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Category: Town Government

  • RH community garden plans: carry in water, for now

    RH community garden plans: carry in water, for now

    On June 24, 2025, Rocky Hill’s Land Acquisition and Farmland Preservation committee met to discuss the community gardens, which are planned to launch in the spring of 2026. Committee members discussed the plan to provide water at the gardens, and the layout for garden plots. 

    Water for the gardens

    Director of Public Works Steve Sopalek provided an update on the effort to bring water to the community garden site. The town explored two scenarios: providing water from the drilled well that is already on site, and providing water through connecting to the public water system. 

    Well option

    The well was tested and was deemed “clean” and usable for watering plants. To use the well, the barn would be connected to electricity and a pump installed in the well, for an estimated cost of $15,000. To get an additional cistern and annual testing for the well would be an additional $35,000 – $40,000. Steve Sopalek remarked that the town lacks data on capacity of the well: how many people could use it?

    MDC option

    The town could alternatively connect the barn to public water through MDC. An assessment would be $350,000 and an estimated additional $15,000 would be spent on installation. Sopalek said that the assessment fee could possibly be waived.

    After reviewing the options, town manager Ray Carpentino said, “It sounds like people will have to bring their own water for a while.” While no final decision was made, Steve Sopalek said, “it’s probably a couple years out.”

    Evolving plans for garden plots

    In the last session, the committee agreed to move the community garden plots to the west side of the property. The committee will ask a town engineer revise the original plans for two possible layouts: one where the plots are 10ft x 20ft, and another where they are 15ft x 15ft. 

    The committee also continued to explore what design should be used for raised beds. Committee member Lisa Gilbert is exploring a potential donation of raised beds by a local construction company. The town would need to provide soil for these beds. At least some of the material could come from the town’s leaf mulch, has has been tested as “clean” and useable.

    The committee is considering creating twelve 3ft x 8ft beds. These beds would rest on the ground and be several feet deep to facilitate root growth and easier access.

    The committee will next meet on July 22.

  • Rocky Hill Deserves Better: Fully Funding Our Schools Is an Investment in Our Future

    Rocky Hill Deserves Better: Fully Funding Our Schools Is an Investment in Our Future

    Last month, Rocky Hill’s Town Council approved a school budget $650,000 below what the Board of Education requested. That cut has already led to the quiet erosion of programs and support services that matter to students, families, and the wider community.

    As a candidate for Mayor this November, I believe Rocky Hill needs leadership that sees education not as a cost to contain, but as the foundation of long-term growth and stability.

    For the last few years, I have heard our elected leaders take pride in saying that we spend less per student than most of the other towns in our DRG (District Reference Group). But is that something we should really be proud of?

    What Was Cut and Why It Matters

    To close next year’s funding gap, the district has announced difficult changes:

    • Summer enrichment programs have been cancelled, eliminating essential math and reading support for Pre-K through Grade 5 students. This hits working families and struggling learners the hardest.
    • A high school credit recovery specialist position was eliminated. Already-overloaded teachers must now fill that gap, increasing the risk that vulnerable students fall behind.
    • Introductory French and Spanish classes at Moser School were suspended, despite research showing early language education boosts cognitive skills and prepares students for future success. Our neighbors in Glastonbury, Avon, Farmington and other schools in Fairfield county offer world languages starting in the 4th grade; these are widely regarded as some of the best school systems in the state. Do we want to be “second tier”?
    • A retiring elementary teacher will not be replaced. This reduces staffing flexibility and increases the likelihood of overcrowded classrooms during critical early years. Some elementary grades are already operating over the recommended capacity.

    Learn more about the impact these cuts have on our schools. These are not harmless efficiency measures. They are short-term cuts with long-term costs.

    The Economic Case for Full Funding

    Even if you don’t have children in our schools, the strength of the district affects everyone.

    1. Strong schools protect property values.
     Quality schools attract families and raise home values. They also bring in higher-end businesses, helping to keep residential taxes lower.

    2. Education drives economic growth.
     Our students are the future workforce. Cutting support today weakens our local economy tomorrow. Rocky Hill can be a town that cultivates high-achieving graduates—or one that falls behind.

    3. Delaying maintenance increases costs.
    We have already made the case that postponing repairs doesn’t save money. It invites bigger problems. We’ve already seen this with the roof at West Hill Elementary.

    A Smarter Path Forward

    Rocky Hill needs leadership with a long-term view—one that invests in our students, supports our educators, and addresses infrastructure before it fails.

    If elected, I will:

    • Advocate for school budgets that reflect our values by increasing transparency between parents, the Board of Education, and the Town Council.
    • Prioritize timely investment in school facilities
    • Treat public education as the essential investment it is

    We can do better for our students, our families, and our future. It starts with electing a Mayor, Town Council, and Board of Education that are ready to lead with vision and responsibility.

    Let’s stop shortchanging the next generation. Let’s invest wisely—and move Rocky Hill forward.

    Allan Smith

    2025 Democratic Candidate for Mayor, Rocky Hill

    Opinion piece: This article reflects the position of the author and not necessarily that of the Democratic Town Committee.