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Candidate Shares Ideas for Fairfield's Budget

David Becker is a member of Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting from District 1. He is also seeking the Republican nomination for the office of first selectman in November’s election.

 

The recent explosion of controversy and debate regarding the state of Fairfield's budget has sparked heated conversations among our town's residents. While we all agree that the town bodies need to do something to rein in the dire financial straits we find ourselves in now, the unfortunate truth is that our current situation was not created in a vacuum, and how we react today will directly affect the additional budgetary challenges that are quickly coming down the pipe.  

As you read through the synopsis of how we got here and my plan for moving forward, I urge you to keep in mind that I'm not just talking the talk; I'm walking the walk. One of the first decisions I made when I decided to run for first selectman was that I will not add to the Town of Fairfield's financial burden. Rather than depend upon the pension provided to those who hold this office, I will plan for my own future, through a 401-type plan. 

That aside, we need to take a long, hard look at how we got here before we can all decide how best to ensure that Fairfield is moving toward a flourishing, financially stable future. As we saw with the recent multimillion-dollar reductions passed by the Board of Selectman, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting, the town bodies are in a position requiring them to make some tough decisions. 

First, how we got here: Fairfield is primarily in this position for two simple reasons: contracts and debt. Unfortunately, we simply cannot sustain "business as usual" on our current budget. Take the state of our pension program, arguably one of the largest expenditures in the budget, for example. We went nearly a decade without contributing to our pension fund. Now we are in a position of having to contribute $5.5 million in 2011-12 and amounts increasing to $17 million in 2016-17 to ensure ratings agencies see that we are on a path to have full funding of our pension plans. Similarly, the previous administration's cavalier approach to borrowing — including not just large projects that should be bonded, but also purchases such as computers and operating expenses — is not a sustainable financial plan. 

So, how do we move forward? While there are cuts that can be made to operational expenses, there aren't currently enough cuts to keep the budget flat, because of the high increases in our pre-existing obligations. For Fairfield to weather this financial storm, and flourish as a community, we need to elect a First Selectman who has a strong vision for getting our budget in order.

Some of the highlights of my plan for restoring financial order to Fairfield's budget books include:

• Zero based budgeting – carry over budgeting is a thing of the past and we need to move forward.

• Negotiate our contracts with a greater emphasis on long-term affordability.

• Broaden the commercial tax base: We have the best workforce on the planet within a 50-mile radius, houses are still more affordable than area communities, and we have direct access to the train and highways; in short, this is a great place to have a business.

• Privatize more town functions – with this we must also re-examine the traditional “no layoff” clauses.

• Increase partnerships with non-profits in town – they are skilled at doing more with less.

• Consolidate and streamline departments and town government – inefficiencies are currently rampant.

Until we have a first selectman with the courage to tackle these issues, our town will continue to do business as usual. This formula led us to our current financial crisis, and is ill-equipped to help us through the challenges that we will face shortly. It is time to choose a first selectman who can guide Fairfield through this financial maze and make the town more affordable for all of our residents. I am optimistic that our town will overcome this hurdle, with the right leadership; that's why I am running for first selectman of Fairfield.

Want to share your opinion? Start the conversation in the comments below, or send letters to the editor to gcanuel@mainstreetconnect.us

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