New London Landmarks thanks the candidates for their time and responses to our
questions on topics of special interest to preservationists in New London.

                                                                                  Board of Directors, New London Landmarks

13 of 14 city council candidates*
have responded to a
New London Landmarks questionnaire:

• 100% of the respondents support keeping Union Station as New London’s Transportation Center
• All but one of the respondents thinks preservation is very important to the economic development of New London.
• Responses to the Shore Line East (commuter rail) question are thoughtful and very supportive of increasing efforts to bring regular commuter service to New London. Check out the answers to question 4.

See below for a summary of the questions and candidate answers.
Candidate last names are noted with their individual answers.
If you would like to see each candidate’s questionnaire CLICK HERE.

*(Candidate Bruce Rinehart did not respond)

NL LANDMARKS 2009 QUESTIONNAIRE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Pero:  I supported the renovations to the hygienic building and the taxing structure to the building which helped save the structure, I also supported changes to the demolition ordinance which placed the review process with the historic district commission instead of the city council.         

Sprecace:  After researching the issue and listening to all parties involved, I voted in favor of establishing a Pequot Colony Historic District in New London (a motion that ultimately failed). I believe such preservation techniques are important to maintaining New London's rich heritage. I have also supported the Facade Improvement Program which provides funds to restore many of New London's historic buildings.  

Olsen:  I am a New London native and take great pride in our heritage. I always take guests on local tours of our community and showcase our historical landmarks.

Passero: I have been involved in passing our sailing heritage on to the children by reviving youth sailing at the Thames Yacht Club and serving on the Board of Directors of New London Community Boating (founding member). Much of New London's culture is tied to the sea and sailing and I think it can lead to the City's revival.     

Matson:   As a home owner, I own 3 historic homes in historic neighborhoods. Preservation is vital to maintaining property values and quality of life. As a councilor, historical and architectural heritage is vital to tourism and economic development. 

Lockwood:   I grew up in Stowe Vermont where historic and cultural heritage is very important. It allows a mix between modern and historic views which helps promote tourism and Gives views of how we have grown over different time periods. 

Maynard:  Working on the Ocean Beach Boardwalk renovation from start to finish. 

Buscetto: The preserving of the Big Red Barn at Michael's Dairy. 

Friess-McSparran:  I put forth the effort personally to learn as much a possible about the history and culture of the Whaling City. I own a 100 year old stone Colonial home and I try to maintain all the original character of the building. I attended the New London Neighborhood Academy to gain a better understanding of the City. As a member of the Economic Development Commission I believe in a solid blend of development and cultural preservation. So much has been lost in this city we cannot afford to sacrafice any more landmarks. I will do all in my power to continue to protect the history and culture of New London. 

Curtin: I supported saving the train station and have supported Landmarks in their endeavors to preserve NL's history. I would listen to the advice of Landmarks and support the knowledge that you all have about preservation. I am 75, so you could also say that I have preserved myself pretty well!!     

Battista: To be honest with you, at the age of 21, I probably haven't done enough to help preserve the legacy of New London. But I'm willing to change that and hopefully your organization can help me with that.   

Russell: Developing a business in the Carriage House in downtown New London. 

Pero: I would recommend that the council send representatives to meet with the Governor and to impress upon her the value of having the Shoreline East be expanded to New London. I would also point out that the state is asking the federal government to invest 7 million dollars in Union Station.       

Hyslop: I believe that the council should take an active role in contacting the governor's office as well as the Commissioner of Transportation as to the importance of the Shoreline East being expanded as soon as possible. 

Sprecace: At a minimum, the City Council should move that the Mayor and City Manager send official correspondence to the Governor requesting immediate implementation of expanded service and clearly indicating that the increased service will have a extremely beneficial effect on New London and the surrounding municipalities. The City Council should also direct the City Manager to work with the applicable state agencies to develop a detailed plan for establishing transit oriented development in New London; something which the State is interested in and which would clearly be supported by expanded Shoreline East service.   

Olsen: The City Council needs to be firm and consistent in pursuing Shoreline East to New London through whatever means necessary.   

Passero:   The City Council must stand together to remind the Governor and DOT how important expansion of Shoreline East is to New London's economic growth and keep the pressure on the Governor, DOT and the legislature to make good on the commitment to expand Shoreline East service to New London.      

Matson:   I would lobby with local and state officials and the governor to make good on its promises. I would also start a marketing effort to fill the trains that are coming through NL to demonstrate demand.     

Lockwood:    I would want to get in touch with the Govenor right away. This is another tool for New London to create opportunaties for jobs, tourism, and to promote the city. Therefore, we must make sure they keep their promise. 

Maynard:   to direct our local legislatures as well as Senator Stillman to make this happen. As well as the City Council and City Manager and any intrested parties send a letter to the GOV. COG would also be involved.

Buscetto:  Increase the pressure on the Governor's office to get it done through our delegation. 

Friess-McSparran:   The council must liaison with our legislative contingent in Hartford as well as neighboring municipal leaders to ensure that this does not happen. It is more important to be proactive and prevent any changes than to be forced into a reactive position. In short the City Council has to stay on top of this now.       

Curtin:    I proposed the motion that we support this and had a letter sent to the Governor, et al. If things fall short, I would contact our State and Federal Delegations for assistance and insist upon a meeting with the Governor and other interested parties to move this forward. It is an important part of bringing new people as residents and would help with the local economy. Anywhere one goes in this world, public transportation plays an important part in people's lives. Hartford has to understand that there IS an Eastern CT and I would work to make that happen.           

Battista:    I would certainly empathize with our neighbors who ride the trains, however this is ran by the State of Connecticut DOT, not the City of New London.       

