against the history, present culture, and future of this town.

I denounce ceaseless efforts by town officials who think their plan to carve, pave, and otherwise manipulate the Country Club of Woodbridge (CCW) is better or best. They repeatedly ignore its unique, natural splendor, its current recreational opportunities, and the irreplaceable wildlife habitat it provides.

They insist that a decision to exploit it for retail, institutional, or other high-traffic, high-density use, or for an expansive housing project — even though that’s exactly what town residents overwhelmingly rejected when they voted to buy the parcel in 2009 — would serve the town’s best interests.

I think those likely to be most pleased about housing units on that property are local realtors with new inventory to promote.

Paradoxically, in Woodbridge, it’s the Democrats who are hell-bent on dismantling this open space, so now I’m conflicted. I’ve been a loyal Democrat since 1974 in large part because it was always the party of open space preservation, natural resource protection, and strict environmental standards.

All things being equal, I’d switch and vote Republican, but for the past ten years the Republican party has been given to a repugnant, despicable set of non-standards that erode this republic more each day, so I don’t want to dignify that or associate myself with those who do.

I’m convinced Washington Republicans would pave the CCW in a heartbeat; similarly, I’m convinced so would Woodbridge Democrats. The Woodbridge Republican hybrid ticket seems to want to preserve it, so I’ll have to consider the concept of principle over party, with loyalty to ideals rather than affiliation.

— Laurence Grotheer

The writer served four years on the Board of Finance, five years on the Board of Selectmen, and was Chair of the Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee twice, for several years each time. He is no longer a WDTC member.

Selectman Vogel Clarifies Vote on CCW Plan

To the editor,

Since July 2021, I have served on the Board of Selectmen in Woodbridge. I have chosen not to run this year.

We’re in election season and there’s a lot of campaign propaganda. The Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee (WDTC) is particularly pushing the claim of providing truth and transparency. As this relates to the Country Club of Woodbridge, I would like to clear up a few things.

In mailings and at campaign events, Steve Munno and Mica Cardozo have touted a “new CCW plan” that has unanimous support of the BOS. This is not accurate. The only unanimous vote the BOS has taken in this direction was when we voted to have our consultants investigate options. No vote has ever been taken to adopt this plan. The financial benefits claimed, even if they can be realized, will not materially benefit Woodbridge taxpayers.

In 2009, First Selectman Ed Sheehy wrote about the proposed purchase of the CCW in a campaign letter to residents:

“The BOS carefully analyzed the proposed purchase and recognized the importance of maintaining the property as open space… If the purchase is approved the town will acquire 150 acres of beautiful open space to be enjoyed by residents for generations. It would be irresponsible for the Board to allow the property to fall into the hands of developers.”

The Vice Chair of the WDTC dismisses that as “only a campaign promise.” Promises to residents should be honored, and Mr. Sheehy had it right.

At our October BOS meeting three Selectmen voted to discuss next steps for this property; the three Democrats running for reelection opposed adding it to our agenda.

I fear this plan is “only a campaign promise” and could instead lead to multiple large apartment complexes like the 804 Fountain Street proposal being built on the CCW. With 15 years of rising taxes, Democratic leadership has focused almost solely on residential growth — and our commercial base shrunk from 10% to 5%. If residential expansion were the answer, taxes wouldn’t keep climbing.

We need leadership that can make hard choices and get our town back on financially sound footing. Democrats are going in the opposite direction.

— David Vogel

The writer is a current member of the Woodbridge Board of Selectmen and serves as Chair of the Woodbridge Republican Town Committee.

Editor’s Note: Letters reflect the perspectives of their authors. They are published to foster dialogue about issues of local concern, including questions of governance, transparency, and accountability, as well as topics such as highlighting upcoming or past events from community groups. To submit a letter for consideration please refer to the submission guidelines.