Date: Fri 27-Oct-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

council-election-Borst

Full Text:

Council Profiles, JOE BORST

Joe Borst, Rrepublican candidate for the council in District 2, has been

involved in town politics since 1976, covering "the whole spectrum from

education to elderly." And during this time, he feels he has been "faithful to

his philosophy of being a fiscal conservative and a moderate on social

issues."

He says his real concern is the willingness of taxpayers to invest in their

future. For example, the high school building is 20 years old and crowded, its

library the size of one at a modern elementary school, and a track and field

that needs attention. Mr Borst said it is best to address all the issues in

one project - not piecemeal - because the town will receive 37 percent

reimbursement of the total from the state. And, although the town has to bond

for the entire amount, "we need to get taxpayers to look at net cost," he

says.

"We ought to do the job right this time [at Town Hall South]," says Mr Borst,

who was on the Public Building Committee that years ago recommended applying a

brick facade to the building. "Correct the drainage problems, address the roof

situation, and get rid of the deck."

"I'm in favor of economic development but I think we should be selective of

the types of businesses we bring in - for instance research and development

companies and warehouses," he says. The Hawleyville area is a feasible place

for development, but not in the form of strip malls, he adds.

He has served on many boards during his 40 years in Newtown, including seven

years on Public Building Committee, two terms on the Board of Selectmen, and

at least eight years on the Legislative Council. He says he brings

consistency, and a knowledge of business operations to his position. "You have

to employ good business practices to minimize increases in taxes," he adds.

He feels we should seriously pursue the possibility of Fairfield Hills

buildings being used as a state school of veterinary medicine, an elementary

school, town administrative offices, and as a place to house Hook & Ladder's

Engine 1. The town should try to maintain the 200 acres of open space there,

according to Mr Borst.