Op-Ed: Rossi outlines goals for first days

Ed. Note: In response to a request by the Voice, Mayor-elect Nancy sent along an outline of what she expects to accomplish in her first days in office.

By Nancy Rossi

Mayor-Elect

First and foremost, I want to thank the voters of West Haven for their support and confidence in me and my team on Election Day. I am truly humbled and look forward to working for all the residents of West Haven. My team and I will dedicate the next two years to improving our city.

During the transition, I look forward to meeting with department heads and city staff to gain a better understanding of how each department operates, and to seek insight and suggestions from those on the “front line” about how to deliver city services more effectively and efficiently for our residents.

Beginning on day one of my administration, my team and I will initiate the plans we shared during the campaign to get the city back on track.

The first order of business will be to implement a hiring freeze for all non-essential staff, and a spending freeze across all city department budgets. My team and I will re-evaluate the current budget and make required adjustments, working with the City Council to process the changes necessary to balance the budget. As the fiscal year will be almost half over, we will act quickly and decisively. It is critical that we create a culture of fiscal responsibility and accountability.

I will formally request that the City Council begin the charter revision process. The process is complicated and time-consuming; it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. To prevent future budget deficits and make our government more efficient, better control measures must be incorporated in the charter.

Development is important to the revitalization of our city.  My team and I will meet with developers that have current or proposed projects in the city. We look forward to working with the Havens Group to help expedite the project on Water Street.

I completely support and am looking forward to assisting with the revitalization of the city’s Allingtown district to attract more commercial tenants. The Beach Street area and downtown are also top concerns.  Opening the arts center will be a key element of creating foot traffic and drawing people to the downtown area.

As a shoreline community, West Haven has so much to offer residents and visitors alike. We have beautiful beaches, great restaurants, large parks, athletic facilities, environmental preserves, a growing university, and a long storied history.

My administration wants to ensure a fun and safe environment for all. My team and I will coordinate with residents and local organizations to address and improve quality of life issues throughout the city, beginning with better maintenance of our athletic facilities and parks,

Active boards and commissions are crucial.  I will appoint qualified individuals who will work tirelessly on behalf of all West Haven residents to improve the city.  Two important city boards, the Tree Commission and the Finance Board, have not met in over a year.  Re-establishing regular meeting schedules and goals for these boards will be an immediate priority.

I want to establish an Environment Committee to monitor environmental issues, run educational programs and potentially oversee and improve the city’s recycling program.

My team and I have set an ambitious schedule and will work hard to move the city in a new direction in the coming months.  We welcome your input and ideas.