As the campaign seasons heats up in the final weeks, I have seen much discussion about Councilor Paul Zwolenski and his record. The reason we see this is because he actually has a record to discuss, a record of service to the town.
We may not all agree on Councilor Zwolenski’s record however I tend to look at a complete body of work rather than a recent vote or hot button topic. Some have said those hot button topics are the exact reasons why he should not be elected, however many can not cite what he has done for conservation, the police, youth, seniors, or others in this town. Sadly, it is a typical what have you done for me lately mentality.
As the town planner and a member of the council, Councilman Zwolenski has fought for conservation while still trying to protect all landowners’ rights. “But what about the solar overlay?” From his knowledge by way of his service to this town, he was aware of multiple plans the [landowners] Ferras had for land development and the impacts this might have on the community. Knowing there was no possible way to achieve town ownership of the land but knowing that the possibility of utilizing revenue from it to purchase the Gold property as well as other open space he made a vote. It wasn’t until the flip of the council in 2018 that the original plans would get changed, which in part was due to what the Gold’s had said was an insulting offer to purchase.
“But Nike,” [some may say.] This to me is a huge black eye on our community. Shortly after that vote, I contacted multiple members of that council to voice my displeasure with their vote and spoke to how I felt it was not an issue our council should have taken up. Councilman Zwolenski has said to me as well as many others that have taken the time to speak to him personally about the issue that his yes vote was a show of support for our law enforcement officers. While I still didn’t agree with his vote, I understood but still wanted to do some research. From my time on the council I can think of two votes that we took directly relating to the support of our police officers and the job they do and both times Councilor Zwolenski also supported the police in those votes, but still to me that wasn’t enough. I continued to dig, only to find out we have a relatively diverse police department percentage wise. While the argument is made that he didn’t listen to his constituents, he didn’t see it as a race issue, he saw it as a support for law enforcement issue, and honestly I think his vote and the backlash received has made him more aware and better as a person.
Career politicians do not aspire to make a $2,500 yearly stipend as Councilor Zwolenski has done in his tenure only recently seeing an increase to that level. They do however serve less than a full term before deciding to run for the towns highest paying elected office. Mr. Zwolenski’s opponent has said that this run for office by Mr. Zwolenski is his retirement plan, as a faculty member at a university I’m sure he already has a retirement plan in place. To me this is Mr. Zwolenski’s attempt to save our town from an uncertain future by utilizing his knowledge of the town, its history, and its finances.
Anthony Soly
