MURPHY for MAYOR

Press Release: 10/15/03

New Milford Republican candidate Patricia Murphy announced today that if elected she would make economic development in New Milford one of her top priorities. " The lack of growth in the business sector thru out the state makes the job a bit more challenging," said Murphy, but, "she believes the people in our community want to help they just need someone to say how."
Murphy outlined - " Lets' start with updating the Town website by providing current information to the public including a point of contact, accurate telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for boards and commissions. An on-line suggestion box would be included. The link to our economic development site should be continually updated and present an interested and positive attitude for anyone with business interests in our community, she said. "Highlighting our well educated workforce, central marketplace location, and quality of life opportunities is information that should also be found for prospective employers. Other ideas might include links to real estate opportunities, banking, etc.. Our desire for business is something that our community can take an - all for one, and one for all - approach to. This is not a job assigned to one person, board or commission, I will work to make sure the lines of communication stay open between all concerned parties. Maintaining a healthy dialog between organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, The Downtown Business Alliance, The Greater New Milford Business Association and other business related groups with the Town of New Milford is key to retaining and growing businesses already located here.
Murphy also promised to work with the land use boards to make regulations and procedures as business friendly as possible." I will request that the Town Council take a more active role in promoting our community, perhaps by attending local business forums, conventions and conferences within for example a 50 mile radius so we may better educate ourselves at what different businesses look for in communities today.
An economic development director would be a position I'm in favor of but we must keep and eye on budget constraints, and of course that position was not included in next years approved budget proposal.
I think we can do more to streamline the permit application process within the Town Hall. We already have a very capable and helpful group of dedicated employees so to make that a reality should not be very difficult.
Murphy also invited the public to become more involved - " My door to door campaign has really opened my eyes to one of New Milford's' greatest and under utilized resources --Our People--! Every weekend beginning this past August I have been knocking on doors, introducing myself and listening to ideas and suggestions. Most people have been quite generous with their time and it reinforces my opinion that people want to be involved we just need to create an environment where everyone's ideas are considered with respect. I would probably take a couple of years to knock on every door in a town the size of New Milford so Murphy encouraged all who want to become more involved to call her at 860-355-3013, and help in building the Bridge to New Milford's Future.

Paid For By:  MURPHY FOR MAYOR,  Maura Saraceno, Treasurer