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Being on the campaign trail often means discussing federal solutions to Connecticut’s biggest challenges. But sometimes a hyperlocal issue raises important questions about public health, worker safety, affordability, and government regulation.
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On Saturday, July 25, New Canaan residents will vote on whether to uphold the Town Council’s ordinance restricting gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer months.
Residents and local landscapers—many of whom also live in New Canaan—raised concerns about inconsistencies in the ordinance, unequal treatment of homeowners, landscapers and municipal workers, enforcement questions, and the limited time provided for implementation. In response, more than 1,000 registered voters signed a petition requesting a townwide referendum.
While serving on the Greenwich RTM Health and Human Services Committee, I reviewed many of these same issues. As a physician, I believe environmental concerns and excessive noise should be considered. But public health also includes the health and safety of the workers doing this physically demanding job every day.
Important concerns include the weight of some commercial battery-powered equipment, worker ergonomics, orthopedic injury risks, battery life, charging limitations, costs for small businesses, and whether some electric blowers are actually quieter than comparable gas models.
There is also a basic fairness problem. Homeowners, landscapers and municipal workers should not be treated differently without a clear and practical justification.
Property size also matters. In more densely populated areas the noise from your neighbor’s leaf blowing is potentially more disruptive than in areas of two acre or more zoning. Larger properties also need more powerful machines.
Even in my town of Greenwich, where we have a stricter ordinance regarding gas blowers, in the fall we allow the 2 acre and larger lots to begin using gas powered blowers almost a month earlier than the rest of the town.
For those reasons, I encourage New Canaan residents to Vote No.
A No vote is not a vote against cleaner technology or quieter neighborhoods. It is a vote against an inconsistent ordinance as currently written and an opportunity for the Town to develop a fairer, more practical policy.
A better ordinance could consider actual sound levels, limited hours of operation, property size, worker safety, realistic transition periods and reasonable exemptions applied consistently.
Burdening the police department with enforcement will either distract them from more essential services or requiring the hiring of additional of police officers.
Vote
Residents who will be away on Saturday should vote by absentee ballot through the Town Clerk’s Office. Eligible voters may vote in person or designate a family member to pick up and return their completed absentee ballot. There are no evening absentee voting hours for this referendum.
Important Dates
Wednesday, July 22: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Thursday, July 23: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Friday, July 24: 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Referendum Day
Saturday, July 25
10:00 AM–8:00 PM
New Canaan High School
Vote No because the ordinance, as written, is inconsistent, unfair and was implemented without enough time for residents and local businesses to adapt.
Your vote is your voice. Please encourage your family, friends and neighbors to vote as well.
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