I have over 25 years business experience in IBM and over 30 years experience managing. I am not a banker – and for this job that is not a bad thing. What is needed to be the Darien Treasurer is an ability to work well in an ill defined “matrix structure.” I did this in Eastern Europe for the past 5 years helping governments and banks among others to enter the modern age. I did this while working harmoniously with people from different cultures and in various roles - all to solve common problems. I can do this in Darien too.

In the business world I used the techniques of benchmarking and measurements to optimize and quantify results. As part of my efforts to modernize Darien’s cash management practices, I will work with the Tax Collector and Finance Department measuring our efficiency in handling receipts and payments, and quantifying the effectiveness of the investments chosen by me - the Treasurer.

In business, it is common to employ change in personnel or structure in order to initiate improvements. Our Treasurer for the past 18 years is a capable experienced financial professional who has given us a solid foundation on which to build. The RTC has chosen to replace him. It is time to move forward, a chance to initiate change. But, what the RTC offers us is another banker. I am telling you that nothing changes if nothing changes. If you want progress from the Treasurer’s office, if you want to move forward, you will vote for me - Ray Berard.

Thank you – and please vote on November 8th.