What Are Galbraith's Plans For Second Term?

By Ellyn Santiago

At the recent Chamber of Commerce Eastern Connecticut breakfast that featured Congressman Joe Courtney, chamber president and CEO Tony Sheridan made it a point to introduce the local dignitaries both on a dais and in the audience.

And while he was generous with those introductions, his most substantial of comments was saved for very newly re-elected City of Groton Mayor Marian Galbraith.  


“I want to introduce Mayor Marian Galbraith to you,” he said, adding she was just elected to a second term.

“It was a tough election,” he said, “because she decided to do what was right for the community.” Not what was popular, he implied.  

Galbraith was sworn in last week for another go-round at running the city, something she seemed genuinely excited about: “I feel good. I feel so good,” she said the morning of the election.  

In lieu of a type of state of the city oration, Patch asked Galbraith to bullet what she hopes to accomplish in her second term as mayor of the city of nearly 10,000.  

Galbraith said that ‘fiscal responsibility’ is a priority.

“Having experienced a drop in the grand list, we need to take a serious look at our expenditures and revenues, potential funding sources, and possible efficiencies so that we can be sensitive to the needs of our taxpayers and remain financially strong,” she said.  

Galbraith’s list of goals for her second term:  

Economic Development – This would include
·         the revitalization of the Thames Street and Five Corners districts.
·         the support and promotion of small business development  

Community Development – This would include
·         protecting vital City services
·         promoting beautification and clean up efforts
·         expanding youth services and the recreation program  

Infrastructure Improvements – This would include
·         upgrading electrical, water treatment, and sewer treatment systems as needed
·         maintaining and upgrading municipally – owned buildings and properties (Colonel Ledyard Building, Mother Bailey House, Zbierski House, and beaches and parks)  

Do Mayor Galbraith’s goals and ideas line up with yours? Tell us in the comments!