Walden needs Lee Davis for responsible growth

The current mayor of Walden, Bill Trohanis, is a likeable person and deserves credit for several town successes. However, he has shown poor judgment on key matters during his tenure.

Six years ago, he advocated carving up the perimeter of the McCoy Farm and Gardens and selling residential lots. Next he promoted locating the WRES complex on five acres of the McCoy land. The mayor’s plan would have harmed key parts of the McCoy property, including its grounds and trail.

In early 2019, Mayor Trohanis finally reacted to the loss of the Hall tax revenues. Rather than support an established community land- use plan for Taft Highway, he pushed a poorly conceived strip center development that would increase costs ( policing, traffic, drainage, etc.) to the town and unleash commercial sprawl. The value of our homes would suffer from the unattractive commercial strip center.

The careless development of the strip center promoted by the mayor risks our town’s future. Vice Mayor Lee Davis has the knowledge and skill to pragmatically guide the town with responsible and cohesive development. He has lived in Walden for 25 years and respects Walden’s traditions. Lizzy Schmidt, a candidate for alderwoman, advocates the same responsible development.

Joe W. Robbins Sr.