STAMFORD, Conn. Stamfords seven Board of Finance candidates were asked to explain what a dysfunctional board is and describe how important it is for members to get along during a debate Tuesday night at the Ferguson Library.
Democrat incumbent Mary Lou Rinaldi said she has seen a dysfunctional board first-hand in recent years. She said city employees don't want to meet with the board because they get belittled and members who don't get their way storm out of the conference room.
Republican incumbent Bob Kolenberg disagreed, saying there have been heated discussions on boards on which he and Rinaldi have served, but they ultimately functioned well for residents who saw lower tax increases. Later in the debate, Kolenberg added that he wouldnt support a big tax increase just because it was presented in a nice fashion.
There are no personal vendettas," Kolenberg said of the board members. "Were all trying to do whats best for the city."
Republican challenger Joseph Tarzia, a former board member of 24 years, said he personally had no problems getting along with anybody. He said it is the responsibility of every board member to express their opinions with as much emotion as they want.
We had very heated debates, but we got along nicely, Tarzia said of his previous time on the board.
Democrat challenger David Martin is all for healthy debate and passion on issues, but he said decisions have to get made. He believes the finance board should be the least political board, but he said it has become the most political.
We cant be like Washington, Martin, former president of the Board of Representatives, said as he described Congress and its lack of progress because of political biases.
Democrat John Louizos, a former board member, agreed with Martin. He wants debate but said yelling makes the board dysfunctional and brings action to a halt. He specifically mentioned the board that Tarzia had chaired the past two years.
The city of Stamford cant be brought to a standstill, Louizos said.
Republican incumbent Scott Mirkin also saw dysfunction on the board before Tarzia stepped down and he was appointed. Mirkin said that since joining he has reached out to other members to come up with the best decisions for the city. Its not because I am a superhero, but because I reached across aisle, Mirkin said.
Independent Cynthia Reeder doesnt think the current board is dysfunctional. She thinks members are not ready to discuss issues and said they could get more done if they were more prepared. The dialogue is critical," Reeder said. "But doing your homework is more important."
Three seats are available on the finance board, and voters can choose any of the seven candidates. Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
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