FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 23, 2007

Contact: Heather B. Habelka, Office of the Mayor, 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron Issues Statement Regarding the Town's Animal Control Facility

"The Town of Stratford needs a new, upgraded Animal Control Facility as the current facility is out dated, too small, and insufficient for a municipality of Stratford’s size. My record is clear that I have always been a staunch supporter of the new Animal Control facility and it’s staff.

Over one year ago, I warned the Town Council when they chose the current site on Frog Pond Lane, there would be problems. I strongly suggested that they consider other options. Unfortunately, my advice to them was ignored.

Recently, the Town Council voted 9 to 1 to reconsider the selection of the site for the animal shelter. The Council then referred the shelter site selection to the Building Needs Committee. This motion also passed 9 to 1.

A review of my proposed budgets and Capital Improvement Plans demonstrate that I support proper funding for the Animal Control Facility and the immediate building of a new Animal control Facility.

Recently, the Stratford Town Council removed funding for the Animal Control Facility from the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan Bonding Package.

Suggestions from any Councilman, particularly the Chairman of the Building Needs Committee, that the process is being delayed due to my administration or me are simply without any basis in fact.

The Building Needs Committee has asserted jurisdiction over the selection of the site of a new Animal Control Facility. That Committee has been provided access to all the data the Town adminstration has access to, including a web listing that is updated regularly on the Town’s website. 

Simply put, any delay in this project is a direct result of the Chairman of the Building Needs Committee, who clearly, does not support a new animal shelter."

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