Letter to the Editor: "Constant turnover is not good for any community"

As a lifelong resident of Stafford and a town employee for the past 35 years, I write this in full support of re-electing William “Bill” Morrison for First Selectman on November 4th. I started my career in 1990, hired by Ben Muzio as the Assistant Tax Collector. In 1998, former First Selectman John Julian asked that I move up to become his Executive Assistant. My time with Mr. Julian was cut short when he passed in 2001, but in that short time, I learned that the people of Stafford were his priority, and he always tried to do what was best for the residents ofStafford—a trait I greatly admired. I have since then seen many First Selectmen come and go—ten, to be exact.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Morrison for my entire time with the town as a dedicated 36-year volunteer with the West Stafford Fire Department WSFD), serving the people of Stafford in a volunteer capacity while raising his family with his wife, Lynn, and working a full time job in various positions with the State of Connecticut. Along with the many dedicated Emergency Service volunteers, when the alarm rang, he showed up—nights, weekends, holidays, storms.

He has and continues to put the health and safety of Stafford residents first.

When Mr. Morrison told me he would be running for First Selectman in 2023, I reflected on his many years of volunteerism and the professionalism he always brought to the WSFD, and the dedication to the residents of Stafford. I was excited to have a leader who I already knew put the residents of Stafford first. He did not disappoint. He is the professional I always believed he was and a true leader with a passion for helping people—the trait I admired so much in Mr. Julian.

Constant turnover is not good for any community; it is literally like starting from scratch every two years. Mr. Morrison’s experience with the State of Connecticut for over 40 years brought a better understanding of the job than many before him, and he hit the ground running—literally—allowing him to stay on top of and monitor all the necessary bridge and road projects the town is undertaking. He is constantly reviewing budgets and trying to find ways to save money. Under his proven leadership, Stafford has seen steady growth, renewed organization, and a focus on long-term progress that benefits all residents. His hands-on approach and willingness to listen have strengthened collaboration across departments and within the community.

It is unfortunate that there are people out there hiding behind their keyboards, spewing hate and misinformation just to further their agenda, which is never in the community’s best interest. Residents should not look to Facebook for truth; they should call or email town departments for accurate information.

I urge the people of Stafford to do what is best for the community and re-elect William Morrison as First Selectman—who will continue to move the community forward, who has no agenda other than doing what is best for all our residents, and who always wants to hear your thoughts and concerns.

Beth A. DaDalt

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