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FAIRFIELD, Conn. To help our readers prepare for Election Day, The Daily Fairfield sent five questions to each of the candidates on the November ballot. The following response is from Hugh Dolan, who is running for first selectman as an Independent.
Why should people vote for you?
I am the only candidate for first selectman who pledges to lower taxes in town by at least $30 million with no decrease in either town services or educational delivery. I am the only candidate with significant management experience as an operational and financial auditor, and will maximize that experience to maintain excellent service in town at reduced costs to taxpayers and property owners.
What are the biggest issues facing Fairfield?
Escalating taxes, exorbitant school spending, declining values, lack of jobs. I will put Fairfield on a sound financial footing: reducing debt, eliminating waste and duplication, and cutting taxes. This will improve home values, allowing Fairfielders to stay and not move, decreasing the quantity of homes competing for sale, further stabilizing values. We will aggressively market our unused areas to Fortune 500 firms, bringing in solid careers and employment. Lower taxes invite investment.
Is Fairfield going in the right direction If you are an incumbent, what were your biggest achievements? If you are a challenger, what has your opponent done wrong while in office?
No. Governments all over the globe are failing because they spent money they didn't have. This results in decreased ratings, higher taxes. We have to stop this crazy deficit spending. Bonding, like mortgages, strangles the taxpayers. We will conduct a thorough Operational Audit with full participation of all stakeholders, and reduce expenses by $21 million. Both opponents have consistently supported higher spending, greater bonding, and more school money without realistic benefits.
What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
As first selectman, the door will be open. Citizens, taxpayers, employees and vendors will be able to discuss issues and concerns with me. We will invite participation in all contract discussions. These extra eyes and ears will ensure we stick to our word and objectives of reducing the spending, the debt, and the budget. The employees will be participants in the Operational Audit. We know that our employees are often the best source for efficiencies, "out of the box" thinking and new process ideas.
How can Fairfield avoid another Metro Center, i.e., a project that goes severely over budget? What will you do to prevent it? Be specific.
I will not allow a project to pass my office that does not have solid costs, nailed down by a no loop-hole agreement. I will not allow the town to be exposed to one dollar beyond the proposed contract. Period. "Per unit pricing" alongside correct estimation will be used to prepare firm contracts. The appointment of a clerk of the works and a project manager, with controls, will prevent overruns. My Finance Board will do its job and monitor all projects.
Find all of our candidate Q&As here.
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