LETTER: Sweeney to voters - ‘Vote for the future of Waterbury’

February 22, 2025 | By Kane Sweeney 

Friends, voters, and residents of Waterbury, 

Usually, at this time, I make a case for myself and ask for your vote on Town Meeting Day. But this year, I’m asking you to cast your vote for the future of Waterbury. 

After serving two one-year terms, Kane Sweeney is seeking a three-year seat on the Waterbury Select Board. Photo by Karl Bauer

Our community faces undeniable challenges – climate change-driven natural disasters, a housing crisis, and a lack of affordability. In my time on the Select Board, I have worked tirelessly to confront these challenges head-on. The Natural Disaster Preparedness Committee and the Housing Trust were both born from proposals I drafted, and the local option tax was a collective effort to ease the burden of property tax rate increases, among other vital needs. 

I mention these accomplishments not to boast, but to demonstrate that Waterbury’s next generation is ready to lead and get things done. For instance, our Chair Alyssa Johnson, the youngest member of the Select Board, played a key role in establishing the Housing Task Force. That very group will soon present a proposal that ensures the Housing Trust can prioritize and facilitate what we need most – affordable housing. 

We’ve also made sure we could fund critical needs without raising taxes, alleviating pressure on our community without adding to the burden. The old model of “government by grievance” is over. Today, our leaders must govern with plans. We have a plan for the housing crisis, a plan to tackle the affordability gap, and we’re preparing for natural disasters. We cannot afford to stall or, worse, reverse our progress. If we stay the course, we’ll all be better off. 

Currently, 50% of Waterbury’s renters and 25% of homeowners are cost-burdened. We are working hard to reduce these numbers, but we need to elect the energetic leaders of tomorrow to make lasting change. These leaders are already serving in or running for office, and together, we can ensure that Waterbury becomes a place that works for all of us. 

Join me in continuing on the path of progress – with plans, solutions, and a brighter, more affordable, and more resilient Waterbury for tomorrow.

Kane Sweeney

Waterbury 

Kane Sweeney is running for re-election to the Waterbury Select Board for a three-year term.