Politics & Government

Radio Debate Features Allyn, Rodolico

Candidates Saccone and Lawrence Pass on Tuesday Morning Debate

In what was intended to be a four-way debate, Mayor Fred B. Allyn Jr. fielded questions with GOP-endorsed mayoral candidate John Rodolico today on radio station WXLM’s Lee Elci Show.

Elci said both Democratic candidate Tony Saccone and petitioning candidate Robert Lawrence were invited to participate but declined.

Throughout the one-hour program both candidates made frequent references to their business and government experience.

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Allyn, with 40 years in the real estate business, spoke of his experience and connections in commercial development. “When Rite Aid fell through, I went after CVS,” he said.

Rodolico countered that although he is not a realtor he was endorsed by the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors. He mentioned his 25 years of experience in management and human resources, and the importance of “treating people with respect and understanding their needs.”

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“Communication” was a recurring theme for Rodolico. He seemed to work it into every answer he gave, from the town’s dealings with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to the reception of potential developers at town hall.

He said an efficient, professional government is paramount to economic development.

Allyn called the affordability of residents to live in Ledyard his most pressing concern, but also made a strong appeal for the quality of life in town.

Alluding to an earlier comment Rodolico had made about government providing “the basics,” Allyn said he believes residents want more than plowing the roads and picking up the trash.

The incumbent mayor, who is seeking a second term as a petitioning candidate, said town government supports a quality of life in Ledyard by providing libraries, recreational programs, safe neighborhoods and well-trained and equipped emergency services. He said residents appreciate and want these things.

Rodolico said when he asked Dow officials a couple of years ago what the town can do to help them, they said efficient government and lower taxes. 

“I am the only person sitting at this table who has ever presented a budget that was accepted,” he said, and reiterated the need for better communications, saying that when he was council chairman he helped achieve consensus and bipartisan support.

Elci asked the candidates about Gales Ferry, referring to this bedroom community by the river as a potential “gold mine.”

“Gold mine or step child?” Rodolico replied. “I’ve got two words: Job Lot,” he said.

Allyn referred to the new CVS across Route 12, whose plans received zoning approval a week ago. “I believe quality development attracts quality development,” he said.


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