Infinity Hall stages forum sponsored by Norfolk Now
By Lloyd Garrison

The Executive Editors of Norfolk Now with Sue Dyer and Joshua Decerbo at the Debate for First Selectman on October 24 at Infinity Hall.

At the end of 90 minutes of questions on the stage of Infinity Hall on October 24, Joshua DeCerbo and incumbent First Selectman Sue Dyer differed little on issues, but a lot on their approach to governing.
Over 70 residents, who braved a drenching nor’easter to attend the debate sponsored by Norfolk Now, saw two candidates that exuded youth vs. maturity, idealism vs. experience.
Soon after moving to Norfolk five years ago, DeCerbo revitalized the town Recreation Committee and joined the Lions Club, becoming a board member and head of its scholarship committee. As a candidate, he has presented himself as a high-energy newcomer with a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and a fistful of fresh ideas accessible on Facebook, Twitter and joshdecerbo.com. “I don’t want to just look back on what has been done in the past,” he said. “I want to move Norfolk forward with a set of new goals.”
Dyer, who has no Web site, has long presented herself as the issue-savvy public servant that knows how to get things done. A 40-year resident of Norfolk, she seeks voter approval for her cumulative experience as a former National Iron Bank manager who has served as president of the Board of Education, chairman of the Board of Finance and five terms as First Selectman. “Experience matters,” she said.
Norfolk Now President Veronica Burns presided, along with three executive editors who posed one question a piece before inviting queries from the audience.  Local Infinity Hall staff oversaw the sound system and the hall was offered at no charge by Infinity owner Dan Hincks.
The two candidates agreed on supporting land conservation, affordable housing, the need for expanding the tax base and establishing one way access to Station Place from Route 44. Their differences amounted mainly to a matter of emphasis.
Dyer cited her acquisition of state and federal grants that included over a million dollars in upgrades for Norfolk Senior Housing, a facade improvement grant for downtown businesses, a $90,000 grant to replace the sidewalks on the Green and a $400,000 grant towards erecting a new EMS-Trooper building. “I have walked the walk,” she said, “not just talked the talk.”
DeCerbo came to Infinity Hall with a flurry of ideas that ranged from creating a skating rink and footpaths in the city meadow, staging “Last Night,” an annual winter celebration on December 30, encouraging a downtown bike shop to attract tourists and replacing the aging playground at Botelle School.
Dyer bristled at implications that she governed reactively rather than generating new initiatives. “I would like to see buildings in town more energy efficient,” she said. “I am for exploring wind power at the transfer station. I have been working with the State Traffic Commission to increase parking on Route 44 and 272.”
DeCerbo was asked whether, if elected, he would quit his job teaching science at the Masters School in West Simsbury. “Yes,” he replied. “This will be a full-time job. I love Norfolk. As first selectman, I will be here.