In a key decision affecting their campaign against a proposed trash-to-energy plant, Plainfield residents next week will vote whether to put up $250,000 to wage a court fight against it. Facing a possible legal battle against one of Connecticut’s biggest construction companies represented by a powerful and prominent Bridgeport law firm, Plainfield voters will be asked at a Sept. 3 referendum whether to hire specialized lawyers of their own. Selectmen are proposing the move because they anticipate a complex campaign to persuade state regulators to scrap the Smart Technology Systems’ plan. If that doesn’t work, the town could consider suing. Public sentiment so far has been profoundly lopsided against the trash plant, but it’s not clear yet whether taxpayers will agree to put money behind their opposition. First Selectmen Kevin Cunningham is proposing to take $250,000 from municipal reserves to hire outside lawyers. But many residents anticipate that could be just the first phase of costs if protracted litigation is needed, especially given the resources of the opposition. Smart Technology is a partnership of Advanced Waste Technologies and Torrington-based O&G Industries, a major player in Connecticut’s construction industry that does $850 million a year in business nationally. Smart is represented by Bridgeport-based Pullman & Comley, one of Connecticut’s 10 biggest law firms.
CT town asks residents whether to spend tax money. It’s to fight a trash plant proposal.
