Hess wants to build indoor arena
NAUGATUCK — Democratic mayoral candidate N. Warren “Pete” Hess plans to explore building an indoor sports arena if elected.
Hess said he will gather public officials and borough residents to collaborate on finding and securing a suitable location for a multisport facility.
“I have met and discussed in detail with several local youth coaches, parents and league officials who have expressed a dire need for such a facility,” Hess stated in a news release.
Hess, a 66-year-old attorney, said the proposal would be financed without the use of local taxes. He said he has spoken with several local businesses that have expressed interest in investing in the proposed facility.
Currently, he said, youth sports participants from Naugatuck have to travel 20 minutes or more to use such a facility. He believes the complex would encourage participation in sports and build character through teamwork, sportsmanship and integrity.
“Naugatuck has always taken great pride in the success of our athletics,” he said. “It’s time that the Naugatuck athletic facilities represent the quality of athletes, and the quality of the people that reside here.”
Rossi plans to start budget talk early
NAUGATUCK — Republican mayoral candidate for Tamath Rossi plans to open a dialogue on fiscal issues facing Naugatuck if elected.
Naugatuck’s 2015-16 budget passed in September when a second budget referendum failed to reach the 15 percent voter turnout needed to validate the results.
“Coming off the heels of another budget referendum, I want to thank the voters for being part of this process and offer an alternative to the business as usual approach to addressing the tough issues facing our town,” Rossi said in a press release.
Rossi stated she believes referendums are an important tool, but if elected she plans on opening up dialogue about the tough fiscal issues facing Naugatuck before they start. She plans on holding her first public budget forum at the beginning of the New Year to answer questions an offer solutions brought to the table by her and department heads.
“I’ve never shied away from a tough fight working against business as usual here and in Hartford to do what’s right for our town,” she said in the release.
