UPDATED: Stonington first selectwoman announces initiatives to improve communication with residents
Stonington — First Selectwoman Danielle Chesebrough has announced two initiatives to help improve communication between the town and its residents.
In what’s being called a “Discussion with Danielle,” Chesebrough will meet monthly with residents in an informal setting where they can ask questions, share their concerns and ideas and offer feedback.
The first meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Mia’s Prime Time Café in Pawcatuck. On March 5, from 6 to 7 p.m., Chesebrough will meet with residents at M/Bar in Mystic. Future meetings will be held at different venues and alternate between morning and evening sessions.
“The goal with this series is to reach residents in a manner that is not as structured as Board of Selectmen meetings to allow for more open dialogue,” Chesebrough said, “and I am excited to hear their thoughts.”
Chesebrough said the discussion series came about as selectwomen brainstormed ways to engage the community in different ways.
In addition, the Board of Selectmen has established the Public Communication Ad Hoc Committee, which will study different ways to provide information to residents. The committee then will make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. Some possible ideas include establishing a town newsletter or podcast and a strategy for how best to use social media. The town is seeking volunteers to serve on the committee.
Further information about the Discussion with Danielle series or vacancies on town boards and commissions can be found on the Town’s website, stonington-ct.gov.
Chesebrough first announced the initiatives last week, as the Board of Selectmen prepared to approve a controversial plan to lease the former West Broad Street School to St. Michael School. While there had been numerous public meetings about the future use of the school, tours of the building and extensive media coverage, some residents said the proposed lease should have been easier to obtain and discussed more.
“I know I could have done more to improve the engagement with the community on this,” said Chesebrough, who took office in November, adding that holding another public forum in addition to the public hearing would have been a good idea. She said she would look to do that when there is a proposal for the reuse of the former School Administration Building in Old Mystic.
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