Naugatuck Mayor Pete Hess Decides His Political Future

NAUGATUCK, CT — Democratic Mayor Pete Hess is running for a second-term of office saying he has several initiatives he still wants to complete. In an interview with Naugatuck Patch, Hess said he "enjoys the job," and he can't finish all of his goals prior to November's election.

"I want to finish every item on my list," Hess said. The Mayor said his top priority is to turn the former Uniroyal Chemical Co. property and its 86 acres into a light industrial park.

"I'm working on that actively," Hess said. "It will help us bring back our tax base. I want to get that property developed and back on our tax rolls."

A second major priority Hess is working on is the redevelopment of both Parcels A and B as part of a mixed-use project. Hess said "I'm working on that everyday," and plans are taking shape for both sites. He also said the project would coincide with upgrades to the Metro North transit line.

Hess said he "loves 90 percent of the job."

"I find it to be extremely enjoyable. I like working on the development projects and moving Naugatuck forward," Hess said.

No word as of yet on which Republicans may challenge Hess this fall.

Written by Brian McCready (Patch National Staff)

(Editor's Note: This story first ran previously but here it is again in case you missed it.)