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Canton Faces Difficult Challenges
By Joe Hoke, Collinsville
How does our town deal with the need for growing Canton's tax base? And how do we do it without sacrificing the small town charm that Canton residents care about?
The essence of Canton is at stake. Wrong moves by our political leaders could damage that essence forever. I believe the first step in dealing with this issue is to recognize that the issue exists. Mary Tomolonius, who is running for First Selectman, is aware of this challenge, understands it, and has ideas that make sense.
For one thing she has a plan. It includes nurturing and maintaining our existing business base by promoting Canton's small businesses. With all the discussion at town meetings about what we can bring in, it's refreshing to see someone start by protecting what we already have. I know from working on two successful economic development programs and running a profitable business that concentrating on present business is the smartest place to start.
Her plan includes recruitment of a healthy and diverse variety of appropriate new businesses while minimizing neighborhood impact and addressing traffic issues. One of the important definitions of appropriate new business is that it be the right scale for our small town. These things are critically important to Canton's small town character.
Her plan also promotes the tourism aspects of Canton like the river, arts and antiques, retail and dining, historical properties and museum. This is a natural strength of Canton. We can destroy it, though, if we accept the kind of development that will erode the character of our town.
How we deal with the challenge of development could change Canton forever. That is why I'm voting for Mary Tomolonius and urge you to vote for her also.
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