Community Corner

Economic Development Key in NHTV Selectman's Debate

North Haven First Selectman candidates Gary Amato, Walter Spader, and Michael Freda weigh in on town improvements.

Economic development formed the basis of much of last night's League of Women Voters debate between North Haven First Selectman candidates Michael Freda (R), Walter Spader (D), and Gary Amato (I). 

Working within a format that saw each candidate respond to specific questions about elements of town government in timed rounds, Spader, Freda and Amato touched on many of the same resolutions while at the same time providing insight into their differences in priorities and style.

Freda, the incumbent, focused primarily on the accomplishments of his administration, offering specific examples of projects he had helped bring to fruition including developments along Washington Avenue, the expansion of the town's grand list, and the ongoing Yale-New Haven Hospital project. 

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"Over the course of the past 23 months, we've been able to gain regional recognition for North Haven," Freda said in his closing statement. "We now have a place at the table for bringing economic growth and new opportunities to town."

While Freda spoke eloquently about his term, deftly integrating hard numbers and statistics about the operation of town government into his responses, Spader took a more general and upbeat approach to potential improvements he would bring to the fore as First Selectman. 

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Positivity formed a cornerstone of the Democratic candidate's approach, with Spader vowing not to spread negative publicity about his opponents.

At the same time, Spader faulted Freda for not fulfilling the economic goals of the town, noting that as a Democrat he would be capable of working more closely with the state's legislature. 

"In order to attract new businesses to town, we need companies to see that we have a responsible government, and one that is planning for the future," said Spader. "I want to change the tone of politics, and move us towards a positive tomorrow."

In his closing, Spader encouraged residents to vote in the November election, citing low turnout numbers for the past several municipal contests.

"If you don't vote, you're letting half the town decide for you," he said. 

Gary Amato, an independent actively involved in town government, noted that his lack of affiliation with either party worked in his favor.

"Since I speak out, I don't have ties to the Democrats of the Republicans," he said. "I will hire people based on who's right for the job."

"I want to clean up this town," he added.

The issues raised by mediator Kenn Venit ran the gamut from large-scale—"What are your dreams and visions for North Haven?"—to the highly specific—"What would be your plan for replacing trees downed by Hurricane Irene?"

In each instance, the candidates played to their strengths. Freda pulled from his record, answering questions about future goals by referring to the successes of his first term.

Spader, on the other hand, offered more out-of-the-box solutions, suggesting an in-town performance space as a way to attract a younger demographic to North Haven, and reaching out to various third parties as a way to replace uprooted trees with donated ones.

Finally, Amato positioned himself as a true local of North Haven, aligning himself with residents who feel ignored or out of touch with the government, and providing answers based on interactions and experiences with other residents.

The debate in its entirety can be watched on NHTV's website.

What were your thoughts on the debate? Tell us below in the comments, and please vote in our poll on who, in your opinion, won the night.


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