November 09, 2005
Election Results
Election results are in. Click here to view the results. Click here to read the Darien Times election coverage and click here to read the Darien News-Review's coverage.
Posted by EmilyW at 01:42 PM
November 08, 2005
It's Election Day!
Don't forget to vote today! Click here to find your polling place. Read the candidates' statements before you go to the polls.
Posted by EmilyW at 10:27 AM
November 02, 2005
Town Elections are Next Week
Next Tuesday, November 8th, Darien voters will go the polls to elect local officials. Last Tuesday, candidates participated in the League of Women Voters of Darien’s Candidates Night. Peter F. Hovell, Ray Berard, Evonne Klein, Paul Hendrickson, Kevin Newman, Barbara Thorne, Susan Young, and Martha Banks have posted their closing statement from Candidates Night to the blog. Read the Darien News-Review and the Darien Times Candidates Night coverage.
If you’d like to learn more about the candidates, read the statements many submitted to the blog. Before going to the polls, take a look at the LWV’s Voters Guide, which was published in the November 3rd Darien News-Review and read the League of Women Voters’ guide, Navigating Election Day: What Every Voter Needs to Know, which is available at the Darien Library’s Information Desk.
Posted by EmilyW at 11:11 AM
Martha Banks' LWV Debate Closing Statement
• I was appointed to the BOF last November – just in time for the budget season.. As part of the budget process, I attended virtually every meeting pertaining to town and BOE budgets.
• I dug in deeply to understand the details of the budget and challenged line items that were not substantiated.
• It was a difficult year but at the end of the day, I think we arrived at a budget that funded town and school operations appropriately.
• During this process, I think I’ve established a good working relationship with other BOF member.
• Looking ahead to service on the board, I promise you that I will give proposed initiatives a fair and open hearing and that I will examine ongoing budget operations in an aggressive but supportive manner.
• I’ve been a Darien resident for 14 years and have always had an interest in town affairs. I feel a great responsibility to the town as a member of the BOF and will work hard to help ensure that we approve budgets that sustain and enhance the attractiveness of our town at a reasonable mill rate.
Posted by EmilyW at 09:46 AM
November 01, 2005
Susan Young's LWV Debate Closing Statement
Darien is a wonderful town. But, we can do better in managing our resources.
I want to be your First Selectman because I care about this town, and all of its people.
I will address issues that current leadership has not been able to resolve. Fundamentally, residents don’t want higher taxes. They want quality services at a reasonable tax rate, and, they expect their leaders to be responsible about how that money is spent.
It starts with the Budget. I will lead the Board of Selectmen in a budget process, which establishes priorities in cooperation with budget guidelines.
It is incomprehensible that Mrs. Klein initially proposed a budget based on departmental wish lists.
A proposed 31 % increase is irresponsible.
By initiating this free for all, she handed over leadership to the Board of Finance.
I will ensure that our budget reflects needs vs. wants, and keeps personnel costs under control.
Tough decisions will be made by the Board of Selectmen, not the Board of Finance.
For anything to get done in Darien, there must be collaboration, and consensus building among town boards, and within the community.
We have witnessed many examples of how lack of collaboration means no results:
We did not get Procaccini, Charter Revision, or new parking regulations, all priorities of this administration.
I have a proven track record in the schools and in the community
of building diverse coalitions, achieving consensus and finishing the job. I will do the same in Town Hall. Leadership in the community and in business translates to government.
I have run a positive campaign based on issues
and based on facts.
It’s about accomplishment, not activity. I ask for your vote on November 8th.
Together we can achieve real results for Darien.
Posted by EmilyW at 09:55 AM
October 31, 2005
Barbara Thorne's LWV Debate Closing Statement
Thank you to the League of Women Voters for this forum. An educated voter is at the heart of a democratic society.
All five currently running for Board of Selectmen will serve on it – two as freshmen. The question is who will lead it - for leadership is necessary.
I hope the freshmen to the board have not been so single focused on the budget that they have failed to look at other management and policy issues that come before us.
I expect the freshmen on the board will take the time to do their homework and fill in their background. I expect that they will read the pages of information upon which we made decisions regarding issues as disparate as tipping fees, harbor ordinance, shell fish, Broadwater, medical insurance for volunteers, CL&P, Emergency preparedness, DOT proposals, etc.
