Education, Fire Service Plan Among Top 2012 Priorities in Stamford

The president of Stamford's Board of Representatives and State Rep. Dan Fox, both from different areas of local government, already know what their political focal points are for 2012.

"Clearly, to work on, and hopefully reach a resolution on the fire plan, will be a major item on our agenda," Board of Representatives president Randall Skigen said, naming what may the Board's primary priority for the first quarter of 2011.

Mayor Micheal Pavia's fire plan has been in various draft stages for two years in addition to being a topic of much debate between the Board of Representatives, Mayor Pavia, and Stamford's volunteer and full-time firefighters.

"We are still looking for more information before we vote on it, we'll have to take it to public hearing before we vote on it, so I still think it's several months away," Skigen said in regards to an eventual approval or disapproval of Pavia's fire service plan.

"I think two things: jobs and education," State Rep. Dan Fox (D-148) about local priorities in 2012, but was also referring to Connecticut as a whole. 

"I think they will be a priority of the General Assembly...I think there will be a great focus on job creation, and getting our economy back on track. There will also be a focus on education, and the education structure in the state of Connecticut," Fox said.

Fox also included new legislation as a new priority in Stamford during the new year, especially legislation intended to create jobs.

"Stamford is one of the largest cities in the state; education will be of primary importance. I also think that transportation, at our end of the state, will be important," Fox said.

"Obviously, we're going to be following through on the North Stamford water supply issue," Skigen said. "We've already had 453 residences sign up for the program, the city will be sending, in the next few weeks, letters to everyone who is on a well or we think that they're on a well,  and we have a goal of 750 tests per year, so I'm confident we'll hit it the first year, and begin creating a list for year two," Skigen said.

Like Pavia's fire service plan, water in North Stamford was also a topic of heated debated during 2011. One goal remains the same among local politicians, regardless of political alignment.

"We want to get this economy going again," Fox said.