Community must meet challenges

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to see much of the positive aspects of our community that so often get overlooked. It is so very easy to take notice of our challenges, because those typically stare at us, mocking our failures and inaction: the dilapidated buildings, the crumbling roads, the overgrown yards, the vacant storefronts. As I indicated with my introduction to Winchester, those issues were my first impression. But I scratched the surface and discovered the people. It started with my formal interview with the Board of Selectmen. Within that meeting, I sensed, despite obvious differences among the selectmen, these people wanted to work together, to overcome the burdens of previous town governments. It was a feeling of enthusiasm, hope and confidence that was contagious. Those seven people, your elected leaders, convinced me that Winchester is a place of great opportunity with significant challenges.I have had the opportunity to meet so many other people from the community during my first two months. I’ve attended Chamber of Commerce meetings, regional economic development meetings, several board and commission meetings and even a few meetings in Hartford. Without fail, I am greeted enthusiastically. Everyone wants Winsted to succeed. I enjoy meeting people who want to make things happen and have a positive perspective on our town.On Friday night, I was invited to join the eighth-graders from Region 7 on the school’s annual Connecticut River cruise. The students were fashionably dressed and pleasant to be around. They represented the community well.On Saturday and Sunday, I joined the Laurel Festival activities. The Laurel Ball showcased wonderfully gifted and poised young women, strongly supported by several area businesses and service clubs. The new vendors market at East End Park, the parade and the crowning ceremony on Sunday attracted several hundred people to downtown. It was a good day to see the positive of Winsted.We’ve had three parades in the last month: the delight of the Pet Parade, the solemnity of the Memorial Day Parade and the beauty of the Laurel Parade. These events have obviously been staples in the community, but how do we build upon the annual success of these events? How do we work together to get more families to join the Pet Parade? How do we remember the sacrifices, not only of the veterans, but of all of our predecessors that built this town? How do we create an environment that not only retains the intelligence and enthusiasm of our youth, but also attracts even more to Winsted?I prominently display a copy of a 2009 Connecticut Magazine in my office. In that issue, the editors of the magazine ranked Connecticut towns based upon their size. In the 10,000-15,000 classification, we came in last (well, of the 23 towns, we tied for 22nd with Plymouth). All of our ratings, with the exception of cost of living, were terribly ranked.My first thought upon seeing the article was, “What have I gotten myself into?” That passed quickly to the excitement of “Wow, look at this opportunity to truly improve a community!” Maybe two months is still too short, but I still remain enthused about the challenges and opportunities before us.Let’s not be naive about the substantial challenges. As I said earlier, we have deteriorating infrastructure and empty buildings. We are faced with the economic challenge of declining revenues and increasing costs. The services that we provide are being scrutinized for any conceivable savings. We need to invest talent into our community as well as money.I saw a lot of talent on the Connecticut River and on Main Street. That youthful talent hasn’t been jaded by cynical townsfolk or other adults. We need to offer that talent the promise and hope in our community. Look around and let’s celebrate and promote our community and our talents. What can each of you contribute to move us from the bottom of Connecticut towns? For me, the new guy, when’s the next parade?Dale Martin is the town manager of Winchester.