Time for a Badly Needed Change

When this campaign for mayor of Torrington started, I was encouraged that no matter who won, it would be an improvement over what we have now.

Now I'm not so sure. Owen Quinn has said often in this campaign that he would like to continue the policies of the Gryniuk administration. On Tim Driscoll's City Views program, Owen Quinn attributed the legal problems at the firehouse to the fact that we live in a litigious society. Yes, Mr. Quinn, we do live in a litigious society. However, this expensive, divisive chapter in our city government happened because of the way Mr. Schapp was handled by the Gryniuk administration.

I have watched both candidates in debates and have read articles on each. Although Mr. Quinn seems like a nice guy, he does not offer any specifics of what he plans to do other than to say he will continue the policies of the Gryniuk administration.

In contrast, Tom Jerram has offered a plan to reform the budget process to hold our elected officials accountable, hold the line on city spending, and he was first to come out to start the process of renovation of Torringford School. I think his experience as a commercial real estate appraiser will be needed as we sift through the challenges of downtown renovation. In addition, Tom Jerram will make sure proper procedures are handled in employee relations—making sure that employees know what is expected of them without threats of personal retaliation.

Torrington's next mayor will inherit millions of dollars in legal and personnel problems—including the Savetz case and the Blinkoff case. Owen Quinn offers more of the same while Tom Jerram offers a badly needed change.