Not a Jeremy Shingleton clone

It appears that the best the anti-Bayley movement can come up with is that I was Jeremy's campaign manager before he decided not to run. For the record, I am not a clone of Jeremy Shingleton. We have different styles, we have different ideas and are different people. I support and supported the good work Jeremy did for the town. I did not approve with everything he said or did but that is the case with most people in my life. I am sure people do not agree with everything I have said or done.

A vote for me is not a vote for 2 more years of Jeremy Shingleton. Yes, I will continue the work he did for the greater good of the town. If this is all the "other side" can come up with I guess I am a pretty good candidate. It is not like they are saying I am a liar or a cheat or a bad person. If they were attacking my personal character it would be a bigger issue. To be a good politician you need to have a thick skin and remember it is not about you but it is about the whole town of Cromwell.

Clean Environment

I am a supporter of a clean environment. I strongly support renewable energy and will work to increase the energy independence of the town owned buildings and property. I believe the town owned vehicle fleet needs to start moving to a "green" town vehicle program. As town vehicles are retired I would encourage the investment of cleaner town owned vehicles.

Signs, signs, everywhere signs

This week we will be putting up signs throughout Cromwell. Hopefully this will get me some exposure around town. We are also planning to hit the streets and knock on doors. The final 2 weeks are approaching and it will be a lot of work getting my name and ideas out to Cromwell. Contact me via stantz19@gmail.com with any questions, suggestions or comments.

Politics you can believe in and trust

People have lost hope and trust in government and politicians. I will work very hard to change that view into a positive view of open and honest civil service. I will be honest, fair, ethical and open when working with others. No more self interest politics and self serving politics. My campaign and the Board of Selectman are greater than one person and a small group of people. I will listen to all residents of Cromwell, I will respect all residents of Cromwell, and I will work diligently for all residents of Cromwell. I have witnessed too many times at town meetings people trying to serve their own self interest or act in spite/anger which hurts the whole community of Cromwell. No more. I will work to restore that trust and faith in local government.

3 weeks to go

Three weeks from today, September 15th will be the Democratic primary at the Cromwell High School. It has been a lot of work but I have enjoyed meeting so many Cromwell residents. Cromwell has so much to offer and a lot of potential. My second live television appearance is tonight.

Check out my campaign website, http://www.sbayley.com for more campaign information.

The Edge

I will be on the public access show "the Edge" tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 8:00 p.m. The live show will be on channel 15 on Comcast. I am working to get as much exposure as I can so Cromwell gets to know who I am and my ideas and energy. Handing out flyers, public access shows, letters to the editor, signs, mailings, hopefully there will be a good turnout September 15th at the primary.

Town Manager

I and Ann Halibozek are open to pursuing the idea of a town manager. We know it would take a charter revision and not be completed overnight. It will take a lot of research and understanding. It is worth exploring to see if it is a good idea for Cromwell. The people that shoot it down right away probably do not want it for personal reasons. A town manager could possibly remove a lot of the politics in town hall. There are plenty of models available to research if it is a good idea. If it brings more accountability, better management, and lower expenses (and taxes) I would be very supportive of the idea.

Campaign Platform Press Release

New Faces, New Ideas and New Energy

I am campaigning for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in Cromwell this November. I have been very blessed in my life and want to give back to the community I live in. I am honest, fair and willing to work with everyone to do what is best for the residents of the great town of Cromwell. I would bring new energy and new ideas to town hall and I really enjoy working with a group to bring about positive progress.

I support Ann Halibozek for the Board of Selectmen as we share a common goal of bringing about positive progress for the greater good of all of Cromwell.

Fiscal Conservative: I believe in stretching every penny of taxpayer dollars to get the most out of taxpayer contributions. I would explore implementing new technologies to lower expenses and increase efficiencies.

Responsible and sensible economic growth: To keep the tax revenue strong. I understand continued economic development is needed. Main St. and the Northern Tier are two areas I would focus on for new economic development opportunities.

Main Street: I will explore offering free wireless Internet access along lower Main Street for added value to the area and to local businesses.

