The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education need to scour their operations each year to determine if things are being done that are no longer required and to determine if more cost effective means of delivering programs can be developed. Their budgets should be developed with reference to the Five Year Financial Forecast and all department budgets must be transparent. Any new initiatives, capital or otherwise, need to be detailed as to their implications for present and future costs and benefits. A rank ordered list of budget priorities should be outlined.

The Board of Finance needs to dig into these budgets, challenge them when necessary and pay heed to the priorities. This process ensures that we will arrive at a budget that sustains and enhances the attractiveness of Darien at a reasonable mill rate.

Qualifications: Member Board of Finance since 11/04…14 year resident…MBA from Wharton…worked for Procter& Gamble and International Paper…leadership positions in the schools, on Council of Darien School Parents, League of Women Voters and Democratic Town Committee.