Bridgewater, CT Republican Party Platform

1. Preservation of Historical Sites and Small-Town Character

We are committed to protecting Bridgewater’s unique charm and rich heritage by making thoughtful decisions and pursuing ongoing enhancements that benefit our community.

• Protecting Heritage: Safeguard historical buildings, landmarks, and sites that reflect the town’s cultural legacy by ensuring their preservation and upkeep.

• Restoration Funding: Allocate resources for restoration projects to maintain the historical integrity and original charm of Bridgewater's structures.

• Responsible Community Planning: Re-examine our zoning regulations to ensure they preserve Bridgewater’s rural aesthetic and simplistic country charm while supporting a sustainable and balanced future for our town.

• Environmental Conservation: Champion policies that protect natural landscapes, open spaces, and historical sites from overdevelopment and environmental degradation.

2. Fostering Community Engagement and Connectivity

We believe in building a strong, connected community through transparent communication, inclusive decision-making, and meaningful opportunities for engagement.

• Support for Cultural Events: Encourage and embrace our local events, such as the Bridgewater Country Fair, and social events that celebrate the town’s traditions while fostering community spirit.

• Educational Initiatives: Partner with schools and organizations to implement programs that teach students about Bridgewater’s history, cultural significance, and rural character.

• Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure community members are actively involved in the early stages of discussions and decisions related to historical preservation and the future direction of our town..

• Volunteerism: Promote volunteer opportunities that allow residents to participate in maintaining historical sites, organizing events, and enhancing community engagement.

3. Infrastructure Improvement and Maximizing State Grants

We aim to modernize Bridgewater’s infrastructure while preserving its historical charm, utilizing efficient budgeting and external funding to support the town’s long-term sustainability.

• Modern Amenities: Enhance infrastructure to better meet the needs of residents and businesses, while preserving the town’s historic character.  Improvements may include, but are not limited to, updates to playgrounds, bridges, and town-owned properties.

• Elderly Housing Solutions: Reconsider developing affordable housing on town-owned properties for senior residents, which could subsequently make more existing homes available for families with children.

• Grant Maximization: Pursue state and federal grants to fund town improvement projects, reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

• Strategic Asset Planning: Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of town-owned buildings, equipment (e.g., trucks, payloaders, mowers), and roads to create a long-term capital plan that considers future costs and alternative revenue sources.

• Road Maintenance: Develop a long-term plan for maintaining and improving town roads, ensuring safety and accessibility for all residents.

4. Safety and Security

Ensuring the safety and well-being of Bridgewater residents and visitors is an important aspect of our community initiatives.

• Community Policing: Work closely with law enforcement to develop community policing strategies that ensure public safety, particularly around historical sites, schools, and event spaces.

• Emergency Preparedness: Partner with the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) and EMS to address staffing and volunteer challenges, ensuring they are equipped to handle the town’s needs effectively.

Our Commitment

The Bridgewater Republican Party is dedicated to preserving the town’s historical charm while promoting thoughtful planning, active community engagement, and the enhancement of modern infrastructure.  We aim to foster trust, transparency, and collaboration to ensure Bridgewater remains a vibrant and cohesive community for generations to come.