OPINION: Vote no. Show up – Rock the vote Oct. 24

Oct. 17, 2022  |  By Todd Volitis 

A drawing of one of three structures that Todd Volitis suggests for 51 S. Main St. would have ground-floor commercial space and two housing units for lease. Two other structures would each have three residential units for sale. Image courtesy of Todd Volitis

I have very strong opinions on this EFUD group and nothing comes to mind that is positive. I just want the same opportunity that was offered to the massive government-backed conglomerate (Downstreet Housing & Community Development) that has 2,500 units. I want the chance to talk with my neighbors. 

But the Edward Farrar Utility District board has denied me this same treatment they applied to Downstreet. Instead, they decided it was in the town’s best interest to deny me the ability to present my proposal. 

I believe it is in the best interest of the town to have multiple options. EFUD said I need to defeat "their” proposal just to have the opportunity to present to my neighbors because they made commitments to Downstreet. What type of commitments did EFUD make with Downstreet? I find this backwards and close-minded un-American monopoly control that they will hear no ideas but their own. 

Why does EFUD not advertise that utility district votes are happening? An informed public is harder to control and force their ideals upon. Why so little public involvement and engagement? Why just their agenda? 

I do believe this to be voter suppression by design. EFUD commissioners said 3% voter turnout allows them to advance their agendas. It’s on their meeting video and in the minutes. The video will also show that they approved spending our money to pay for Downstreet’s elevation design. EFUD actually gave Downstreet our Waterbury dollars so Downstreet can hire an architect to do their design with our money. What? I believe this to be misappropriation of our utility district funds. Where is the transparency and accountability? 

I understand the desire for housing and will show in a detailed report that I am preparing that the locals and the private sector have been and are already addressing this desire for more housing. 

My Vote No campaign wants to create home ownership. I have a design in the works that will have six living units for sale. I truly believe in the benefits of home ownership and would like to help others in our neighborhood achieve this amazing possibility. 

People have been talking about housing prices appreciating – let's help other neighbors join in the appreciation of our real estate market. Why would we not want our potential new neighbors to enjoy the benefits of home ownership? 

I also understand the demand for another storefront right in the middle of our downtown business district. Another commercial space will create jobs. I would like to create a space that offers housing and jobs. I have an architect on board and he is preparing some imagery for me to present to my neighbors. The commercial design is already complete. The store will be located on the first level and will have two apartments above it for rent. Since I am an electrician, I will be constructing the apartments to be solar-powered for all of their electrical needs. 

I have many questions for Downstreet. 

Why is Downstreet pushing rentals? Does Downstreet not believe in a pathway to home ownership? Why is Downstreet not creating homeowners? 

Why is Downstreet keeping people trapped in the rental cycle to never gain any appreciation or paying down of any principal balance? 

Why does Downstreet get tax breaks that village residents don’t get? 

Downstreet’s design is full of flaws. For example, why is there no green space in the Downstreet design? 

For all of these reasons, I support a Vote No campaign. 

Vote No is not against housing. Vote No is against government-backed income-based rental projects in the middle of our downtown business district – It’s the business district. 

Vote No is against big government helping big government at the expense of the village. Vote No is against EFUD authoritarian control. 

Vote No believes in home ownership that creates equity, generational wealth and pride for the individual, the family and in the community. 

Vote No believes home ownership creates a safe and caring environment for children to develop and be loved. 

Vote No believes in free market capitalism, small business, and liveable wages. 

Thank you for any and all support. Please, if you have questions for me, reach out. I am a real person raising a son here. I built a home here after Hurricane Irene destroyed it. And I named my small business after this village. I really like it here and want to help this town grow and prosper and I believe my 25 years in all aspects of real estate sets me up perfectly to make this happen. Government control and government overreach will only harm our downtown and the people of Waterbury village.

Todd Volitis is a Waterbury village resident and owns an electrical contracting business. Reach him at toddvolitis@yahoo.com.