Ed Sipples

Let's examine the events surrounding the actual closing. Your current 1st Selectman unilaterally decided that the bridge was to be immediately closed without consulting the BOARD OF SELECTMEN. After the fact, the BOARD was informed the State of CT had instructed him, in writing, to immediately close it. I asked for a copy and after waiting too long for this documentation, I asked a second time. Mr. Klein's response was "he forgot". The third time I publicly asked, his response was "it was verbal, not written instructions, from the State". I have repeatedly stated that I'm not convinced that it couldn't be safely reopened to one lane of restricted weight traffic while we wait for what now appears to be a 2009 or even 2010 completion date!

When Mr. Klein finally allowed BOARD participation, both Selectman Dudek and Selectman Sipples insisted upon revising his "charge" to the Reservoir Road Bridge Engineering Review Committee, to allow them to consider the simpler, quicker and less expensive option of replacing "like for like" culverts. Unfortunately, this option was later rejected due to a hydrology report that deemed "sleeving" the culverts as unacceptable.

We are now at the point where the federally funded, and State administered, new replacement bridge is the only reasonable option. It will be a thoroughly engineered, very complex bridge and have every bell, whistle, and bead you can imagine.

The information Marty shared with the BOARD was the bridge was going to cost approximately one million dollars and the Town's 20% share therefore would run around $200,000. The BOARD has already set aside $218,600, so we should be covered on the expense side.

On the PEOPLE SIDE, however, many disturbing reports have emerged. Mr. Klein's self admitted arrogance is not only unbecoming to a 1st Selectman, his rudeness to those neighbors who heavily depend upon this road, is cause for concern.

I would handle future long term road closings by first starting with the word "WE", not "I". The BOS should be informed, "We have a serious problem that we need to figure out the best way to handle". Next, we should be much more cognizant of the negative impact upon neighbors and would only completely close it if this were the last remaining option and absolutely necessary. The creation of a special Committee, comprised of knowledgeable members, dedicated to coming up with the best repair/replacement solution for our Town, makes good sense. The hasty way it was closed and the subsequent disparaging remarks about the neighbors, does not make good sense.

Lastly, it is important to say that I don't believe anyone knew up front that this would turn into such a long term closing. I know I was initially optimistic that the quick and easy "sleeving" option would be selected. If the upcoming election puts a new 1st Selectman in office, and I am re-elected, I will push to determine if the bridge could safely be reopened to restricted use while we wait for the new bridge to be built.