Candidate profiles: Beacon Falls selectman

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The Citizen’s News asked candidates running for Beacon Falls selectman in the Nov. 2 municipal election four questions.

Michael A. Krenesky

Michael A. Krenesky

Age: 69

Party: Republican

Education: B.S. management information systems, Bentley College (now Bentley University)

Political Experience: Board of Selectmen (10 years); treasurer (4 years); Board of Education (11 years)

Occupation: Retired senior I.T. project manager/consultant

Why are you running for selectman?

“For the past two years First Selectman Gerard Smith and I have made significant changes and progress updating the failing infrastructure in town. Roads are being resurfaced, the Pent Road Recreation Complex has been upgraded, a new disaster site has been established, and in the process, we lowered taxes. Now is not the time to change that dynamic. Gerry and I are the direction that continues the positive growth Beacon Falls has been waiting for.”

Do you think the town is adequately addressing its infrastructure needs? What more should be done?

“Everyone believes more should be done as roads have been failing for the last two decades.  The 5-10 year road plan was nothing more than words on paper until the current administration moved forward and passed the multi-million dollar roads bond package. The town must stick to the plan, upgrade the roads currently identified, and pass a required future roads package when it is brought forward. Our parks, Matthies specifically, need major upgrades to save it for future generations. I am preparing a state nomination package for Matthies that will allow the town to qualify for historic preservation grants to offset these costs.”

What issue do you think does not get enough attention in Beacon Falls? How would you address it?

“Outside of increasing and allocating adequate maintenance funding for our parks, I believe the Town Hall needs formal attention. The infrastructure, which includes its exterior brick repointing and roof, and interior space issues like expanding the library and other offices, is a challenge not being addressed. I believe the Wolfe Avenue property is the ‘safety valve’ that can be utilized for a new town hall or library. We need to review and initiate a plan that best serves the community.”

What is your message to the voters? 

“We have just celebrated the 150th anniversary of Beacon Falls. Now is not the time to upset the positive direction that the Smith-Krenesky team has brought to Beacon Falls these past two years, so we can look forward to the 175th and 200th year anniversaries. The alternative is a huge gamble and not worth the bet when there is a proven team already in place. I ask for your support on Nov. 2.”