Integrity: I work very hard at being the best person I can be and I expect others that serve the town of Cromwell to have that same high standard. I value honesty, openness, respect, and hard work.

Professionalism: I will come prepared to town meetings. I will show fellow board members, town employees and town resident’s courtesy and respect.

Experience: I have served on the Board of Directors in Cromwell Hills for three years and have proven that I can work well with others to bring about positive progress as a team. I am able to respect many sides of an idea or problem and can work to bring about the best solution for the community. I also have management experience in my work career as well as extensive technology experience.

Environment: I strongly support renewable energy and will work to increase the energy independence of the town owned buildings and property. I believe as town owned vehicles are retired they should be replaced by "green" vehicles.

No pay for serving: A Selectman in town currently receives a stipend of roughly $1500 a year. If elected I will donate the money to Project Recess Rescue which is a great example of the community coming together for the greater good.

A new Senior Center: I know with the tough economic times it will be tough to build or renovate a building for a town senior center. It will take an innovative idea for this to become a reality. I believe the seniors in town deserve a great senior center for all the service they have given.

Belden Library: The Cromwell Library is a vibrant resource for Cromwell residents. I support the expansion of the library and will work with others to receive grant money and raise money for the library expansion.

Dog Park: Many people in town own dogs. I would explore the possibility of establishing a dog park in town. Currently the closest dog park is in Wethersfield while Rocky Hill is looking into creating a dog park. I believe a dog park would be a great addition to the Cromwell community.

Education: I fully understand the investment needed in the K-12 education system. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to receive a good education and know how crucial education is for individual and community success. My wife is a first grade teacher so I know firsthand the demand on teachers and school staff. I also understand the demands of a well funded educational system without raising taxes. It is a challenge but it can be done with wise and forward thinking decisions. The education budget for 2009-2010 was a good step forward in controlling education costs.

T-minus 4 weeks

This week Ann and I will be releasing our platforms to the town of Cromwell. I will also be submitting a letter to the editor for the Cromwell Chronicle as well as a letter for the Middletown Press. Things are moving along nicely as we have a lot of work to do over the next 4 weeks. I am looking forward to working with some great people and meeting Cromwell Democrats. I hear a lot of support for the recent progress in town and the desire for some new energy and ideas on the Board of Selectmen which is encouraging.

The primary will be Tuesday, September 15th from 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Cromwell High School and it is open to all registered Democrats in Cromwell.

Primary Press Release

Stephen Bayley and Ann Halibozek have qualified for a Democratic Primary for the Board of Selectmen. The primary which is open to all registered Democrats in Cromwell will be held on Tuesday, September 15th, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cromwell High School. Bayley and Halibozek will provide voters with the option to vote for fresh faces, new ideas, and new energy along with the desire and ability to think ahead. They decided to pursue a primary after the Democratic Caucus supported the Democratic Town Committee’s recommendations where 3 of the 4 candidates are current or former Selectmen. While canvassing the town for hundreds of signatures for their petitions, Ann and Stephen listened to the citizens of Cromwell and their many concerns and suggestions. Stephen and Ann will be preparing their platform in the coming days and will incorporate the "Voice of the People "into their positions. Both support John Flanders for First Selectman, and look forward to working with him on the Board of Selectmen.

33 days

33 days until the primary on September 15th. Over the next 33 days I hope to get to know as many Democrats in Cromwell and have them get to know me. I am a newcomer to Cromwell politics so one of my challenges will be making sure voters get to know me, who I am and what I stand for. There will be rumors, there will be false accusations, that is for sure. As people in town get to know me they will find that I am fair, honest, empathetic, intelligent, calm and collected.

Step 1 complete

I have received enough signatures to be on the primary September 15th. There will be 6 names on the ballot for 4 positions. Hopefully Ann Halibozek, Frank Emmanuale, Dave Murphy and myself receive the 4 highest votes. As I was out getting petition signatures a lot of residents said they want new faces on the Board. Residents want lower taxes, good services, progress, common sense, respect, courtesy on the Board, not drama and self interests.

The primary will be open to all registered Democrats and will take place Tuesday, September 15th from 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Cromwell High School off Evergreen Rd.

