Aquarion Conversation Escalates Before Vote

Just two days before a referendum to decide whether Aquarion will take Bethel's water distribution rights, residents voiced strong opinions at a rally/press conference in front of the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, followed by a public hearing inside.

"I don't want our water to be sold to a company that doesn't exist locally," said resident Pam Bujese, who came to the afternoon press conference with her two grandchildren.

"Infrastructure-wise? We can take care of ourselves," she said. "There have been a lot of unhappy patrons [in other towns], and I don't want to join those ranks."

For background on the Aquarion issue, re-read Patch's round-up of previous coverage and opinion pieces.

In an open letter posted on Patch, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker defended the deal and encouraged residents to vote "Yes" Thursday.

"The sale price of $7.2 million would not only wipe out the $2 million debt, but would also leave us with over $4 million for future capital needs," said Knickerbocker. "It would bring our water quality to state standards and begin upgrades to the aging infrastructure."

At Tuesday's press conference, Bethel Action Committee chair Billy Michael told Patch he and other activists would keep pressure on the town even if voters approved the deal.

Opponents have raised procedural points to argue the deal was poorly managed. Board of Finance member Phil Gallagher said he believed the Board of Selectmen hadn't intended the measure to go to referendum.

"The more I've looked at it, the less the reasons given are valid," he said.

Representatives from environmental groups, including the Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Food and Water Watch, joined Michael in front of the municipal center to bolster arguments against Aquarion.

"This is a bad deal for the environment, it's bad for Bethel and it's bad for the public," said the CFE's Roger Reynolds.

Polls will be open Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.