Edelson Outlines Accomplishments, Challenges in State of the Town

In a State of the Town address issued last week, Southbury First Selectman Ed Edelson reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and looked towards the goals and challenges of the future.

Edelson based his address on Southbury-specific matters, but did touch on the horrific events in neighboring Newtown last month, saying the tragedy is still with us.

“I received a number of e-mails from friends in other parts of the country asking if I lived close to Newtown,” said Edelson. “I would reply that you can’t get much closer. I attended a meeting on Dec. 13 with First Selectwoman Llorda and as we said good-bye neither of us could imagine how her world would be turned upside down within 24 hours.”

Edelson detailed the positive activities and accomplishments he felt were a source of optimism for the future. Volunteerism, pride and community spirit were all outlined as recent achievements, as well as financial stability, Edelson said the town had a budget surplus of over $2 million last year.

When looking to the future of Southbury, Edelson outlined several key goals to strengthen the community.

“My evolving map for determining where are we and where are we going does not have latitude and longitude,” he said. “It is a map that has a destination of a stronger sense of community via enhanced stewardship by progressing along three dimensions: infrastructure, community and learning and growing.”

The full transcript of the State of the Town addresses can be viewed by clicking on the photo box above.