I am running unopposed, and I appreciate the confidence that represents. The contest is for the office of First Selectman. Voters, give the freshmen time to catch up. Voters, give the town the experienced leadership the times demand and the town deserves. Voters, re-elect Evonne Klein First Selectwoman.
Posted by EmilyW at 10:09 AM
October 28, 2005
Kevin Newman's LWV Debate Closing Statement
I believe Darien needs a change in leadership for two very important reasons:
1. Financial Responsibility - Every well run family, business and government requires above all else that its health and continuity be protected by a prudent and responsible leader. Mrs. Klein has a long and consistent record of being totally lacking in this important respect. During the six years she served on the Board of Education she played no role whatsoever in the important work of setting budgets.
Over that time she did not vote for a single cut in a single line item that anyone can remember, and left all of the hard work to her colleagues. Last year, as First Selectman, she submitted a truly breathtaking 31% increase in the Selectmen's budget which instantly destroyed her credibility with the Board of Finance as well as with her colleagues on the Board of Selectmen. The record is very clear. Your money is simply no object to Mrs. Klein. If it as object to you, you need to look elsewhere.
2. Team Play - It takes more than ego and drive to run a town government well. It takes the selfless collaboration of an extensive team of elected officials. There is a clear distinction between the candidates here as well. Susan Young has a consistent record of cooperation and success in all she has led in Darien. Evonne Klein doesn't think she needs any help. Predictably enough, she consistently gets us half way to where we need to go all by herself.
Darien can't be driven, it can only be led. Which candidate seems to fit this bill the best? Consider why it is that Susan Young is the clear choice among current and former elected Board members in this town. They have seen both candidates up close and personal, and they are not at all confused. Please take the time to call them and ask their opinion.
Finally, we've heard a lot about experience lately, but to be effective, experience has to be combined with other virtues like talent, collaboration, judgment, common sense and humility. Without these things, experience usually means you just get better and better at being bad. Susan Young has embodied all of these virtues in her proven record of accomplishment and service to Darien. It's all the experience we need.
We earnestly ask for your help and support in this important election. Please reject the ugly mud slinging and lies that have brought this campaign to an all time low. Let's stay on the high road in Darien and vote for Susan on Nov. 8th.
Posted by EmilyW at 05:46 PM
Paul Hendrickson's LWV Debate Closing Statement
I would first like to thank the citizens of Darien for coming out tonight in some of the foulest weather since my parents moved to Darien in 1962.
Next, I would like to thank the League for offering this forum so you can not only hear the issues discussed, but also meet the candidates.
Finally, I would like to thank Martha Banks and Peter Hovell for their service on the Board of Finance. Peter for his chairmanship over the past few years; Martha for proving to be a valuable addition to the Board within the last year. I have worked with Martha and Barbara Cook on the Board’s education budget sub-committee.
I would like to emphasize the Board of Finance is a bi-partisan group of seasoned financial professionals with broad experience. The Board works well together seeking value for the tax dollar as well as containing mill rate increases. During the budget process, the Board reviews items down to the accounting code minor level. Within the last term the Board has refinanced Town debt several times saving Darien approximately $2 million. Additionally, on a biennial basis the Board reviews the tax relief for the elderly program for appropriate adjustments; yesterday morning Mr. Hovell and I met with the Tax Assessor at 7:15 am to initiate this year’s review.
I look forward to working for Darien for another term. If you have any questions, I can be reached at 323-0116, and I live at 97 Hoyt Street.
Thank you.
Posted by EmilyW at 05:43 PM | Comments (1)
Evonne Klein's LWV Debate Closing Remarks
I want to thank the League of Women Voters and the Darien residents who joined us this evening. It is a privilege and honor to serve as your First Selectman.
This election is about the future of Darien and whether we want to stand still or move forward, farther along on the past two-year’s path of progress. I see the possibilities before us, and look out with optimism toward what I know we can achieve.
The work being completed by the Senior Center Task force will serve as a blueprint for addressing the needs, issues and concerns of many Darien Seniors and the center they rely on daily for services and support. DRI’s efforts, combined with the soon to be implemented traffic study will build upon the work underway to create a more vibrant and desirable downtown. We need to continue our efforts to protect our environment by winning the battle against the Broadwater-LNG terminal, pursuing opportunities to dredge our waterways as well as repairing the Gorham’s Pond Dam.
