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When I talk with neighbors around town, one of the first topics that comes up is growth. People care deeply about what Simsbury will look and feel like in the years ahead—and I do too. Many worry that new housing and development could change the town we love. Others see the need for more affordable options in vibrant, walkable areas that support our small businesses.
It’s easy to frame this as a choice: we can either preserve what makes Simsbury special or allow growth to meet new needs. But in my experience, that’s a false choice. We can, and must, do both.
When I served as First Selectman, I saw firsthand how thoughtful planning can honor our town’s heritage while preparing for its future. One of the projects I’m most proud of is the preservation of Meadowood—nearly 300 acres of farmland, historic landscape, and wildlife habitat. That land, once a thriving tobacco farm, played a remarkable role in our nation’s history. In the first half of the 20th century, students from Morehouse College, including a young Martin Luther King Jr., came north to work in those fields. It was a formative experience that shaped his lifelong calling to serve others.
Protecting Meadowood was a once-in-a-generation opportunity—and it happened because the people of Simsbury came together. Under my leadership, the Town partnered with the Trust for Public Land, the State of Connecticut, and countless local residents who believed in the value of this place. When the question went to referendum, nearly 90 percent of voters supported the purchase. That overwhelming vote told me something powerful: this community values preservation. We value history. We value open space.
At the same time, we can’t ignore that Connecticut—and Simsbury—face a real housing affordability crisis. Young people, families, and older residents alike are struggling to find homes that fit their budgets. If we want our town to remain strong and welcoming, we have to think creatively about where and how we grow.
To me, that means focusing the new housing near walkable, bikeable parts of town—areas where people can live close to shops, restaurants, and services. That kind of growth supports our small businesses, reduces traffic, and helps maintain the quality of life we all enjoy. It’s about being proactive, not reactive, in shaping how Simsbury evolves.
I also believe that the same values that drove us to protect Meadowood—stewardship, collaboration, and respect for the land—should guide how we approach development. Growth doesn’t have to mean sprawl. Preservation doesn’t have to mean stagnation. With careful planning, open communication, and community input, Simsbury can continue to thrive without losing its sense of place.
As a member of the Simsbury Pollinator Pathway and the Connecticut Advisory Board for the Trust for Public Land, I’ve seen how protecting open space and encouraging responsible growth can go hand in hand. Both require us to think long-term—not just about what we need today, but about what kind of town we want to leave for the next generation.
Simsbury has always been at its best when we look beyond false choices and find common ground. We’ve done it before, and I believe we can do it again.
I’m proud of what we accomplished together at Meadowood, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. I hope to continue this work as your First Selectman—ensuring Simsbury remains a community that values both preservation and progress.
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