JanuaryVoters approved the purchase of the $15.45 million, 634-acre East River Preserve property, also known as the Goss property, at referendum.

Voters approved the purchase of the $15.45 million, 634-acre East River Preserve property, also known as the Goss property, at referendum.As they contemplated a new high school, the Board of Education, in a money-saving gesture, asked the architects to redraw the plans to include the 1998 addition and Kavanaugh Field.

As they contemplated a new high school, the Board of Education, in a money-saving gesture, asked the architects to redraw the plans to include the 1998 addition and Kavanaugh Field. A portable ice-skating rink on the Town Green was removed to a fenced-in area near the Guilford Lakes School due to repeated vandalism.

A portable ice-skating rink on the Town Green was removed to a fenced-in area near the Guilford Lakes School due to repeated vandalism. The parent of a Guilford Public Schools student was under investigation by the Guilford police for allegedly stealing several laptops from three different schools.

The parent of a Guilford Public Schools student was under investigation by the Guilford police for allegedly stealing several laptops from three different schools. A Branford man, William Schaeffer, left the scene of an accident after he allegedly pinned a pedestrian against a Water Street guardrail with his vehicle. He was later found and arrest by Guilford police.

A Branford man, William Schaeffer, left the scene of an accident after he allegedly pinned a pedestrian against a Water Street guardrail with his vehicle. He was later found and arrest by Guilford police. A New Haven man, Fausto Visciano, was arrested by Guilford police for his involvement in an alleged payroll-check cashing scheme at Guilford NewAlliance bank.

A New Haven man, Fausto Visciano, was arrested by Guilford police for his involvement in an alleged payroll-check cashing scheme at Guilford NewAlliance bank.

February At the start of budget negotiations, the town proposed a $28.7 million budget, up 5.26 percent over the current budget. The school budget, proposed at $49.9 million, would show an increase of 3.67 percent. Both budgets decreased as negotiations continued.

At the start of budget negotiations, the town proposed a $28.7 million budget, up 5.26 percent over the current budget. The school budget, proposed at $49.9 million, would show an increase of 3.67 percent. Both budgets decreased as negotiations continued. Physicians from the Branford-North Branford Pediatrics Group, otherwise known as "We Gotta Bad Case of Spellin' Blues," were the winners of the third annual Guilford Fund for Education Adult Spelling Bee. Their winning word was "shrieval."

Physicians from the Branford-North Branford Pediatrics Group, otherwise known as "We Gotta Bad Case of Spellin' Blues," were the winners of the third annual Guilford Fund for Education Adult Spelling Bee. Their winning word was "shrieval." For the first time in more than 30 years, the town's Grand List showed no growth, but rather decreased by $14 million or 0.40 percent.

For the first time in more than 30 years, the town's Grand List showed no growth, but rather decreased by $14 million or 0.40 percent. Guilford Youth Mentoring turned 10 years old, boasting more than 160 mentors, some working with more than one child. The program could use additional mentors as it has 25 children on a waiting list.

Guilford Youth Mentoring turned 10 years old, boasting more than 160 mentors, some working with more than one child. The program could use additional mentors as it has 25 children on a waiting list. The state cut a hoped-for $3 million grant slated for use for the East River Preserve property purchase. The property was promised a $3 million grant from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

The state cut a hoped-for $3 million grant slated for use for the East River Preserve property purchase. The property was promised a $3 million grant from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

MarchThree residents pushed for a town-endorsed dedicated dog park allowing for dogs to play off-leash in a fenced-in area.

Three residents pushed for a town-endorsed dedicated dog park allowing for dogs to play off-leash in a fenced-in area. Police arrested a 17-year old resident for allegedly firing a family-owned and legally licensed shotgun during a dispute over a debt with another teen.

Police arrested a 17-year old resident for allegedly firing a family-owned and legally licensed shotgun during a dispute over a debt with another teen. Resident Mark Albo, 34, died while in a vehicle found submerged in Long Island Sound off a boat ramp in Stony Creek. Albo's brother, Daniel Fleischauer, also of Guilford, survived.