We have, and should continue to challenge ourselves to uncover creative solutions to easing our property tax burden, from pursuing federal and state grants to cultivating public/private partnerships and building a solid commercial business base. We’ve already made tremendous strides, and to continue requires a leader who has the confidence of the boards, commissions and residents of our community, a proven record of success, a vision, and ability to get the job done.
The First Selectman’s job is not a training ground. I hope that over the past two years I’ve proven I’m up to the challenge, earned your confidence, and your vote. Thank you.
Posted by EmilyW at 02:43 PM
Ray Berard's LWV Debate Closing Remarks
In closing I’d like to focus on what I’ll do as Treasurer – and why I’m best suited to do it.
The Town Charter specifies that the Treasurer is elected from among Darien’s registered voters. It is a “citizen’s position” set up to look after Darien’s money and the voters are the sole determiners of the job qualifications. The Treasurer does not report to anyone and does not manage anyone – yet he has to work well with many.
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.
Posted by EmilyW at 02:20 PM
October 27, 2005
Peter F. Hovell's LWV Debate Closing Remarks
I am here tonight to ask you to vote for not only myself – but Paul and Tom – and for Susan Young.
I believe that your Board of Finance has done an outstanding job over the past year in attempting to hold down your tax rate – and in seeing that the money is being spent wisely.
To do this – we need budgetary control – we need cooperation and communications between boards – and we need fiscal prudence.
I do not care what Mrs Klein has said – but in her heart of hearts – I do not believe that she believes or understands those attributes. I suspect that she is constitutionally incapable of meeting those criteria.
If you agree with our actions this past year – I truly hope that you will demonstrate that confidence by voting for me – for Tom, Paul, Susan Young - and for fiscal prudence.
Posted by EmilyW at 04:53 PM
October 19, 2005
This month on the blog: Election Info and Candidate Statements
Welcome to the new Community Matters blog! This month, we are featuring information about next month's town elections and statements from the candidates. Each candidate was asked to provide a one page statement to Darien voters. We will post their statements as they are received. Check back often for updated information!
Posted by EmilyW at 01:51 PM
List of Candidates
The following candidates will appear on the November ballot. If the candidate's name is underlined, you may click on the name to view his or her statement. Each candidate was asked to submit a statement. Candidates whose names are not underlined declined to submit a statement.
First Selectman: Susan Young (R), Evonne M. Klein (D)
Selectmen: Linda Saverine Santarella (R), Kevin P. Newman (R), Barbara L. Thorne (D)
Town Clerk: Donna E. Rajczewski (R)
Town Treasurer: Joan D. Hendrickson (R), Raymond W. Berard (D)
Tax Collector: Robert A. Locke (R)
Board of Finance: Paul B. Hendrickson (R), Peter F. Hovell (R), Thomas F. Volpe (R), Martha Banks (D)
Board of Education: Kimberly P. Westcott (R), Morgan B. Whittier (R), Heather Lynne Shea (D)
Board of Assessment Appeals: Christopher Peters (R), Robert W. Finke (D)
Planning and Zoning Commission: Frederick B. Conze (R), Joseph H. Spain (R), Peter Bigelow (D)
Constables: Joseph Tarnowsky, Jr. (R), William John Slinsky, Sr. (D)
(R)= Republican, (D)= Democrat
This list of candidates was provided by the Registrars of Voters.
Posted by louise at 01:49 PM
Statement from Evonne Klein, Candidate for First Selectman
The election on November 8th is about the future of Darien. The issues before us are not Democrat or Republican issues, rather they are community issues. When I ran two years ago, I made a commitment to work hard to make improvements to our community. You can learn more about what’s been accomplished at www.reelectklein.com. I am proud of my results and if re-elected I will continue to serve the community and most importantly continue the progress we’ve made on the following initiatives:
1. Maintaining a more responsive government;
2. Improvements to our parks, beaches and train stations;
3. Implementation of the $200,000 grant dedicated to addressing
traffic along the Post Rd;
4. Expansion of our Emergency Response Plan;
5. The revitalization of the downtown;
6. Maintaining our fiscal discipline, streamlining Town Hall
operations and identifying efficiencies;
7. Improved tax relief for seniors.
I have served the Darien community as an elected official for the past ten years, four of which were on the Board of Selectmen. I have the leadership experience and proven results needed to effectively govern our community. I hope I can count on your support and continued confidence.
