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Notes from Linda
Although I haven't been in office quite a month yet, I can already say that I have the best job in the world. Each day is a new adventure, and I love every second. Thank you to all of you who have stopped by my office to meet me, to wish me well, or just to say hello. My office door is always open, and I really want to hear from you.
 While we're not quite at thirty days, I want to update you on the progress of my promised "30-Day Plan"We are currently undergoing a complete overhaul of the town website to be completed by budget season. We will also be posting a survey on our current site by the first of the year to find out what you want on the website. I am also thrilled to report that a college intern
will be joining our staff full-time in January to work on a town communications plan.
 Town staff and I have had many meetings to convey my expectations around communications and service. We have all been working together to evaluate what is needed to carry out those expectations and make sure that town hall is a friendly, efficient, and accommodating place for our residents.
 The Elderly Tax Relieft Task Force will begin meeting before Christmas. We are still looking for two citizens to be on this committee.
 Karen Loiselle, Superintendent of Schools, and I have met to discuss ways that we can combine town and school business operations to make the most of limited budget dollars. Work has begun to revise current purchasing policies.
 The Board of Selectman approved creation of the three groups proposed to work with the Economic Development Commission to maintain current and create new businesses. The Business Development Task Force, Main Street Coalition, and Lebanon Avenue Revitalization Committee have all been established. We are looking for members for all three groups to include residents, business owners, and
Historical Society representatives.
 As I write this, we are creating our first six month calendar for outreach events, including informal coffees, "Meet Our Department Heads," and door-to-door days as a way to gather resident input, hear concerns, and answer questions. The information gained from these opportunities is invaluable. While technology is important, there is no equal for face-to-face
contact.
 Additionally, after taking office, I learned that our town food bank was in dire need of volunteer support so that food could be distributed to families and individuals in need. I am happy to report that we have had over forty volunteers help in this effort.For more information or to become involved in any of our activities, please call my office at 537-7220 or email me at selectman@colchesterct.gov. My office door is always open.
I wish you all a happy and healthy new year!
Linda Hodge
First Selectman
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