Representative Town Regular Meeting Materials (linked)

WATERFORD DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE
182 Niantic River Rd ¢ Waterford,CT * 06385
September 28, 2022
Paul Goldstein
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Moderator, RTM 8
15 Rope Ferry Rd “
Waterford, CT 06385 F 8
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RE: Ad Hoc Energy Task Force Appointment m=
Dear Moderator Goldstein, \ oO
On behalf of the Waterford Democratic Town Committee, I offer this letter of support for the nomination
of Tennyson Benedict for appointment to the Ad Hoc Energy Task Force, to fill the elector seat just
opened by Emily Polakowski’s resignation due to a career-required relocation out of state. His contact
information is as follows:
Tennyson Benedict
239 Great Neck Rd
Waterford, CT 06385-2224
tennyson@jeffbenedict.com
860-550-2871
A graduate of the UConn School of Law, Mr. Benedict earned a certificate for his academic work in
Energy and Environmental Policy and has authored columns on energy policy for the Hartford Courant
and CT Mirror. Currently, he is a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Environmental Enforcement
division of the CT Office of the Attorney General.
We are confident that he would prove to be an informed and engaged member if granted the opportunity
to serve on the new task force charged with creating a long-term plan for our town’s green energy
initiatives and sustainability efforts. And we strongly encourage the RTM to address the vacancy when
they meet on Oct. 3“ so that the task force can proceed with a full complement as they begin to work on
their formidable charge.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Catherine Barnard
Chair, Waterford DTC
cc: Dave Campo, Town Clerk

September 29, 2022
m
Paul Goldstein rt
Moderator, RTM i ”
15 Rope Ferry Rd ea)
Waterford, CT 06385 2
RE: Ad Hoc Energy Task Force Appointment
Dear Moderator Goldstein and the Members of the RTM,
It is an honor to be nominated to the Ad Hoc Energy Task Force (hereafter the “Task Force”). It
would be a great privilege to serve the Town of Waterford (hereafter “Waterford” or “the Town”) and to
help develop a long-term plan to shift the Town towards affordable and sustainable energy sources.
To paraphrase Charles Dickens, this is the best and worst of times for our planet and energy
future. On the one hand, every day brings a fresh reminder that burning carbon-based fuels for centuries
has precipitated a climate crisis; and skyrocketing energy prices hurt consumer finances. At the same
time, we have the technology and financial incentives to divorce ourselves from carbon fuels and achieve
true energy independence.
With the growth and advancement of the clean energy industry, combined with the financial
incentives within the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act, moving beyond fossil fuels will not just
protect the environment—it will also protect our checkbooks. If we invest in renewable energy,
electrification, energy audits, and energy efficiency improvements, we can save taxpayer dollars.
I have a background that could benefit the Task Force as it advises the Town on the smartest way
to make those changes. In May 2021 I earned my JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law,
along with a certificate in energy and environmental policy, reflecting my academic focus in this study
area. Since being sworn into the Connecticut Bar in November 2021, I’ve worked as a legal and policy
analyst at the Connecticut Legislature and currently work at the Connecticut Office of the Attorney
General as a Special Assistant Attorney General within the environmental enforcement division. Finally,
I’ve written opinion pieces for both the Hartford Courant and the Connecticut Mirror on regional energy
policy.
If given the chance, I would enthusiastically apply my knowledge to Waterford’s benefit.
Thank you for your consideration. I’ll make myself available, through the Moderator, to answer
any questions or concerns of the RTM.
Sincerely,
Tennyson Benedict, Esq.
Juris Number: 442970
Great Neck Road
Waterford, CT 06385
cc: Dave Campo, Town Clerk