Resident Mark Albo, 34, died while in a vehicle found submerged in Long Island Sound off a boat ramp in Stony Creek. Albo's brother, Daniel Fleischauer, also of Guilford, survived. Following a series of public meetings, the Board of Finance approved the $27.28 million town budget and $49.83 million school budget.

Following a series of public meetings, the Board of Finance approved the $27.28 million town budget and $49.83 million school budget. It was a sunny day for children and their parents at the annual Easter Egg Hunt held on the Town Green.

It was a sunny day for children and their parents at the annual Easter Egg Hunt held on the Town Green.

April State Senator Edward Meyer (D-Guilford) introduced a bill that would give towns the option of nominating non-partisan candidates to their education boards.

State Senator Edward Meyer (D-Guilford) introduced a bill that would give towns the option of nominating non-partisan candidates to their education boards.The new Domestic Violence Home Intervention Program, a partnership of the Guilford police and Youth & Family Services, was formed to provide additional resources and assistance to victims of domestic violence.

The new Domestic Violence Home Intervention Program, a partnership of the Guilford police and Youth & Family Services, was formed to provide additional resources and assistance to victims of domestic violence. Guilford resident Patrick Lynch, 23, was charged by Guilford police for burglarizing the Greene Art Gallery and Cilantro's, both located on Whitfield Street.

Guilford resident Patrick Lynch, 23, was charged by Guilford police for burglarizing the Greene Art Gallery and Cilantro's, both located on Whitfield Street. Five new career firefighters were sworn in to duty as the newest members of the Guilford Fire Department.

Five new career firefighters were sworn in to duty as the newest members of the Guilford Fire Department. Due to the economy, Starbucks Corporation announced it was closing its store in Guilford adjacent to The Place after it had been open barely a year.

Due to the economy, Starbucks Corporation announced it was closing its store in Guilford adjacent to The Place after it had been open barely a year. Not a big surprise to many, the $77.1 million budget failed at referendum-the first time a budget had failed its first go-around in six years. In addition, voters struck down an $810,000 referendum question for a new fire truck and dump truck, but approved both school facilities improvement questions to spend $1.6 million for roof replacements and $998,750 for renovations at the Adams Middle School.

Not a big surprise to many, the $77.1 million budget failed at referendum-the first time a budget had failed its first go-around in six years. In addition, voters struck down an $810,000 referendum question for a new fire truck and dump truck, but approved both school facilities improvement questions to spend $1.6 million for roof replacements and $998,750 for renovations at the Adams Middle School. Owner of the "Rockpile," Developers Diversified Realty Corporation of Ohio, announced that it had temporarily halted all construction on the retail development. Nearly nine months later, the project still sits waiting.

Owner of the "Rockpile," Developers Diversified Realty Corporation of Ohio, announced that it had temporarily halted all construction on the retail development. Nearly nine months later, the project still sits waiting.

May After the first budget referendum failed, the Board of Finance cut $1.6 million from the $77.1 million combined town and school budgets.

After the first budget referendum failed, the Board of Finance cut $1.6 million from the $77.1 million combined town and school budgets. A 15-year old Adams Middle School student was charged with an act of terrorism after confessing to a bomb threat at his school.

A 15-year old Adams Middle School student was charged with an act of terrorism after confessing to a bomb threat at his school. The Donkey and Mule show at Bishop's Orchards was a big hit with kids of all ages.

The Donkey and Mule show at Bishop's Orchards was a big hit with kids of all ages. The town's bond rating dropped at two of its bond houses, decreasing from a score of AA2 to AA3 at one house and AA+ with a "stable" outlook to AA+ with a "negative" outlook at another.