Russell: I support aforementioned Shoreline East train schedule and if delayed I would put pressure on Hewitt, Moukawser and Stillman.

Pero: I believe that New London needs to maintain its infrastructure and that is why I supported the 10 million dollar public works plan that will improve ten miles of roads, sidewalks, and make improvements to city parks. The council needs to continue to repair infrastructure with the goal of making those improvements cost effective for the taxpayers. The city also needs to start to fund the many drainage projects throughout our city neighborhoods.   

Sprecace:   New London is currently in the process of improving much of its infrastructure including Roads, Sidewalks, Parks, Buildings, and Vehicles. However, this effort is only Phase I and follow-on phases must be implemented if the forward momentum New London has now is to be maintained. A primary focus of the current and future effort should be on establishing bike routes through the city. Although clearly marked bike routes will not be possible on every street in the city since many are so narrow, proper planning could identify routes that will support the vast majority of cross-town bike travel. This will likely have to be done in accordance with ordinance changes that promote biking (e.g., allowing bicycles on sidewalks of sufficient width).               

Olsen:  The city needs to plan to fully continue and complete the just initiated road resurfacing and sidewalk program.        

Passero:  I believe the City needs a new public safety complex. Police Headquarters is poorly designed and too small for the department's current needs and Fire Headquarters is an old and deteriorating building. I would also like to see traffic flow improved through the downtown area and, ideally, explore ways of easing motor vehicle congestion.    

Matson:  There are a number of infrastructure improvements necessary in NL. Many of the these are ongoing, including sewer, sidewalk and road improvements, which I will see through to complete at or under budget. New infrastructure improvements concern the parks and historical waterfront. I am also interested in updating the IT infrastructure and deploying better Government for the City. Lastly, I would seek to close many of the public housing complexes in favor a more decentralized solution. 

Lockwood:  I would want to combine, where possible, areas of the city goverment that is being duplicated. by doing this we could save thousands of dollars. by freeing up this money we would be able to use it in other areas of need.             

Maynard:  To continue to promote the Waterfront and Parade project; as well as opening a police sub station in Fort Trumbull. To also help promote economic development. and continue with the road and sidewalk improvements.             

Buscetto:  There will be many improvements that will be recommended from the study and each will need to be carefully considered.  

Friess-McSparran:     1. a municipal campus     2. creating WIFI within the District    3. careful review of the bonding to insure the most needed issues are addressed first and an annual review as priority needs may change. 

Curtin:   I would like to see more greenery on the waterfront.  Better and safer drop off, pick up at the train
station. Improvements to the entrances to our City. Revisit the pathway from Conn. College to the Fort Trumbull area. Make it safer getting from the parking garage to the trains, taxis and ferries. 

Battista:  It's hard to pin some specific down because New London needs a lot of help. However, Public Safety is listed as most important on my list of things to improve upon.

Russell: First we need to add infrastructure maintenance to the city budget. This city has not been doing this for years. 

Preliminary SCCOG recommendations of the
Intermodal Transportation study (available through
the web site: www.seccog.org – click on “Read more” under Southeastern Connecticut Regional Transportation Study)            

Pero:  I strongly believe that the city form of government hampers the ability to have a sustain growth in all facets of government. The policy tends to change every two years based on the makeup of the council and the ability of councilors to achieve a four vote majority. A mayor form of government will hold that position accountable every four years with the voters based on the achievements of their policy.         

Sprecace:   I believe the development of Fort Trumbull will be instrumental in enhancing the Transportation Center since it could be a prime location for transit oriented development. Making such a prospect more attractive would be creation of a pedestrian walkway across the Shaw's Cove train bridge. This will of course require serious discussions with AmTrak and our federal representatives and senators; something I hope to participate in, given a second term on the City Council.     

Olsen:   I have scanned the items in # 7, but do not have an intimate knowledge of either. I have a BA in economics from Connecticut College and an MBA from RPI along with over twenty years in the home improvement business.           

Passero:   I do not support any development at Ocean Beach, like a hotel, for example. I do support trying to restore the beach, as much as practical, back to the way it was designed prior to the foolish partial demolition of the park in the early 1990s. For instance, I support the goals of SOB to rebuild the clock tower and porticos. I would also advocate for continued improvements to the City's parks. I would like ot see the deteriorating pier at Greens Harbor beach repaired or reconstructed.      

Matson:   I am the president of the Neptune Park Association and worked with Landmarks to organize a tour of the Park in Sep of 2007. I am also a devoted member of the Starr Street Association.   

Lockwood:   I think it is important to use our waterfront park through out the fall and summer season. We could have different festivals and music events thru out the season. This would bring tourism, create jobs, and promote this wonderfull city.           

Maynard:   I'm am active member of Citiens On Patrol / Saturday eves, Member of Neighborhood Alliance and a Member of Save Ocean Beach.         

Buscetto:   Keep up the good work. Your organization is vital to our community.  

Friess-McSparran:  When deciding where to live, since my husband works in Meridan, we looked a lot of different places, but chose New London because of it's rich history and culture and we have grown to love it here. Now, there is no other place we would live.

Curtin:  Groups and the City have to work together and not apart. Landmarks, City Center, NL Main Street should have the same vision for the City and work towards similar goals. I would oppose the moving of the train station to Fort Trumbull as has been suggested.  

Battista: I'm committed to making New London a safer place to live.         

Russell:   In reading SCCOG document I was very upset to see that a pedestrian bridge was back on the table. Unbelievable.  I am a doer not a talker. I see a problem and work to correct it. I am intuitive and a fast learner.