By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Election Day is fast approaching and each of the current Board of Selectmen (“BOS”) or “Board”) for the Town of Sherman seek re-election. Unlike their counterparts in a neighboring town, this bi-partisan Board seems to genuinely respect one another, which shows at every meeting – the deference each gives to the others and their opinions.  First Selectman Don Lowe (D) seeks a fifth consecutive term as the Town’s leader; he also served as a Selectman from 2004-2008.  Bob Ostrosky (R) is running for a seventh term as Sherman’s Selectman, and Joel Bruzinski (D) seeks a third term on the Board.

Here’s what you need to know about the candidates for Sherman’s Board of Selectman as you head to the polls on November 4.

With fiscal responsibility as a shared goal, when asked what they hope to accomplish during the next term, the candidates had this to say:

Don:

I’d like to do a 5th term to finish some of the critical work that we’ve started. The first is the Sherman School renovation project.  I very much want to see that through to completion and I’m sure we will. It’s already off to a good start. I have also been, since I started eight years ago, committed to improving things for Seniors in Sherman. Namely, we need a new Senior Center.  My hope is to pass that project in referendum this December and then build a facility for Seniors and, frankly, for the entire Town to utilize. This will be a spectacular facility and a big boost to the Town. I also intend to bring our Town-owned farm, Happy Acres, into an even more public place. We will do that by working with the Sherman School and possibly other area schools to make it an educational center of sorts along with being a working and well-managed farm.  I also hope to continue what we have been doing for eight years now: responsibly managing the Town’s financial position. Taxes are 8% lower than when I began in 2018, our surplus (rainy day fund) has doubled in that time. Standard and Poor’s, this year, recognized and rewarded our diligent efforts by improving our bond rating and moving us into the highest rating a municipality of our size can achieve.  There are more road paving projects that we want to accomplish. And, in addition, I would like to establish a trail or sidewalk path that connect parts of Sherman to other parts. I am currently working with our WESTCOG on a study that may help this. No promises, as Sherman, in the way it is laid out, is not an easy town to connect, but we sure as heck are going to try. 

Bob

I want to continue the current Board’s focus on fiscal responsibility and helping successfully navigate the various in-flight projects including the school renovation.   We need to continue the collaborative approach with the various boards and commissions as we address the many challenges and opportunities facing our town.

Joel

I think the charge of the BOS remains to provide all necessary and reasonable services for the taxpayers of Sherman while being mindful of the cost and ultimately the ensuing tax impact.  Of course, there is generally a varied opinion in the population of what services are “necessary” or “reasonable” and folks are sensitive to tax impacts at drastically different levels.  There is also a wide variety of opinion on how the budgeting of these services gets handled.  The school project, from conception, through to the successful referendums and on to the construction phase, has been an example of this.  The BOS is charged with navigating a path to a successful outcome for the majority of Sherman citizens despite the, at times, exaggeratedly loud protestations of one margin group or another.

What were your/the Board’s successes this past term?

Don

Last term we successfully managed the town’s finances as we have in the previous three terms. Our Standard and Poor’s bonding rating improved because of it and was put to its highest possible level.  This term we answered the call for more pickleball opportunities with the smoothest and fastest capital project in recent memory as we built four new courts. We did this at almost no cost to taxpayers as we utilized a STEEP Grant that my office procured. We also used a STEEP Grant to successfully restore our precious Scout House, an historic building from 1827. The work is nearly complete, and it looks fabulous. We were successful in supporting our amazing volunteer fire department with several capital projects. The roads were well maintained, and we resurfaced several this year including Wakeman Hill Road. We supported and successfully moved forward on a much-needed Sherman School renovation. This was a major financial decision, and it wasn’t an easy decision. But, ultimately, no one on my team wanted to live in a town with a broken-down school. The advantages to having a properly working school facility have a wide range of importance from maintaining our Town culture, to strengthening property values, to, of course, aiding our children’s education.  Another accomplishment that makes me proud of our Board of Selectmen, and also proud of all our boards and the team we work with, is the propagating of a “teamwork” approach to managing Sherman. This includes peacefully discussing and managing through problems. There can be disagreement, but there doesn’t have to be bitterness and acrimony. Those negative aspects, brought on by political ambitions and agendas, waste time and money. It’s been peaceful in Sherman these last eight years, and I’m proud of that.

Bob

Over the last six terms the Sherman Board of Selectmen in collaboration with our staff have achieved a level of fiscal discipline unparalleled in our state.   We have also leveraged STEAP grants to save the Town significant money on projects like the pickleball courts and repair of the scout house.  I truly appreciate this board for its collaborative approach that is built on respect – even when we disagree.