The town's bond rating dropped at two of its bond houses, decreasing from a score of AA2 to AA3 at one house and AA+ with a "stable" outlook to AA+ with a "negative" outlook at another. Guilford teachers agreed to concessions five days before the second budget goes to vote. They were the first teachers' union in the state to do so.

Guilford teachers agreed to concessions five days before the second budget goes to vote. They were the first teachers' union in the state to do so.Republican Kenneth Wilson was the first to announce that he planned to garner his Republican Town Committee's nomination for the office of first selectman. Wilson ran for the top spot in 2007, losing to incumbent Carl Balestracci, a Democrat.

Republican Kenneth Wilson was the first to announce that he planned to garner his Republican Town Committee's nomination for the office of first selectman. Wilson ran for the top spot in 2007, losing to incumbent Carl Balestracci, a Democrat. As part of its fundraising activities, the Guilford Fund for Education launched its Discover the Treasures of Guilford, a modern-day treasure hunt for the summer.

As part of its fundraising activities, the Guilford Fund for Education launched its Discover the Treasures of Guilford, a modern-day treasure hunt for the summer. In its second go-around, a revised $75.51 million combined town and school budget passed by a vote of 3,103 to 2,429.

In its second go-around, a revised $75.51 million combined town and school budget passed by a vote of 3,103 to 2,429.

JuneDemocratic First Selectman Carl Balestracci announced his retirement from office at the end of his term this December. He won elections for the top spot in 2001, 2005, and 2007.

Democratic First Selectman Carl Balestracci announced his retirement from office at the end of his term this December. He won elections for the top spot in 2001, 2005, and 2007. Republican Joseph Mazza, a member of the Board of Selectmen and former member of the Board of Finance, announced his decision to enter the race for first selectman.

Republican Joseph Mazza, a member of the Board of Selectmen and former member of the Board of Finance, announced his decision to enter the race for first selectman. Democratic Selectman Salvatore "Sal" Catardi announced that he would not seek reelection to the Board of Selectmen.

Democratic Selectman Salvatore "Sal" Catardi announced that he would not seek reelection to the Board of Selectmen.Guilford friends and band mates of Dr. Rocktopus and the Nunks fame celebrated victory as winners of the statewide Battle of the Bands contest in Hamden.

Guilford friends and band mates of Dr. Rocktopus and the Nunks fame celebrated victory as winners of the statewide Battle of the Bands contest in Hamden. Resident Joseph Moscatelli, owner of Guilford United Studios of Self Defense, was arrested by Guilford police on two counts of voyeurism and one count of risk of injury to a minor from an alleged incident involving the illegal filming of youngsters undressing at his business.

Resident Joseph Moscatelli, owner of Guilford United Studios of Self Defense, was arrested by Guilford police on two counts of voyeurism and one count of risk of injury to a minor from an alleged incident involving the illegal filming of youngsters undressing at his business. The Board of Finance set the '09-'10 mill rate at 20.04, an increase of 0.85 mills from the current rate of 19.19 mills.

The Board of Finance set the '09-'10 mill rate at 20.04, an increase of 0.85 mills from the current rate of 19.19 mills. Members of the Guilford High School thespian group received honors for excellence in theater arts with a special induction into the prestigious International Thespians Society.

Members of the Guilford High School thespian group received honors for excellence in theater arts with a special induction into the prestigious International Thespians Society.

JulyThe town's political parties revealed candidate slates for the November election. The Democratic Town Committee endorsed Gary MacElhiney and the Republican Town Committee endorsed Joe Mazza for the first selectman's race.

The town's political parties revealed candidate slates for the November election. The Democratic Town Committee endorsed Gary MacElhiney and the Republican Town Committee endorsed Joe Mazza for the first selectman's race.Pinchbeck's Rose Farm closed down in 2008, but announced the Boston Post Road operation, established in 1929, would re-open as the Growing Possibilities collaborative. The rose grower would provide vocational training and employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Pinchbeck's Rose Farm closed down in 2008, but announced the Boston Post Road operation, established in 1929, would re-open as the Growing Possibilities collaborative. The rose grower would provide vocational training and employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Three neighbors adjacent to the Chabad property's proposed 13,700 square-foot synagogue and daycare filed a lawsuit, hoping to have a judge enforce a 1947 land covenant restricting the Goose Lane property to residential or farming use.

