October 19, 2009 – Continuing her effort to highlight important issues affecting Milford citizens, Genevieve Salvatore spoke in front of the Devon Clock today on the importance of encouraging responsible economic development.

She had a special guest with her as well.

Former Speaker of the House – and current gubernatorial candidate – James Amann was on hand to offer his endorsement.

“In my 27 years in politics, Genevieve is one of the most energetic, hardworking, and intelligent candidates I've worked with,” Amann said. “She has the ideas to bring our city forward into a new era as the next Mayor of Milford.”

“Jim has been an effective and tireless advocate for Devon and all of Milford,” Salvatore said. “I am honored to have received his endorsement and I look forward to working with him as the next Mayor of Milford.

Salvatore emphasized the importance of economic integration to the city’s prosperity. “Downtown is an important location for local businesses, but we need to focus on our Devon and Walnut Beach neighborhoods as well.”

Salvatore believes, however, that much more remains to be done for Milford.

“We are adrift without a plan for economic development,” Salvatore said. “And that is wrong for a city of our size. Even communities as small as Oxford have a plan of economic development.”

“We also can’t give up on job creation. We have 1.3 million square feet of industrial and manufacturing space lying empty. This is not a time to sit idly by. If I am elected, my administration will take immediate steps to finalize the plan of plan economic development that I have begun to draft as Chairwoman of the EDC. We will work tirelessly to establish Milford as an incubator for green businesses.”

Genevieve highlighted the state’s Clean Tech Fund as an example of encouraging green growth. “The money is available, we need to go and get it.”
She concluded: “As we begin a new decade, we need forward-thinking leadership and a Mayor who is prepared to tackle the challenges we face.”

At the press conference, Amann agreed. He recalled his service as an Alderman under Mayor Alberta Jagoe. Calling her a “true leader,” he said Milford was in need of “another woman that takes charge of our city.”