Results — not rhetoric. What you should know for Brookfield’s election.

I have been honored to serve the community for the last 11 years — 7 years on the Board of Education and the past 4 on the Board of Finance. I'm proud to be a member of the team running for election on the Democratic Party line — the Row B team. 

I also agree with the sentiment expressed in our opponents’ campaign literature that people should focus on results — not rhetoric. So let’s take a look.

• They say they want to “increase our commercial property tax base to minimize residential property tax increases.” The fact is that under Lasser/Davidson leadership the commercial tax base has grown, and there are currently over $100-million worth of projects approved for the Four Corners area. And let’s not forget that Costco has stayed and expanded in Brookfield, and BJ’s has come to our town as well. Continuing this progress will certainly be a focus for the Row B team going forward. 
• They say they want to “reduce spending and tax increases by implementing cost-effective practices and policies.” The fact is that under Lasser/Davidson the average tax increase has been the lowest of any comparable period in the past 20 years, and Brookfield has one of the lowest tax rates in the area. One example of how this was achieved is employee insurance, where contract negotiations have resulted in annual savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Employee participation rates (what they pay for insurance) have also been negotiated to be on par with private industry — again saving the town significant funds each year.
• They say they want to “ensure that every resident continues to enjoy and can afford Brookfield’s quality of life.” The fact is that this is or should be the goal of every candidate. But while Lasser/Davidson have focused on holding the line on spending, they have also repaired roads and facilities that their predecessors neglected and have maintained the town’s excellent services. Of particular note is Howard Lasser’s effort in relation to the Sewer Commission (WPCA) that resulted in savings to the town and its residents of over $1-million.
• They say that they want to “reduce the $30 million in debt and unfunded obligations created by the Lasser & Davidson administration.” The fact is that the town’s fiscal health is very much in order. Our debt is lower now than it was when Lasser/Davidson took office. Our Pensions are being funded at 100% of the annual requirement. The actual liability for Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) has been limited through effective negotiations with unions. A recent accounting rule change that applies to all municipalities requires that existing OPEB value now be shown in the town’s audit, but this should not be represented as a new obligation. This is a complex issue, but our actual liability has been reduced and the annual cost is already in our budget. The ultimate test of Brookfield’s financial soundness is what the bond rating agencies rate our town. Standard & Poor’s has just upgraded Brookfield from AA to AAA — the highest possible rating. There are only 15 towns in CT that enjoy this distinction, and Brookfield is one. By any fiscal measure, we are in good shape.

So bottom line, you should be looking at the results when looking at candidates. If you’re looking at real results — and not campaign rhetoric — I believe that Row B should be your clear choice on November 5.