Three neighbors adjacent to the Chabad property's proposed 13,700 square-foot synagogue and daycare filed a lawsuit, hoping to have a judge enforce a 1947 land covenant restricting the Goose Lane property to residential or farming use. A management firm was chosen for the Immediate Needs Project renovation work at Adams Middle School. KBE Building Corp. of Farmington would oversee several construction projects scheduled to be completed by the end of summer.

A management firm was chosen for the Immediate Needs Project renovation work at Adams Middle School. KBE Building Corp. of Farmington would oversee several construction projects scheduled to be completed by the end of summer.The Guilford Community Garden Committee brought the idea of installing a Guilford community garden to the Board of Selectmen. The group sought a site for an all-organic garden in a central area of town.

The Guilford Community Garden Committee brought the idea of installing a Guilford community garden to the Board of Selectmen. The group sought a site for an all-organic garden in a central area of town.Guilford's first librarian (and continuing volunteer) Edith B. Nettleton was feted on her 101st birthday in the Edith B. Nettleton Historical Room at the Guilford Free Library. Nettleton served from 1933 to 1978 and has continued to volunteer since her retirement.

Guilford's first librarian (and continuing volunteer) Edith B. Nettleton was feted on her 101st birthday in the Edith B. Nettleton Historical Room at the Guilford Free Library. Nettleton served from 1933 to 1978 and has continued to volunteer since her retirement. Due to the economy, the Board of Education reduced spending on its 2009-2010 educational technology lease from between $400,000 and $500,000 to no more than $200,000 for technology equipment.

Due to the economy, the Board of Education reduced spending on its 2009-2010 educational technology lease from between $400,000 and $500,000 to no more than $200,000 for technology equipment.

AugustThe Ad Hoc Recess Subcommittee of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Forcella outlined a plan for a new, 20-minute lunch and 20-minute recess schedule at Baldwin Middle School. The move was made in response to four years of effort by parents to increase the school's combined 30-minute lunch and recess periods.

The Ad Hoc Recess Subcommittee of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Forcella outlined a plan for a new, 20-minute lunch and 20-minute recess schedule at Baldwin Middle School. The move was made in response to four years of effort by parents to increase the school's combined 30-minute lunch and recess periods.About 50 area residents formed Whitfield South Neighborhood Association, with the goal of working with the town to improve pedestrian safety in the neighborhood and at the nearby town marina.

About 50 area residents formed Whitfield South Neighborhood Association, with the goal of working with the town to improve pedestrian safety in the neighborhood and at the nearby town marina. Ted Zuse, a Democrat and Board of Education member, announced he'd run for first selectman in November, setting up a September primary between Zuse and Democratic Town Committee candidate Gary MacElhiney.

Ted Zuse, a Democrat and Board of Education member, announced he'd run for first selectman in November, setting up a September primary between Zuse and Democratic Town Committee candidate Gary MacElhiney.On Aug. 26, Guilford officially purchased the 624-acre East River Preserve (formerly the Goss Property). Members of the Goss family sign the closing documents with First Selectman Carl Balestracci, Jr., during a celebratory meeting at Town Hall. At the beginning of 2009, voters approved a $15 million bond toward acquiring the parcel, one of largest intact open spaces remaining along Connecticut's I-95 corridor.

On Aug. 26, Guilford officially purchased the 624-acre East River Preserve (formerly the Goss Property). Members of the Goss family sign the closing documents with First Selectman Carl Balestracci, Jr., during a celebratory meeting at Town Hall. At the beginning of 2009, voters approved a $15 million bond toward acquiring the parcel, one of largest intact open spaces remaining along Connecticut's I-95 corridor.

