First of all, I’d like to thank Logan Dailey and the Torrington Telegram for giving me this platform where I can speak directly to the people of Torrington. I speak at the council meetings and on the radio twice a month, but I know that doesn’t reach everyone in the community. 

I’d like to express my appreciation for the way this community has supported my efforts as Mayor – we’ve accomplished a lot in the last two years, and there’s a lot more that we want to accomplish. None of it would have been possible without my dedicated and skilled staff, but more importantly, the support of the community has been outstanding. The financial setbacks of last year and the pandemic and resulting financial problems this year have kept us busy. When I’ve asked the community to step up and take advantage of the great weather we’ve had and clean up the alleys and their property and at the same time to help their neighbors clean up theirs, and anything else I’ve asked, people have done so. The results are not perfect and never will be; it seems problems pop up frequently but, the great majority of our citizens are responsible, care about their property and their neighbors and want to do what’s right for their community. I’ve often said that if there were no irresponsible people and none who expect special treatment, there would be no need for a mayor. So, continue being responsible members of your community.

Most recently, when I’ve asked Torrington to step up and protect each other during the COVID-19 crisis, again, most of you have done what’s necessary. When I’ve asked the community to support our local businesses, you’ve done that, and when I’ve asked you to support the Governor in his mask mandate, most have done that also. So, continue to be good citizens and good neighbors. This COVID-19 thing has now gone on for nearly a year and may continue for a few more months. There is light at the end of the tunnel. If we continue to do what’s right for ourselves, our families and our neighbors, we’ll get through this and be able to return to our normal lives, maybe with a much greater appreciation for all that we have to be thankful for here in Torrington.

Many people in the community communicate with me when they see something amiss, when something in the city needs our attention or when they can suggest a way to improve our community. I appreciate that very much and encourage anyone and everyone to let me know when you think of a way to make the city better. Every day I see people going above and beyond what is expected of them. There are volunteers doing exceptional things that benefit our community. I’ve tried to give recognition to as many of them as possible through the Community Hero Award. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has caused us to postpone the most recent attempts, but hopefully soon, we can again begin to honor some more very deserving Community Heroes. 

The city council will soon be selecting another city council member. We have been short one position since the end of November and expect to swear in another outstanding person from our community at the second city council meeting on Jan. 19. So far, we have three great candidates from which to choose. We will continue to accept resumes and letters of interest through Friday, Jan. 8.