Radiofree West Hartford -- The Crow's Nest by Tom Evers

THE CROW'S NEST

Mayor Harris to West Hartford Residents:

Let Them Eat Cake

By Tom Evers

August 06, 2004

Lately, most of my articles have been a narrowly focused on the annoying and puzzling concept that the West Hartford Town Council continues pushing its plan to raise West Hartford's mil rate to 42.12 percent, despite the overwhelming opinion held by West Hartford residents that such an idea is outlandish and unacceptable. What level of arrogance does the Council have where it simply and intentionally disregards the will of residents? Does the referendum stand for nothing in their small minds? More mind-boggling has been the response by residents, who come across as both outraged at the increase, but supportive of the Council (or perhaps resistant to speaking out against the tax increase outrage too publicly - which you remember, is not the "high-brow" way, instead its small talk over caviar and wine at the Worthington's mansion).

I'm judging that West Hartford residents are responding in other ways. I've noticed a significant number of houses for sale in the surrounding neighborhoods. "I'm Fed-Up and I'm throwing in the towel" seems to be the widespread response. And this is just what the Council is depending on.

It's amazing how activism is defined in West Hartford. Quite often you can find a group of ragtag hippy-types standing at the intersection of Farmington and Main waving anti-war and anti-Bush banners. One doesn't have to be a genius to recognize that this alleged exercise of freedom of speech is a big waste of time for two reasons: 1) The Bush Administration doesn't care about what the hippies at Farmington and Main think, and 2) the protesters have no way of influencing the administration's decisions anyway. The weekly protests serve little purpose but to provide therapy for the nay-sayers of capitalism and freedom.

The irony here is that activism on the local level is regarded in the same way by local politicians, whether it be by referendum or petition - the activist gets the same kind of response - none. The Harris philosophy is "let them eat cake." It's apparent that he and his cohorts have a one-track mind - "to hell with our resident's wishes, we're in charge." Harris continues to take the easy road proclaiming that he and his Council tax-collaborators have already voted 9-0 in their sealed vacuum chamber, and that it's a done deal. Moreover, he refers to an 8% tax increase as fair. But fair to whom?

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but at the heart of the matter is the fact that this Council doesn't have the ability to do the work of reducing the budget. And this is pathetic rationale for instituting another tax increase. Those sitting in elected office are the least capable individuals that West Hartford has to offer, and now that Rob Bouvier (one of the brightest) has thrown in the towel and quit the Council - its even less likely that there is sufficient know-how on the Council to tackle budgetary matters. Let's face it; these folks are well over their heads; so naturally the easiest thing to do is - to raise taxes.

The latest rumor is that Democrat Jack Darcey might be going door to door. Now isn't that special? Maybe a little real-time interaction with actual West Hartford residents might get him to understand why raising taxes on an already overtaxed community is not helpful to the family structure. Then again as someone who has a pattern of close-mindedness, I'm sure he'll visit homes of supporters, like himself, who love the prospect of even higher taxes.

The Town Council is up to its armpits in controversy. The Blue Back square situation seems to be as confusing and contentious as the tax debacle. A debate was held this week about the monstrosity that Blue Back is purported to be, and that it will most certainly change the face of West Hartford Center - forever. Again, by the way they've conducted their business, it's clear that this Council is not made up of strategists, visionaries, PR gurus, or even common sense planners. The fact that the Council is "surprised" by the public reaction illustrates exactly how far out of touch they are with the public. Did they think that building lots of condos, a theatre, parking garage, etc would not create debate? Did they actually think this would not require explanation? Why would residents be alarmed at using tax dollars to finance the mega-site gamble?

Did the Council ever consider that it would have been more appropriate to "sell" their strategy to the residents - get buy-in ahead of time - instead of trying to jam in down their throat? Well, probably not. If the Council decides, then I guess it's supposed to be in everyone's interest to just except the plan. Don't bother the Council with details; and like the budget situation, they're just not interested because they're just not capable of working through it.

But hey there's a good side to all of this - where else can you go in Connecticut to attend a fire-filled, town-wide debate where the town supplies food, and jazz entertainment as background music for the debate? My guess is that this can only be found in West Hartford. We are just so darn sophisticated, aren't we?

But I'm sure somewhere in a dark office, barricaded behind a large wooden desk - sits Mayor Jonathan Harris - oblivious to the world around him. He already has his opinion and there's no use reconciling it with facts, figures, or logic. That's just too hard; too demanding for this would be-leader.

You see, he's contemplating his end run into the Connecticut Senate. Somewhere he's thinking to himself "Let them eat Cake."

Hmm. And when is the next election? And does it really matter?

Tom Evers