VIDEO: First Selectman’s Debate Talking Points: Economic Development

The global, national and local economy has seen some tough times in recent years so it’s no surprise that this year’s candidates for first selectman’s office spent a much of Tuesday night's debate discussing the topic. 

Branford’s First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos (D) and challenger Joy McConnell (R) squared up to discuss how each of them views the number of vacant commercial space in town and the possibility of Costco setting up shop in Branford.

was hosted at the Italian American Club by the and led by Brian Boyd of Zipo6.com/The Sound and Steven Mazzacane of the Branford Seven.

Here’s a look at where they stand with talking points highlighted.

Commercial Space

  DaRos (D) sees small business as doing decent though notes that tax revenues are shrinking due the value of residential property plummeting in comparison to commercial property. He calls the town’s six percent vacant commercial space good compared to other towns (the total empty commercial space is 12 percent; 6 percent according to DaRos is completely vacant). There are 346 commercial buildings in Branford, DaRos reported to the crowd, which represents 5,250,000 square-feet of empty commercial space. Of that, DaRos said 677,000 is available for lease; 120,000 of it is in the Atlantic Wire Company.

Talking Point: “So the fact is, when you go out – if you’re counting real estate signs, you’re looking at the wrong factors. What you should do is be talking to commercial realtors.”

 Challenger Joy McConnell (R) feels that Branford is moving in the wrong direction. She said that the percentage of tax revenue that the town has taken in during DaRos’ service has dropped from 20 percent to 12 percent. She proposed a , which was given out to the media Wednesday morning. McConnell states that she takes exception to DaRos’ belief that small business is doing well.

Talking Point: “Unfortunately, Branford has gotten the reputation of being unfriendly to business, mostly because of the problems with transparency; lack of predictability in the approval process as the committee level.”

Costco: Is Branford in Danger of Becoming Milford?

First Selectman DaRos (D): DaRos is adamant that Costco is still considering Branford as a future home and he said that town is in support of that. He publically stated that he favors the store going at the end of East Industrial Road if possible and noted that at 573 East Main St., was considered but that property records prove it wasn’t a good fit for Costco. He calls the box store an “asset” and a “great addition” to Branford. His caution, he said, is being very careful on how industrial sites are used. He believes the town should utilize existing commercial sites that are currently vacant.

DaRos said that the federal government has approached Branford and is interested in coming to town but he did not say during the debate in what capacity they might come. He said Branford would have to consider the pitch and see if it would be a good economic decision.

Talking Point: “I have stood opposed to big box stores and I still am, however, Costco, I consider a warehouse.”

Joy McConnell (R): Is an advocate for Costco and she sees that business or others like it coming to town as a benefit for other small businesses. She calls the store an “anchor store” and believes that increased revenues from a store like Costco would reduce Branford’s tax burden. She indicated that DaRos’s comments about considering and promoting 573 East Main St., as a possible site for Costco (Wayne Cooke’s property), would be a surprise to Cooke if he heard it.

Talking Point: “My impression is that it [Costco] is going to increase customers. I didn’t say [increase] traffic for a reason. They want customers… especially if Costco or something like it was located at [exit] 56, people from other towns spending their money here, again, all with an eye of reducing our tax burden.”

The economic development points not touched on in this article, such as the topic of a full time economic development coordinator are available in the video attached.

Check back for more coverage of the debate featuring the town's aging population and education next.