Sullivan's Letter Causes Concern, Sparks Communication Debate

A statement printed in last week's Darien Times by Selectman Callie Sullivan caused concern among the Board of Selectmen, and prompted a brief but passionate discussion on the board's efforts—or lack thereof—to debate the proposed Senior Center fix and alternative solutions as a group.

Sullivan's letter to the editor served as an explanation for her voting down a near of the Senior Center shuffle. The capital expenditure was not fiscally prudent, she said, considering the fact that Darien residents will likely see property tax revenue drop by 10 percent next year at the resolution of numerous tax assessment appeals.

According to First Selectman Dave Campbell, that fact is wholly inaccurate—a "speculation" at best. Campbell addressed Sullivan's letter in his First Selectman's Report on Monday evening.

"That's $960 million. If that were to happen, it would—in my mind—be a catastrophe. We'd have a lot bigger problems to think about than capital projects," said Campbell.

Discussions regarding tax assessment appeals are reserved for executive session and have not taken place recently.

Both Campbell and Selectman Jerry Nielsen are indirectly and directly involved involved in pending lawsuits filed against the town.

Administrative Officer Karl Kilduff said Town Counsel Wayne Fox "continues to work on settlements."

"I was under the impression that we were close to settling suits, and there would be huge amounts of revenue—upwards of five to 10 percent—that would drop off our property tax," said Sullivan.

Selectman Jerry Nielsen said that statement "is not even close to accurate."

"I think as selectmen, we need to be very careful on what goes in the paper," he said.

Sullivan apologized for the "aggravation [the letter] may have caused," and segued into a discussion on the unwillingness of the board to discuss capital expenditures as a team.

"I hear you. But I think we have to—as selectmen—listen to other selectmen on policy decisions," she said.

Campbell said Sullivan had every opportunity to weigh in on policy decisions, particularly the Senior Center shuffle proposition for which Sullivan served on the Facilities Study Task Force.

"I was on the Task Force, but when I asked if we could consider building new, it was always: no we can't discuss the dollars," said Sullivan.

Alternatives for the Senior Center that include "building new" and collaborating with the Darien Community Association have been studied, and studied, and studied, said Campbell.

"This isn't something I just pulled out of the air," said Campbell of his latest three-phase plan.

In Sullivan's defense, Selectman David Bayne said that the public's perception of the Task Force was that the charge was narrow and that the board "should have a broader discussion about capital expenditures."

Campbell said that a request for such a discussion doesn't sit well with Sullivan's letter to the editor that stressed economic uncertainty.

"If we're going to be talking about a 10 percent drop off in revenue, I don't think we should have any talk about capital expenditures," he said.

Selectman Jayme Stevenson said that she began conversations with the DCA and expressed her desires to "repair the troubled relationship" between the community organization and the Senior Center. She invited Sullivan to join in the chats.

The conversation ended with Campbell reiterating his concern with the tax base inaccuracy.

"I am concerned that a selectman would say that our tax base is going to drop by $10 million next year," said Campbell. "It's not a good thing to be speculating in the paper. Apology accepted."