The limited investment choices allowed by the state ensure that it is virtually impossible not to make money. The real question is “how much?” What is needed - and currently missing - is a controls system quantifying the effectiveness of one option versus another. I will employ business techniques learned during 25 years managing in IBM to measure the effectiveness of different options to optimize the ROI.

There is a proposal to form an investment “advisory committee” to tap the “many brilliant minds” in town. This approach could easily lead to conflicts of interest. The “many brilliant minds” are not idle and have interests (direct and indirect) in many of the financial instruments they would be advising on. Instead, I will complement my research with a closer cooperation with the existing experienced Finance Department to help make and track investment decisions.

Finally, I have protected my integrity and impartiality by not soliciting or accepting political contributions. I want to avoid having to recuse myself or be questioned because of favors owed or any other possible conflict of interest.

I look forward to serving Darien as its next Treasurer.