Posted by EmilyW at 01:43 PM | Comments (1)
Statement from Joan Hendrickson, Candidate for Treasurer
Treasurer is a unique position in that it is a technical job requiring specific financial skills, but is elected through the political process. Unlike many other elected positions it has one focus and that is investing the town’s money efficiently and effectively.
There are several things I would do if elected Treasurer. A top priority is improving the town’s cash flow by creating new operating procedures allowing money to be invested faster.
Little can be done to improve rates since our low risk investments are regulated by state statute. However, we can work to eliminate float (time money is not invested) by transferring money faster. Further, I would set up a financial/investment advisory committee to advise the Treasurer’s office in setting investment/financial strategy. While some might disparage the idea of asking for advice, a seasoned professional is one who always keeps learning from other seasoned professionals. It is particularly helpful when that advice is free with no reward involved for any of the participants except doing something to help our town. As Christopher Shays recently said in a speech you should not elect anyone who doesn’t keep learning and claims to know everything.
I will closely work with all town departments including the Finance Department. While doing research before running for this office, I contacted relevant departments to educate myself on the Treasurers job. Additionally, I am familiar with town government after spending 12 years on the RTM. As qualification for this job, I have spent 30 years as a financial services professional (18 years in banking and 12 in consulting/financial services). My specific experience includes cash management, corporate finance, structured finance, equipment finance, restructuring and strategy. I have an MBA and served as Chief Strategist, Senior Manager and Senior Credit Officer for Daimler Chrysler Capital Services.
As a 20 year resident of Darien with 3 generations of my family still living here, I have an appreciation of Darien’s past and want to help shape its future. I ask for your support in the election on November 8. Thank you.
Posted by EmilyW at 09:54 AM
October 18, 2005
Statement from Paul Hendrickson, Candidate for Board of Finance
The Board of Selectmen determines Darien’s priorities while the Board of Education sets the schools’ priorities. The Board of Finance determines the affordability of those priorities vis-à-vis the taxpayers’ willingness to pay and the general economic environment. Priorities should be directed at what we need as a community, not necessarily all our wants.
To determine affordability the Board of Finance must review the soundness and completeness of any proposed program or project for the reliability of the estimates as well as the financial suitability for all Darien residents. Projects which affect the safety of the community should be given the highest priority, followed by those which maintain the vitality of Darien’s school system. The Town should only fund those programs that have a lasting impact on the majority of the population over an extended period of time. Items which affect a small minority of residents should be funded either through user fees or public / private partnerships.
Tax rate increases should be justifiable to all residents, i.e., people should know what they are getting for their money. In most cases increases should not exceed the consumer price index (CPI) or average annual salary increases; tax rate increases which greatly outstrip these indices put an added strain on lower income people and those on fixed incomes. Lately tax increases have exceeded these benchmarks, and greater effort must be placed on containing government growth.
Posted by EmilyW at 11:12 AM
October 16, 2005
Statement from Tom Volpe, Candidate for Board of Finance
KEEPING DARIEN SPECIAL......Whose Job Is It?
Changes are inevitable, like it or not. Darien has and will continue to change.
Do you notice the changes? I do. But I’ve been in Town a long time and perhaps I see the changes more than some of you. Change is not bad, in fact change is good, it’s healthy.
The question is who directs or influences that change? Is it the few elected Town officials? The Board of Selectmen? The RTM? Are they responsible for changes? Is it the Contractors, Developers, Real Estate people? Maybe it’s the Planning & Zoning Board? It does sound like they should be responsible.
Maybe it’s ALL of us; each in our own way; each in whatever capacity we serve. Whether you’re a parent of a student in our schools or a grandparent whose kids are grown and gone; whether you’re a local small business person, or a high powered corporate executive commuting to the City. Whoever you are, if you live in Darien you share the responsibility to keep Darien SPECIAL.
There are many things happening right now that will change Darien. Some people want a town swimming pool, but where will it go? Some people want zoning changes, but on which streets? In which neighborhoods? We need more Senior Housing and some Affordable Housing, but again where should they be? A new Senior Center? A Skatepark? More Openspace? Renewing our beaches?
You get the point. Get involved and keep Darien SPECIAL.
Posted by EmilyW at 01:12 PM
Statement from Martha Banks, Candidate for Board of Finance
The budget is where the needs and the interests of the town meet the reality of paying for them. Like everyone else, I want reasonable taxes but am willing to pay for programs that benefit the people of Darien.
