Litchfield First Selectman Denise Raap Talks Litchfield Priorities

Litchfield First Selectman Denise Raap recently visited with The Goshen News Publisher Leya Edison to discuss a variety of topics involving Litchfield.

GN: We're doing a series of articles surrounding trash and NRRA, the budget surrounding it, how many towns are participating. Is Litchfield one of the towns that is participating, or is not participating and trying to keep the Torrington Transfer Station open?

Raap: “So, we are not participating in it, but we did sign a contract with USA Hauling for 10 years, but we can opt out if we want to go to NRRA. I think it is in the best interest of Litchfield to stay with USA Hauling for a reduced tip fee. I'm not against the idea of having a municipally owned operation in Torrington.”

GN: Was there a discussion that ever came up in the board of selectmen regarding competitors to the contract with USA Hauling? Do all the competitors that pick-up garbage in Litchfield have the right to use USA Hauling's transfer station without a higher fee?

Raap: “Well, only one other trash hauler for residential trash is operating in the last couple years, or have they ever been asked to operate in Litchfield, and that's Rocco. And they do bring their trash pickup to the transfer station that's owned by USA Hauling."

GN: Is the contract with USA Hauling for any trash that's picked up in Litchfield to have the same rate as USA Hauling does picking up the trash?

Raap: “Yes. When Rocco drops the trash off on the weigh station, it's weighed, and that amount, the bill, is sent to the town of Litchfield for the already negotiated tip rate fee."

GN: So, what things do you feel like you want to tackle in the next couple years?

Raap: “We're working on this food waste diversion program. I think trying to get more food out of our waste stream, which is 20 to 30% of everybody's garbage, that's twofold: the cost of the disposal, the tip fee, and the attraction for bears, getting it out of your trash so that the bears aren't attracted to our garbage. The other thing I hope to at least have an agreement on is the DOT plan for the center of town in the Route118-254 intersection. I think that intersection is dangerous.”

GN: I understand with the new Region 20 school superintendent and self-analysis by the board, that there are some changes that they've put in place to overcome the negative feedback over the last couple years' budgetary issues. Has that been helpful to Litchfield?

Raap: “I just met with Dr. Villar, along with the other first selectmen, and I was pleased to hear what they thought was originally going to be about a $300,000 surplus has now grown to close to a million-dollar surplus for the school. And so, they're wondering how best to use that money.”

GN: So, what would be your preference to spend that money?

Raap: “I think some of it should go back to pay down the deficit of $2.7 million. And then I think that a parking lot is something that should be considered in some of that deficit.”

GN: Early voting, so much before the actual election day, has that worked for you? Have you seen an increase of voting?

Raap: “Yeah. Even in our municipal elections, we're at 55% of voters. That means 45% of voters are not voting. That is a lot of people that are not getting their voices heard.”

GN: In my discussion with state officials, the question came up, why don't we have open primaries? What do you think about that?

Raap: “I think everyone, regardless of party affiliation, should have a vote in their primary.”

GN: So, is there something that you would like to say in closing to the readers?

Raap: “As always, my door is open. I can always take a phone call or an email. I'm happy to discuss any issue that anyone has or any concern and do my best to try to provide some clarity.”