Little Pink House_ A True Story of Defiance and Courage - Jeff Benedict [102]
I took a lashing at the Council. I defended the plan from the standpoint that the economic development we are involved in is intended to provide the funds necessary to raise the standards in the community. It all fell on deaf ears.
Claire responded quickly to Goebel’s e-mail, but she had her mind on other priorities. Ignoring Goebel’s concerns about being hammered by the city council, she asked him to let her know when the meeting between the developer, Corcoran Jennison, and the state would be held. “We need to take advantage of the announcement to move forward,” she said. “More later, Claire.”
Later in the day, she sent Goebel another e-mail. In just two days, she reported, the NLDC would make an important announcement. “This should be a simple, laid back but celebratory announcement,” Claire told him. “Even as simple as: ‘NLDC is very pleased to announce that the negotiations underway between Pfizer and CJ [Corcoran Jennison] have reached a decision point. Pfizer will be a partner in the hotel and conference center. This facility will be used by Pfizer, its staff and visitors. It will also be available for use by area residents and guests to the New London area.’”
At the end of the e-mail, she addressed Goebel’s earlier complaint: “Sorry about the Council meeting. Don’t we always pass things at the Board level first, and then take things to the Council? Let’s talk. Sorry they abused you. Thanks. Claire.”
Ten minutes after e-mailing Goebel, Claire e-mailed Peg Curtin, one of her best allies on the city council:
I want to check in after the Council’s reaction to the strategic plan. I’m a little lost and I know your clear mind will get some clarity for me. What happened Tues night???
The staff and maybe Dave could be getting discouraged with the abuse. We are all working hard and need to help and not hurt each other—policy differences are fine to keep confronting, but just whacking—well, Councilors and the NLDC staff both have plenty of other folks who are doing that job. We don’t need to whack each other—I must have missed something. Any ideas?
Before signing off, Claire made sure Curtin knew George Milne was satisfied in general. “I spoke to George many times this week and he is pleased,” Claire wrote. “They are taking an even bigger stake in the conference center than they first intended. The next step is the real estate agreement with the State. Hope you are having fun. Love, Claire.”
Curtin didn’t soften after reading Claire’s e-mail. “I don’t know what to tell you,” she responded. “I am just frustrated at being told that everything is fine and we will have a signed agreement soon. This has gone on for many months saying that. Dave tells us the state is holding things up. I don’t get that from the state. I need more info than I’m getting. I don’t apologize for what transpired the other night. We are all tired.” She didn’t bother to sign the e-mail.
After reading Curtin’s response, Claire realized Goebel was right; they were losing the support of the city council. This required a quick fix. Flattery had always proven an effective device for soothing the council. Claire e-mailed Goebel.
“Your understanding of the sticking point is correct,” Claire told him. “The councilors need some patting. Maybe Chris or whomever you designate should set up some meetings with them in twos for you and me on Sat or Monday so we can walk them through what is going on. We are really going to be in trouble with the state if they go back to [the state officials] complaining.”
February 25, 2001
Jane Dee’s highly anticipated story on Claire landed right where everyone could see it: on the cover of the Hartford Courant’s Sunday magazine. Claire spotted herself at the top of the cover, underneath a caption