We have been in a period of exceptional financial demand due to the new high school and health care costs. Construction of the new Tokeneke School will require additional funding.
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.
Posted by EmilyW at 01:09 PM
October 14, 2005
Statement from Susan Young, Candidate for First Selectman
My husband and I moved to Darien 20 years ago for its excellence in education, for its affordable taxes, its proximity to New York City and its location on Long Island Sound. We became involved in the activities of our town and those related to the interests of our three daughters. Once you are involved you realize that “Community Matters.” You want to see our town’s New England charm preserved, while helping it grow to meet the needs of its residents.
I was a member of organizations that are the heart of the community: school PTO’s, Council of Darien School Parents, The Darien Technology Foundation, the Darien Nature Center, and the Republican Town Committee, to name a few. I was chairman of many of these, as well as the leader of the Political Action Committee to rebuild our five elementary schools.
It was always my goal to lead by building consensus. I sought to bring diverse ideas together to make a new whole: one with integrity, respect and substance. It is this commitment to working collaboratively with people, boards and commissions that inspires me to run for First Selectman. In addition to knowing the town and the political system, I bring business and management experience to the Board of Selectmen. I will actually accomplish things that have been elusive, with fiscal responsibility. We can run this town as efficiently as we run our homes and businesses, while supporting the volunteers that make Darien unique.
Posted by EmilyW at 04:58 PM
October 13, 2005
Statement from Morgan Whittier, Candidate for Board of Education
I look forward to joining the Board of Education especially with the tremendous success the sitting members have had. Continuing these efforts and preparing for new challenges are my goals. The Board’s budget process takes commitment, time, prioritizing, and logic. The end result has to incorporate the needs of the schools with a fiscal responsibility to those who foot the bill, the taxpayers.
With 20 years of experience at investment banks Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, I have first hand knowledge of the complexities associated in compiling budgets as well as assessing the balance sheets of other companies. The Board of Education’s duty to deliver a conscientious budget is a difficult one. I expect that being part of the team I can assist in alleviating some of the burden.
I received a B.A. in Political Science from Kenyon College and had the good fortune to attend both public and private high schools. I have lived in Darien for 14 years and I am married to a lifelong Darien resident. We have two children, one in Hindley and one in Holmes.
Everyone benefits from such an outstanding school system. There are challenges ahead. Special Education needs are rising in Darien and necessitate thoughtful consideration. State of the art facilities and technology serve no purpose without the finest teachers available. Maintaining optimum class size in a growing student population is tricky, but mandatory. I intend to continue Darien’s traditional success in education through cohesive work and community interaction.
Posted by EmilyW at 02:39 PM
Statement from Frederick B. Conze, Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commission
Planning & Zoning Commission – 12 years
RTM - 6 years
Darien Resident - 29
Ten years ago during my first term on Planning and Zoning, the Commission published a Town Plan designed to stimulate the revitalization of our downtown. As a consequence of that plan and a great deal of work by both the Commission and staff, our commercial center has become a more vibrant, pedestrian friendly sector of our town.
The task, however, is not finished. We are currently in the midst of completing a new Town Plan designed to continue this revitalization. Many key elements of the revitalization continue to evolve as private developers and commercial tenants seek to expand their business opportunities in the pro-active regulatory/planning environment framed by the Commission.
Posted by EmilyW at 11:24 AM
Statement from Christopher Peters, Candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals
Qualifications:
30 plus year resident of Darien. Director of Portfolio Management for international real estate investment firm with over $8 billion invested in U.S. real estate. MBA in real estate finance. Current member of Board of Assessment Appeals standing for re-election.
Personal:
Married to Julie Peters; three boys in kindergarten and first grade at Tokeneke; 20 years of service to Noroton Fire Department.
Statement:
Rising property taxes are inevitable, but the Board of Assessment Appeals attempts to see that each property owner is treated equitably and fairly. We look at how each property’s unique characteristics and its value in relation to neighbors and comparables led to is assessed value and then make adjustments if necessary. A very thorough knowledge of Darien and how real estate is valued is key to being an effective judge of the assessment process. I believe my professional experience and experience on the Board of Assessment Appeals provides me ample knowledge to serve another term.
