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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 Winthrop Baum, a Republican running for the Representative Town Meeting in District 2.
Why should people vote for you?
Ive been a part of the Fairfield County business community for over 35 years. I bring a businessmans eye for efficiency to the financial affairs of Fairfield government.
What are the biggest issues facing Fairfield?
In a time of great financial challenges, I believe fiscal policy and fiscal efficiency are the keys to Fairfields future. Are we to become another Bridgeport, or can we aspire to be like Greenwich in terms of governance?
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?
I am neither an incumbent nor a challenger. I chose to get involved because, when I heard a 5 percent increase in spending was proposed earlier this year, I was upset. Dont our leaders know that in a time of great fiscal constraint that a 5 percent increase in overall spending is an insult? But when I heard about the unanticipated cost overrun on the Metro Center project, I felt something was out of control. After all, hasnt this project been front and center, debated and analyzed ad infinitum, for a decade now?
What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
I pledge to be as open to the voters as I possibly can be. I do not aspire to a paid political position. I only want to restore a sense of balance, fairness and, most of all, fiscal authenticity to the affairs of Fairfield. Fairfield voters will have full access to my time for the purpose of fulfilling my vision for Fairfields finances.
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.
Any project proposed for public consumption must be reviewed by competent people. You cannot prevent nor should you attempt to prevent new projects from being proposed. But every new proposal needs to be looked over for its benefits and costs by people with business experience. No project of any magnitude should be the sole province of the first selectman, who should take into consideration the relevant town bodies. The first selectmans role in these matters should be one of guiding the process rather than handing down dictates. Apparently, that is the failing of the current Metro Center project, that this was not applied and the result is a whopping cost overrun that was completely unanticipated.
To reach Greg Canuel, email gcanuel@thedailyfairfield.com.
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