Conservation

One of my platform ideas if I am elected to office is to begin investing in more energy efficient vehicles for the town fleet. As cars, trucks and vans are retired in the town fleet; I will advocate buying more fuel efficient vehicles to replace the older vehicles. By investing in electric and hybrid vehicles, the budget line item for fuel will be lowered and the town will be cleaner. It is a win/win situation for the town. Expenses are lowered and the town is a cleaner place to live.

I also support the solar panels being installed next year at the schools to reduce electricity consumption as well as the solar panel being installed at town hall.

If elected I will be a strong advocate for energy conservation in town government through an investment in technologies and an investment in doing more with less.

Support Ann Halibozek

Ann Halibozek is also running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. She is the only female among 11 possible candidates. I support Ann because she has the greater good of Cromwell in mind, is a professional, is informed, fair and honest.

She filed the Hatch Act complaint against the chief and she had every right to do so. It was a conflict of interest for the chief to run for First Selectman and be police chief. She does what is right and does not bow to political influences.

Ann is also a fiscal conservative. She is always looking for ways to save money and cut expenses in town. I have faith that taxes will stay in control with Ann on the Board.

Out getting petitions

I have been out all week getting petitions from registered Democrats so I can be on the September 15th primary ballot. People have been very nice and considerate as I get signatures. Once I get enough signatures, I will be back out campaigning in Cromwell.

What People are Saying

As I have been gathering signatures in town I have been pleasantly surprised to hear that the majority of residents like what has been achieved in Cromwell the last 19 months. Most residents do not care about all the drama and fighting. Residents care about taxes, their roads getting paved, services, progress, etc. Jeremy made mistakes, he is not perfect, no one is perfect, but he did a lot of good for the town of Cromwell. I am not a clone of his, I have my own ideas, my own personality, my own style.

I know I will have challenges during this campaign and if I am blessed to be elected, I will have have people that will not want me to succeed. I know I have to be strong, stay positive and keep doing what is right. I feel I have the experience, knowledge, strength and determination to bring some really good progress in town.

Bill Yeske and Ann Halibozek share this vision of hard work, honesty, the greater good and accountability.

DTC Meeting tonight

I attended the monthly Cromwell DTC meeting tonight. State Senator Paul Doyle was the guest and he had some good things to say about the state budget. He is not going to blindly support tax increases without some cuts. He wants a two year budget that will be good two years from now. The state is getting a lot of stimulus money and is tapping into the rainy day fund, two sources of revenue that will not be around in two years. Mr. Doyle understands that budgets are hard and even harder in tough economic times. Everyone is going to not like some part of the State budget.

Feelings about DTC

There are a lot of great people in the Cromwell Democratic Town Committee. I personally feel overall, it does not represent the overall vision and platform of many Democrats in town. As I have walked around and met residents and gotten petitions sign, many residents want new ideas, new faces, new energy in town politics. Not the same names and faces with the same ideas.

Hindsight is always 20/20 and I should have went through the process of being interviewed by the nominating committee of the town committee but at the time I knew I would not be endorsed because of my affiliation with Jeremy so I did not want to waste their time.

In the future, whether I get elected or not I will be more active in the town committee and will look to join the committee. As a fellow resident in town said, you have to change the committee from the inside. Many members of the committee have the best interests of the town in mind. There are just a few bad apples that need to be removed for the vision of the group to re-focus back on the grater good of the town.

Out getting petitions signed

Bill Yeske and I walked around the Chelsea Drive area getting petitions for the primary September 15th and the general election November 3rd.

It was real good to talk to Cromwell resident and listen to their ideas, concerns and suggestions. One woman spoke about a technology that uses sound waves to destroy mosquito larvae before they hatch. It would be much more environmental and safeto humans. I will have to research this idea.

A gentleman spoke about how politicians do a lot of work before they get elected but are never seen again by residents. He had an idea of coming out after getting elected and talking to people to get an idea of what projects are working and how the politician is working out. If I am fortunate enough to be elected I will make sure to go out within the first year of being elected and meet with Cromwell residents and get feedback for what type of job I am doing.