By Jude Toohey
Orange Republican Town Committee
Jude Toohey
Notwithstanding the fact that January is my birthday month, this was a tough one. A major winter storm – winter storm Benjamin – slammed much of the Northeast, claiming lives in several states and dumping heavy, wet snow that proved extremely difficult to manage.
Here in Connecticut, and right here in Orange, we certainly got our share. Even well-equipped private plows struggled; the dense snow, persistent freezing temperatures and scant sunshine left massive piles lingering far longer than usual. As I submit this column, we’re still dealing with lingering ice and snow piles that block visibility. Please drive carefully and stay safe.
Through it all, our first selectman, Jim Zioli, kept the community informed with steady, reassuring updates via social media. I want to extend sincere thanks to Zeoli, our dedicated Public Works crew, and all the third-party contractors who worked tirelessly to clear roads and keep our streets as safe as possible under such challenging conditions.
January also brought several important town board meetings. I attended the Board of Selectmen meeting in person, and the room was packed with Scouts, residents and employees.
What struck me most – and saddened me – was the level of polarization on display. Politics can bring out the best in people, but it can also bring out the worst. Disrespectful behavior was palpable: raised voices from the podium, shouting from seats and comments that crossed well beyond civil disagreement.
This is not acceptable. In my years as a Milford Alderman, such conduct was never tolerated, nor would any of us have stooped to it. Disagreement is healthy; disrespect is not. We can debate ideas with intellect and respect, even (especially) when we hold different beliefs. The normalization of rudeness and personal attacks has to stop. Perhaps the deeper issue is that genuine, thoughtful discourse has become too rare.
The most positive highlight from that meeting? Our Scouts and the many organizations that partner with the town on events that benefit everyone. Seeing these young people and community groups gives me hope. I pray their future will be one of greater civility and mutual respect.
I also watched the Board of Finance meeting on Orange Government Access Television, where the Amity Board of Education budget was presented and reviewed. The requested increases – for additional positions and for grants shifting from external funding to taxpayer responsibility – were substantial. Numbers never lie, but the way they are framed can sometimes mislead.
As residents prepare to vote once budgets are finalized and the referenda are set, I urge everyone to read the full details, look at the big picture and consider the long-term implications.
We are fortunate in Orange to have direct say over our budgets through referendum votes. Many neighboring towns and cities do not offer residents that same voice. We must exercise this right responsibly.
During the meeting, a board member raised the possibility of outsourcing certain support staff roles – an idea quickly dismissed. Yes, there would be upfront costs, but long-term savings in insurance benefits, retirement contributions and other overhead could significantly benefit taxpayers. These are the kinds of creative, fiscally responsible options we should explore in the budget process.
One pattern that always gives me pause is how emotion, particularly around all boards of education budgets, so often drives decisions. We frequently hear warnings that without the full requested increase, “our students will suffer” from classroom cuts.
While no one wants children shortchanged, I question the repeated use of our kids as leverage to secure funding. Why must the conversation default to emotional framing? Facts should be facts; numbers should be numbers. We should vote based on common sense and the actual data presented.
The Orange Republican Town Committee is not here to create chaos, division or false narratives. In spite of all the noise, we are committed to keeping our town safe, affordable and family-friendly. We are here to build on our incredible heritage.
Our town is fortunate that all our elected officials, regardless of party, along with our commissioners, work tirelessly for the community. Each member strives to do what is right within the framework of our town charter and values.
This February, let’s carry forward a commitment to respectful dialogue, informed decision-making and careful stewardship of our resources. Our town, our children and our taxpayers deserve nothing less.
I truly believe our future lies in our combined respect for one another. We may hold different opinions, yet we should respect one another. Dialogue is the only way we work together.
Stay warm and stay engaged.
Jude Toohey is the vice chair of the Orange Republican Town Committee.