SeptemberAn 18-foot boat carrying four people crashed into a seawall off a residential area on Quarry Road, killing 24-year-old Guilford resident Jonathan Cook. The three other passengers, all Guilford residents in their 20s, sustained non-life threatening injuries.

An 18-foot boat carrying four people crashed into a seawall off a residential area on Quarry Road, killing 24-year-old Guilford resident Jonathan Cook. The three other passengers, all Guilford residents in their 20s, sustained non-life threatening injuries. The 150th annual Guilford Fair enjoyed fine weather and large crowds at the fairgrounds on Lovers Lane. The three-day event included a packed Citizens Day Parade led by members of the Governor's Horse Guard.

The 150th annual Guilford Fair enjoyed fine weather and large crowds at the fairgrounds on Lovers Lane. The three-day event included a packed Citizens Day Parade led by members of the Governor's Horse Guard. The Sept. 15 Democratic primary was won by Gary MacElhiney, the Democratic Town Committee-endorsed candidate. Guilford Democrats gave MacElhiney 863 votes and opponent Ted Zuse 502. MacElhiney would run against Republican Joe Mazza for the first selectman seat in November.

The Sept. 15 Democratic primary was won by Gary MacElhiney, the Democratic Town Committee-endorsed candidate. Guilford Democrats gave MacElhiney 863 votes and opponent Ted Zuse 502. MacElhiney would run against Republican Joe Mazza for the first selectman seat in November.

OctoberTown and school officials prepared to respond to a predicted outbreak of H1N1 (swine) flu. Guilford Health Director Dennis Johnson said state and federal governments and the Centers for Disease Control expected the area to be hard-hit. The new H1N1 vaccine wasn't expected to arrive until late October or early November.

Town and school officials prepared to respond to a predicted outbreak of H1N1 (swine) flu. Guilford Health Director Dennis Johnson said state and federal governments and the Centers for Disease Control expected the area to be hard-hit. The new H1N1 vaccine wasn't expected to arrive until late October or early November. A national phenomenon known as a "tea party" hit Guilford when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was hosted at a private Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser at a Hart Road home. While police

A national phenomenon known as a "tea party" hit Guilford when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was hosted at a private Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser at a Hart Road home. While police Guilford's first public forum for its Plan of Conservation and Development drew a crowd of more than 80 residents to share input toward planning for the town's future. The current plan, adopted in 2002, outlines land use guidelines for many town agencies. State rules dictate updating the plan every 10 years.

directed traffic, a string of anti-Pelosi/Obama protestors lined both sides of the Route 80

entrance to Hart Road.

Guilford's first public forum for its Plan of Conservation and Development drew a crowd of more than 80 residents to share input toward planning for the town's future. The current plan, adopted in 2002, outlines land use guidelines for many town agencies. State rules dictate updating the plan every 10 years. The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) set public hearings to discuss proposed amendments to the zoning code in Coastal Area Management (CAM) areas. The waterfront regulations would limit oversized buildings in coastal neighborhoods by adding standards to regulate development when expanding current homes or building new homes. After two hearings, the PZC adjusted its course to concentrate the amendments on smaller waterfront neighborhoods in Little Harbor, Mulberry Point, Indian Cove, and Tuttle's Point.

The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) set public hearings to discuss proposed amendments to the zoning code in Coastal Area Management (CAM) areas. The waterfront regulations would limit oversized buildings in coastal neighborhoods by adding standards to regulate development when expanding current homes or building new homes. After two hearings, the PZC adjusted its course to concentrate the amendments on smaller waterfront neighborhoods in Little Harbor, Mulberry Point, Indian Cove, and Tuttle's Point. The Board of Selectman received a request, backed by 300 signatures, to consider supplying at least a half-acre of town-owned property for a fenced-in dog park, built with materials funded by supporters. The board agreed to further review the proposed park's legal and land considerations.

