Congdon’s return
Preston First Selectman Robert Congdon planned to retire from public service this year, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Now, the 11-term Republican, who will turn 69 in September, is essentially assured a 12th term. After securing his own party’s nomination, he was subsequently cross-endorsed by the town’s Democrats.
The vote of confidence across the political spectrum no doubt was, at least in part, in recognition of Congdon’s success in bringing the small, rural town to the brink of economic windfall. The town has an agreement with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment for a $200 million to $600 million entertainment, recreation and sports facility and resort development on the former Norwich Hospital property.
Securing the agreement was a painstaking, challenging process and one that is not yet complete. It is in fact so important to the town’s future financial well-being that Congdon announced early in July, when it became apparent no other viable first selectman candidates were stepping forward, he would delay his retirement and instead seek re-election.
Congdon estimated it will be another year before the town is ready to formally convey the 388-acre former hospital tract to the Mohegan tribe. The former hospital property for years sat vacant, its buildings decaying. The town continues to work on an environmental cleanup at the site.
The next year or more is a critical time period for Preston. Shepherding this process through to conveyance requires knowledge and dedication from the town’s leaders.
Said Congdon: “I’ve got 22 years involved, and we’ve got tremendous momentum going, and we can’t screw up the next year.”
Congdon’s decision to run again was truly a public-spirited move. So, too, was the decision by the opposition party to cross-endorse him. Congdon deserves both credit and praise for his decision to continue to serve the town.
He also deserves some relaxation, however. We urge Preston’s political party organizations to begin working now to find well-qualified, dedicated candidates who can run for the top elective post in 2019. By that time, the hospital site should be in the tribe’s hands and Congdon should be allowed to retire.