This speech was given before the Waterbury Board of Aldermen on November 20, 2006
The question of what to do with the grand building that we are now standing in cannot be concluded with the vote on November 7. City Hall is too important as a governmental center and a historical icon to be left in limbo any longer.
I understand completely that on the 7th the citizens of Waterbury that voted voiced their opinion regarding the $48 million bonding package that the city put forward. However, I feel that this decision only opens the door to more questions.
The most prominent question in my mind is why the effort to pass this bonding package was unsuccessful. I will be blunt in my opinion, I have heard from many of my fellow citizens that they either voted against this project, or did not vote at all on the question, because they felt that there was a lack of information. While I understand that the 12 members of this board who voted yes made an informed decision to support this plan, the information that you were presented with was not put before the citizens.
When I walked into the voting booth two weeks ago I did so with the understanding of just what this project meant to the city, and the faith that the 12 members of this board were doing what was best for the city. Unfortunately not all of the residents of Waterbury share the faith and confidence in the city government that I do. That means that if the members of this city’s government want this building to be properly repaired and restored they need to make sure that the public understands just what is at stake.
This building is too important to the history and culture of the city to let it rot. The fact that this city is the home to five buildings designed by the famed architect Cass Gilbert should be a mark of pride for Waterbury. The marble and engraving that is evident all around us shows the pride and grandeur that this building held when it was opened over 90 years ago. With the required work, this building can hold the same majesty that it had in the past.
I understand all to well that this renovation and restoration project will not be cheap. Between the marble that has to be repaired and replaced, to the water damage that was caused by those despicable vandals back in 2005, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. However, what the citizens of Waterbury and members of this board need to remember are the intangibles, such as history, legacy, and reputation.
I have already discussed the historical aspects of the building. With history, however, comes legacy. The legacy of how Waterbury will be remembered throughout history, as well as how the past of Waterbury is remembered in the present day. As not only a resident of Waterbury, but also a member of Main Street Waterbury, I have seen first hand just how much the history of Waterbury means to those of us who care. Those of us involved in the Main Street organization do not want the legacy of Waterbury to be one of neglect and abandonment. The legacy of Waterbury should be written in the buildings that the city works to maintain and preserve. In its dedication and reverence for those that came before us as well as a historic sense of duty to those who will come after us.
In conclusion, how this issue is handled will have a lasting impact in the public reputation of this board. While this grand building sits in limbo the city wastes money on renting offices from private landlords. It also gives off the impression that the sins of the past are being continued, that the city does not care for its historical buildings. I want to believe with all my heart that this reputation is unfounded. But to destroy those perceptions once and for all this board needs to act and act soon. If the $48 million package isn’t good for the citizens of Waterbury, we need to find one that is, and fast. Once the full and correct information has been put forward for the public to inspect, and misinformation can no longer be spread by a vocal minority, all interested parties can then publicize the details of the new bonding package. When that is done, we need to all make sure, every one of us who cares for this building, that the bonding issue passes.