The Board of Selectman received a request, backed by 300 signatures, to consider supplying at least a half-acre of town-owned property for a fenced-in dog park, built with materials funded by supporters. The board agreed to further review the proposed park's legal and land considerations. Guilford High School became the first school in the state to be closed due to an outbreak of suspected H1N1 flu. School officials shut down the building on Oct. 26 and 27 following a 42.5 percent absentee rate. A national shortage of flu vaccine continued. School activities were cancelled district-wide, including sports events.

Guilford High School became the first school in the state to be closed due to an outbreak of suspected H1N1 flu. School officials shut down the building on Oct. 26 and 27 following a 42.5 percent absentee rate. A national shortage of flu vaccine continued. School activities were cancelled district-wide, including sports events.The Historic District Commission expressed the opinion a granite monument should not be installed on town land at an Old Whitfield Street intersection. The large, wedge-shaped stone would recognize the original Guilford Covenant and a new, 21st-century covenant. The TEAMGuilford group backing the monument will consider proposing an installation on nearby Whitfield State Historic Museum property.

The Historic District Commission expressed the opinion a granite monument should not be installed on town land at an Old Whitfield Street intersection. The large, wedge-shaped stone would recognize the original Guilford Covenant and a new, 21st-century covenant. The TEAMGuilford group backing the monument will consider proposing an installation on nearby Whitfield State Historic Museum property.

NovemberIn one week, Guilford High School's absentee rate dropped from a dramatic to 42.5 to a near-normal 5.6 percent. Officials said the outbreak of H1N1 flu that swept the building at the end of October and caused high absenteeism at other town schools appeared to have stabilized. Sports and other school activities resume.

In one week, Guilford High School's absentee rate dropped from a dramatic to 42.5 to a near-normal 5.6 percent. Officials said the outbreak of H1N1 flu that swept the building at the end of October and caused high absenteeism at other town schools appeared to have stabilized. Sports and other school activities resume. Page Hardware & Appliance Company, an iconic downtown business, celebrated its 70th anniversary.

Page Hardware & Appliance Company, an iconic downtown business, celebrated its 70th anniversary. Republicans wrested control of the five-person Board of Selectmen from Democrats after the Nov. 3 elections. Republican Joe Mazza was elected first selectman, beating Democratic contender Gary MacElhiney by 371 votes. The new term marks the first time the board serves a four-year, rather two-year, term. The new board also includes selectmen Cynthia Cartier (R), Charles Havrda (R), Veronica Wallace (D), and Gary MacElhiney (D).

Republicans wrested control of the five-person Board of Selectmen from Democrats after the Nov. 3 elections. Republican Joe Mazza was elected first selectman, beating Democratic contender Gary MacElhiney by 371 votes. The new term marks the first time the board serves a four-year, rather two-year, term. The new board also includes selectmen Cynthia Cartier (R), Charles Havrda (R), Veronica Wallace (D), and Gary MacElhiney (D). Guilford received $502,000 in federal grant money for "shovel ready" stimulus fund projects. The largest portion, $448,105, would fuel a pavement restoration project for Stepstone Hill Road and North Madison Road, from Route 77 to Valley Shores Drive. The remaining funds would support police safety programs and weather-related flood and wetland disaster screening at the town harbor.

Guilford received $502,000 in federal grant money for "shovel ready" stimulus fund projects. The largest portion, $448,105, would fuel a pavement restoration project for Stepstone Hill Road and North Madison Road, from Route 77 to Valley Shores Drive. The remaining funds would support police safety programs and weather-related flood and wetland disaster screening at the town harbor. While finishing out their term, members of the current Board of Selectmen held the first-ever transitional meeting for the board's newly elected leaders to meet with town department heads.

While finishing out their term, members of the current Board of Selectmen held the first-ever transitional meeting for the board's newly elected leaders to meet with town department heads.Residents packed the third and final public hearing on proposed coastal building regulations in small waterfront neighborhoods, giving the Planning & Zoning Commission a show of resounding opposition to the idea.

