Just months after it appeared that he could run unopposed, Republican incumbent First Selectman Michael Freda now faces a three-way race for Town Hall’s top position. Recently, Freda sat down with The Citizen to discuss his reelection bid, including Yale-New Haven Hospital, first-term accomplishments, tax raises, the Board of Education and a competitor’s recurrent allegations against his administration.

Q: Why should North Haven reelect you?

A: I would hope that the residents consider reelecting me because I have put into place a great fiscal foundation in which, for the second consecutive year, we will be delivering a budget surplus. These surpluses are primarily driven by a decrease in the town’s operating expenses which I have implemented.

Secondly, for this coming fiscal year, our Grand List will grow by $15.28 million. I know that’s not a lot when you consider the aggregate Grand List amount, but that’s growth, which is primarily driven by our growth on Universal Avenue. Plus, that $15 million increase does not include other new businesses in town like DSW Shoe Store, Big Lots, Urgent Care Center and the Buffalo Wild Wings, and there are going to be more.

Thirdly, I hope the residents feel that we have delivered a solid customer service model responding to them.

Q: One criticism of your administration has been that taxes have risen both years you’ve been in office. What is your response?

A: In December of 2009, when I took office, we faced a nearly $4.9 million gap, because previous budgets included unrepeatable revenues sources: UpJohn and CRRA money and borrowing from the surplus fund. I said all along, prior to being elected, that we had to make all that money up somehow.

I tried to minimize the tax increase the first year by focusing in on the cost side by reducing costs. Unfortunately, we did have to raise taxes a small degree, but our mill rate is still competitive and, two years later, my goal continues to be to deliver surpluses and grow revenue in order to greatly minimize the tax burden for citizens.

And that’s the track we’re on now. We will have a surplus this fiscal year of about $1.5 million. We’re going to carry that over into next year’s budget and keep the surplus fund at eight percent.

Q: What is the update on Yale-New Haven Hospital and Connecticut’s decision on whether or not to allow it?

A: All the testimony, written letters and email have been submitted to Connecticut's Office of Health Care Access. The state has told us that the final decision will be made by Oct. 3. I have said that even if we lose, we win. If the state turns us down, we still have a plan to bring Yale-New Haven Hospital in here in a modified form, and that will allow us to grow off of that foundation. Our goal is to deliver a fully integrated emergency room facility with a pediatric center, geriatric center and radiology facility.

Also, the other medical project on Devine Street will be going in regardless of the state’s decision. That will begin in spring of 2012 with the first phase — 24,000 square feet of office space. The second phase will include another 28,000 square feet of office space for a total of 52,000 square feet. The long-term plan for this project is to bring in cardiologists, primary care, OBGYN, dentistry and orthopedic surgeons.

Q: How do you feel about Democratic Town Committee First Selectman candidate Walt Spader?

A: I know Walter personally. I think he’s a fine candidate. He is the type of individual I could work very well with.

Q: Independent First Selectman candidate Gary Amato, a frequent critic of yours, has alleged that your administration “intimidates” residents and local employees and runs a closed government. How do you reply?

A: I would respond by saying that I have opened up government in North Haven. I have created an open relationship with employees. We have open discussions with unions.

I hold people accountable for their job performance. We only hire the right people for the right jobs. I’m not interested in political appointments. And you realize in this job that you cannot please everybody and that sometimes individuals who aren’t pleased with the business-like decision-making tend to complain.

I am guided by one thing and one thing only — to do that what is right for North Haven overall.

Q: Many of us read the local blog, where numerous anonymous posters have claimed that your first term is short on accomplishments. What have you achieved?

A: I would say that I haven’t accomplished all my goals and objectives, but what I have been able to accomplish is a strong financial foundation for North Haven with back-to-back surpluses. I have formed great relationships with the business community, including our work with Yale-New Haven Hospital, finding a buyer for the old Quebecor building and bringing new businesses onto Universal Avenue.

Also, I think we have created here a culture that’s designed to provide a fine customer service model. I truly believe that the customers of North Haven are the taxpaying citizens, and our goal is to deliver an outstanding product to those citizens.

Q: How has your relationship changed with the Board of Education after Superintendent Dr. Robert Cronin’s acrimonious public forum and continued calls that BOE members must be more open with the public.

A: Dr. Cronin and I have met on multiple occasions. We are planning to have two meetings per month, one in my office and one in his.

I want the Board of Education to be more open to the public, to answer the questions which they can and to understand that all are held accountable here in government. I am happy to report that there were some positive changes at the last BOE meeting.

Q: What is the update on the Rabina Property, which includes the old Pratt and Whitney complex, and the site’s blighted Washington Avenue front side?

A: I think we could safely say that the Rabina people and I are in contact weekly. I continue to examine options there. I have been unsuccessful to date, but we will never give up. I am confident that something good is going to happen there in the future. I just can’t say confidently now what that is because it is still a work in process. This remains my greatest challenge, but I love challenges.

Q: How will you address Washington Avenue’s overall blighted state?

A: Our challenge with Washington Avenue goes beyond the Rabina Property and extends up to Wharton Brook State Park. The good news is that Ulbrich Steel will be expanding into Defco Park with new infrastructure, machinery and equipment.

As for the rest of the area, I’m convinced that Quinnipiac University will be an economic development driver when their medical and law schools are fully moved in. They will start breaking ground there this fall.