17/02/2022
Why am I running for Selectman you ask?
I am running for the Board of Selectmen, because I believe I have a great deal to offer our community. Having already served two terms on the board (2007-2013), I have the familiarity and institutional knowledge necessary to hit the ground running, while also bringing a fresh outlook to the board, and hopefully some new perspectives.
Over my 28 years here in Milford, I have also had the opportunity to serve on many other boards and commissions. As a member of the Planning Board, I understand the value of well thought-out, long-range planning, especially for a growing town like Milford. It has also taught me the importance of protecting the rights of individual property owners while also encouraging economic development opportunities that will lessen our reliance on residential property taxes. As a past member of the Recreation Commission, I learned the value of recreational programming in maintaining a vibrant community, while also providing affordable programming for those who might not otherwise be able to participate. As a founding member of the Granite Town Media Advisory Committee, I understand the importance of public outreach, transparency and community participation.
Probably most important is my experience on the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) and the Capital Improvements Committee (CIP). Each year, these committees meet with department heads for detailed briefings on not only current budget requests, but also future budget needs. While the BAC focuses on the current year’s budget, the CIP attempts to look at spending over the next five years, balancing new expenses against upcoming debt retirement with the goal of “smoothing” the tax rate and preventing spikes in our tax bills. Having this background will help me as a selectman when it comes time to make critical decisions on spending.
Fiscally, we must be smart not only about spending, but also about the other side of the equation, revenue. Property taxes only account for about 60% of the town’s spending, yet whenever we need something, the first thing we do is look to the taxpayer. We need to find creative ways to increase that other 40%, our non-tax revenue. We must be prudent about our use of Fund Balance (accumulated year-over-year budget surpluses) and look to use it in ways that take future spending off the books (and therefore off the tax rate). Every time we face a challenge, the goal can’t be simply to cut and slash. We need to look out over 5-10 years, and work to ensure that we can fund the town services that we have all grown to expect, while keeping taxes as low as possible.
I will provide a steady, rational voice on the board, one who takes all views into consideration and never comes to the table with an agenda. The end goal must always be what is best for the town as a whole, not one department, not one group, not one ideology. I believe I am up to the task and ask for your vote on March 8th.