Residents packed the third and final public hearing on proposed coastal building regulations in small waterfront neighborhoods, giving the Planning & Zoning Commission a show of resounding opposition to the idea. Responding to requests for more manpower from commission members, the Board of Selectmen voted to change town ordinance to add two alternates (an increase from zero to two) to the Harbor Management Commission and two members (an increase from 12 to 14) to the Land Acquisition Commission.

Responding to requests for more manpower from commission members, the Board of Selectmen voted to change town ordinance to add two alternates (an increase from zero to two) to the Harbor Management Commission and two members (an increase from 12 to 14) to the Land Acquisition Commission.

DecemberOn Dec. 7, former First Selectman Carl Balestracci, Jr., officially retired from public office and welcomed Republican Joe Mazza to the job. Mazza was sworn in, together with the town's other newly elected officials, during a ceremony at the community center. Balestracci's history as a town official, administrator, and educator spans 40 years.

On Dec. 7, former First Selectman Carl Balestracci, Jr., officially retired from public office and welcomed Republican Joe Mazza to the job. Mazza was sworn in, together with the town's other newly elected officials, during a ceremony at the community center. Balestracci's history as a town official, administrator, and educator spans 40 years. After reviewing public response from three recent hearings on the topic, the Planning & Zoning Commission proposed removing some of the more controversial regulations in its plan to restrict construction to expand or build new homes in smaller waterfront neighborhoods. The revised proposals will go to a future subcommittee for further study.

After reviewing public response from three recent hearings on the topic, the Planning & Zoning Commission proposed removing some of the more controversial regulations in its plan to restrict construction to expand or build new homes in smaller waterfront neighborhoods. The revised proposals will go to a future subcommittee for further study.In the first of what he hoped to be ongoing meetings, First Selectman Joe Mazza met with business owners to discuss the current economic climate and other issues affecting businesses. Operating costs, tax assessments, regulations limiting expansion, the lengthy permit process, signage, parking, and vandalism were among chief concerns voiced. Mazza tasked members of the Board of Selectmen and the Economic Development Commission with investigating specific issues expressed.

In the first of what he hoped to be ongoing meetings, First Selectman Joe Mazza met with business owners to discuss the current economic climate and other issues affecting businesses. Operating costs, tax assessments, regulations limiting expansion, the lengthy permit process, signage, parking, and vandalism were among chief concerns voiced. Mazza tasked members of the Board of Selectmen and the Economic Development Commission with investigating specific issues expressed.At its first meeting as the town's new leaders, the Board of Selectmen agreed to forgo any salary increases for the current fiscal year until June 2010. The decision held the line set in the last year by the past Board of Selectmen. The meeting also

At its first meeting as the town's new leaders, the Board of Selectmen agreed to forgo any salary increases for the current fiscal year until June 2010. The decision held the line set in the last year by the past Board of Selectmen. The meeting also Growing Guilford Community Television (GCTV) was looking for a new home and asked the Board of Selectmen to consider providing the studio space, as have other towns including Branford, Killingworth, and Madison. GCTV, established in 1976, has rented its second-floor Soundview Road location since the early 1990s.

determined Charles Havrda (R) will act in the absence or disability of First Selectman Joe Mazza (R). Michael Dorney of LeClairRyan was appointed to replace Peter Barrett as town attorney.

Growing Guilford Community Television (GCTV) was looking for a new home and asked the Board of Selectmen to consider providing the studio space, as have other towns including Branford, Killingworth, and Madison. GCTV, established in 1976, has rented its second-floor Soundview Road location since the early 1990s.Guilford resident Kevin Lembo announced he will run for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in the 2010 state race,

Guilford resident Kevin Lembo announced he will run for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in the 2010 state race,

endorsed by the Guilford Democratic Town Committee. Lembo has led the state's Office of the Health Care Advocate since 2004, when he was appointed as the state's first health care advocate.