Broken Promises: REALISTIC GROWTH STRATEGY
“Concentrate infrastructure development in the core area along I-40 where sewer lines already exist.”
Almost immediately, Bassett began pursuing the opposite direction. He began by alienating the town’s long-time engineering firm and hiring a new firm who had to be paid a hefty sum to get up to speed on Edgewood’s existing system (it’s worth mentioning this firm’s sales rep happens to be a former Edgewood town councilor, whose previous employer sold the town it’s current, troublesome wastewater treatment plant).
Then, Bassett had the new form design a residential sewer collection system, something the community had NOT prioritized or requested.
When it came time to put pipe in the ground, he misrepresented the location of line (calling it the Cactus-Main line) when in fact, it went right into the Bassett family private land (not along Main Street as suggested). When seeking approval, he failed to provide a visual map of the project even when requested by a councilor.
The mayor’s pet project used up money that could have been used for much-needed repairs of the town’s failing wastewater treatment plant. Still today, the needs of the town’s wastewater treatment plant continue to take a back seat (even as it violates state safety regulations) and the mayor continues to defer the maintenance needs of the plant in order to try to fatten the town’s cash standing (in the hopes of taking EPCOR through eminent domain).
