SOUTHPORT — Tom Lombardi is running for a seat on the Southport Board of Alderman, Ward 1.
One seat is available in Ward 1. Lombardi is running against two opponents: David Miller and the incumbent, Alderman Robert Tucker.
Author’s note: Port City Daily’s candidate interviews are largely unedited. Edits have only been made to correct spelling or grammatical errors. Candidates were not given word or character limits to answer each question.
What is your campaign platform?
- Excellence, integrity and transparency in government
- Positive attitude Safe, Secure Quality of Life
- Affordable, Controlled and Orderly Growth for City and Business
What makes you qualified to serve on the Board of Alderman?
Served on the Board of Adjustments, Beautification Committee and other activities in the City of Southport. Former Selectman in the Town of Kent Connecticut, President of the Rivermist Community in Southport. This has shown to me the pros and cons of our UDO (Unified Development Ordinance), which must be carefully updated as needed, and the need for continuing development and maintenance of our recreation facilities and tourist attractions which keeps our business community viable.
What are the top three issues Southport is facing right now and what’s your position on these issues?
Transparency in Government: I am for complete transparency in all major issues facing the City which eliminates suspicion and gains the support of the citizens.
Growth: When updating the UDO, we must listen to all the citizens, investigate thoroughly, fully discuss among Board members and make the decision that best benefits the City and its people. Code enforcement must be practiced for all and not just as a problem surfaces.
Waste Water Treatment Plant: I believe this has caused many people to doubt the plan to build our own treatment plant because not enough information was available and again caused people to question. Of what I know of the plan I would be in favor of construction.
Do you feel Southport Board of Alderman followed the proper process in approving the sale of the former waste treatment property? Why or why not?
The sale of the Waste Water Treatment property has caused major problems among the Citizens of Southport, because of lack of information and action by the Board without fully revealing the facts. I am not in favor in the manner in which this eminent sale was orchestrated. The same results might have taken place even if properly presented but at least the public would have had their say.
Is it appropriate for a City to retroactively amend its Unified Development Ordinance to correct improper Board actions? Why or why not?
Legal or not, retroactively amending the UDO to correct improper Board action is totally unacceptable in City government.
The City recently opted to take its own path in pursuing sewer treatment, canceling plans to join a planned county expansion. Do you support this move?
After my own investigation and what I learned about the proposal if the facts were correct, I do support the construction of our own plant. The long range cost of either paying County fees or building our own was similar. Southport would have the option of selling space to other Municipalities for additional revenue.
The police audit revealed evidence mishandling, two top police chiefs taking advantage of the job, and a department at odds with itself. It’s clear Chief Coring has taken big steps to increase transparency and community policing. Do you think enough has been done to address the systematic issues that may have contributed to a messy and unprofessional department? Do you think trust has been healed in the community?
I believe our present police department has made great strides in gaining the peoples trust and confidence. Chief Coring has taken the necessary steps to create a first class police department and will continue to do so until achieved.
What is one action/vote Southport got wrong in 2017-2019?
It is obvious to me that the wrong decision of not sharing information with the citizens of Southport and not having public comment meetings to give residents their say about the sale of the old wastewater treatment plant won the prize for the worst decision of 2019.
What is one action/vote Southport got right in 2017-2019?
I believe that most of the time the Board has the welfare of the City and its citizens in mind when making decisions and cannot pick out one in particular.
Anything else you’d like to share with voters?
I believe that I can serve the City and Citizens of Southport for the next 4 years with integrity, honesty and full transparency in all transactions and work along with the other Alderman, Major and Citizens to guide the City into the coming years and make the needed changes.