Joel

For the past several years on the BOS I have taken the approach of setting aside my personal feeling on issues that have come before us and listening to all sides of that issue.  Based on the information that we then gather, I have tried always to vote in favor of an outcome that has the greatest benefit for the majority of Sherman residents.  I am proud to have worked with First Selectman Don Lowe and Selectman Bob Ostrosky in a bi-partisan and constructive manner for the benefit of Sherman and look forward to continuing our excellent relationship that allowed all our efforts to be directed toward town business over political positioning or one-upmanship.

What do you think did not work (well), or what would you change if you could?

Don

One capital project that I wish we could accomplish in an easier way is to add a few more dock slips at our Town Beach. We’d like to add about a dozen, which is usually how many are on our waiting list every year. This project has been far more complicated than I earlier thought it would be. Eventually we’ll succeed. I honestly can’t think of anything else that that I would like to have improved except maybe one: To fix this odd dynamic within a handful of residents who were prominent in serving Sherman in days past who now persist in being a negative force, particularly toward the Sherman School. It’s a bad look, it accomplishes nothing but confusion and bad feelings, and I would like to see it fixed.

Bob

I believe we need to continue to be focused on our finances and remain collaborative and transparent.

Joel

If we are to “Monday morning quarterback” the school project I think there are a few things that could have been done differently.  When you have a project of this magnitude being overseen by a committee of excellent and hardworking volunteers who may not have worked on something so large and multi-faceted before there will undoubtedly be a learn-as-you-go effect resulting in aspects that could have been better executed in hindsight.  I certainly include myself in that characterization.  But in a small town that relies on volunteerism to get so many things done, we cannot be dissuaded by the few negative rock-throwers and keyboard warriors who sit on the sidelines and complain incessantly about things.  If we were to become crippled or discouraged by that type of negativity, we would never venture to get much of anything done.  What I will take from this criticism is a pledge to myself to do better by taking what I have learned and using it preemptively to make more informed choices moving forward.

Each has a different path to public service.  Here is what they say about their “calling” and their desire for re-election.

Don

I’m coming back because there’s more to do, important work to finish. I’m coming back because I truly enjoy the work. I have always liked people, people in all situations – even when they are at first seemingly unhappy. It’s always interesting. And it’s always challenging to change people’s minds. And it is fun at the end of the day to feel like you’ve helped with something. This job has given me tremendous gratitude for all the wonderful people in this Town who contribute to our Sherman life. And the list is long! It’s really an amazing thing to witness the hearty volunteer spirit here in Sherman.  And it’s gratifying to watch our professional people accomplish the things they do on behalf of the Town. We have an excellent group in every area of Town. One last note: I am impressed repeatedly by our emergency services women and men of the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department who serve us so abundantly. Their dedication is awesome!   

Bob

I got involved in the Board of Selectmen 12 years ago because I was concerned where the town was heading financially.  My original goal was to help stabilize and then improve our financial standing.  While this was a big challenge, I was lucky to collaborate with some very smart and dedicated leaders, elected officials, and staff that are as passionate as I am about building a sound financial foundation.

Joel

It is a running joke that our location in town has made Ashleigh and I a “mark” for all sorts of commissions and committees from day one in Sherman over 27 years ago . I say to people all the time that we just can’t hide now can we?  We are both extraordinarily proud of our household’s combined decades of service to Sherman on well over a dozen boards, committees, commissions and other Sherman organizations.  I think the strongest trait I have to offer the people of Sherman is the fact that I am not “seeking” this office.  When I was first asked to run 4 years ago I certainly did not want the position and maintain to this day that if there is a better candidate for the role, they are welcome to it.  What this gives me is the freedom to make decisions as a representative not based on what I think will be the most popular choice or the one best suited to get me re-elected but rather the one that I feel is best for the whole of Sherman regardless.  I come to the role of selectman out of a sense of civic duty to a community I have come to love and call home rather than a desire for any particular role or position.

When asked what it is like working with Selectmen Ostrosky and Bruzinski, the First Selectman said, “I couldn’t ask for a better board, or two better people to work with. Both ignore politics in favor of getting things properly done. They are both “doers” and wonderful advisors for me as I try to move things forward. I have worked with Bob Ostrosky now for all of my eight years and I so appreciate his help. We ascribe to different political parties, but it doesn’t get in the way. Bob is focused on helping his community. And we don’t waste time and money fighting over politics. I see this in other towns, this fighting and second-guessing, and I have witnessed it in the past here in Sherman, and on a local level it makes no sense. Frankly, it makes little sense on any level. Joel is a “roll up your sleeves” type of guy who works very hard for Sherman. Both fellows have very positive attitudes and I’m lucky to be working with both of them.”

Having covered the BOS meetings for more than three and a half years, it is apparent to this reporter that each of these gentlemen seem to want what is best for the residents and the Town of Sherman; and each put the well-being of the Town above personal and/or political gains.