Posted by EmilyW at 10:27 AM
October 12, 2005
Statement from Kim Westcott, Candidate for Board of Education
Having served on the Darien Board of Education for three years, I am running for re-election November 8th. I have lived in Darien with my family for seventeen years and have been an active volunteer in the schools and church. I worked for nine years in Corporate Finance at JPMorgan prior to starting a family.
It has been an exciting time to be involved in Darien education. Our town has invested heavily in school building programs over the past ten years to accommodate rising enrollment. The opening of the new Darien High School is an accomplishment that should instill pride in all Darien citizens. I believe it is a facility that will inspire students and teachers to reach their highest potential.
Beyond updating our facilities, the Board has focused considerable time on curricula at all levels and worked to appropriately staff the schools in light of revisions. The Board also reviews policies governing the district. During our deliberations we encourage participation and feedback.
I am grateful for the enthusiastic support of education provided by Darien citizens. The Darien Board of Education strives to provide the best education for all its students being ever mindful of the financial impact on the taxpayer. The Board of Education spends several months each year analyzing the prospective budget to
balance school district needs with the need to be fiscally responsible. I believe this process should be collaborative and welcome the give and take between parents, other taxpayers and the town boards.
Posted by EmilyW at 04:21 PM
Statement from William J. Slinsky, Sr., Candidate for Constable
QUALIFICATIONS
I have been a resident in Darien since 1965. My children graduated from Darien schools. I was a special police officer in Darien for approximately seven years. I was with the Fairfield County Sheriff's Department for five years, serving subpoenas throughout Fairfield County, and picking up people who had outstanding warrants and transporting them to the Bridgeport Correctional Facility.
Elected Constable for the Town of Darien in 2001 and re-elected in 2003.
EDUCATION
1958: Graduated Stamford High School
EMPLOYMENT
1995 to Present: Driver and Office Manager for the Stamford
Office of J&R Tours
1997 to 2003: Driver, City of Stamford Dial-A-Ride Program
1982 to 1995: Owner, Stamford Auto Mart and A Tin Lizzie
Car Rentals
Posted by EmilyW at 04:02 PM
Statement from Peter F. Hovell, Candidate for Board of Finance
Last year the Board of Finance, after a very thorough scrutiny of the budget, was able to reduce the requested 15% budget increase to a mill rate increase of 8.95%. To me even this reduced increase is not only unacceptable but, more importantly, it is not sustainable. (We have averaged 6.04% over the prior 6 years and 5.35% over the last 11 years.)
It is a primary job of the Board of Finance to balance the needs of both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education against each other, and against the ability and the willingness of the taxpayers to pay the resultant taxes. If the budgets being submitted result in tax increases so significantly above norm, we are forced to be proactive in reducing the budgets. Normally our role is more passive: simply to ensure affordability and value. It is only in the face of excessive proposed increases that we become, inadvertently, involved in establishing priorities.
This town has a long tradition of being fiscally conservative and it has diligently worked to control the rate of taxation. If elected again, I plan to continue to work to maintain these goals.
Posted by EmilyW at 03:58 PM
Statement from Ray Berard, Candidate for Treasurer
The Darien Treasurer is a part-time official elected to manage cash and optimize return on investments.
Darien has a Financial Director with a fully staffed professional Finance Department. The Treasurer has explicit responsibilities separate from the Finance Department but must act in concert with them to be effective.
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.
Posted by EmilyW at 09:26 AM
October 11, 2005
Statement from Barbara Thorne, Candidate for Board of Selectmen
I am Barbara Thorne, a candidate for re-election to the Board of Selectman.
I could post a resume, but thought it would be more informative and entertaining to give you the Top Ten reasons to return me to office:
10) Historical Perspective: Ran for Selectman in four very different campaigns and served on Board during times of change.
9) Voter accountability: election results demonstrate bi-partisan support.
8) Generational appeal: supporters among recent high school graduates, elderly great-grandparents, and many many in between.
7) Professional experience: Trained and certified counselor and history teacher. Understands government, politics, and people. Works with difficult people and situations. Conflict resolution experience. Ability to frame the conversation.
6) Governmental/volunteer experience: Board of Selectman, Park and Recreation Commission, A-Better-Chance, League of Women Voters, Junior League, Depot. Built and defended budgets.
5) Knowledge of community: 29 year direct participation in school and community.
4) Measurable accomplishments: Many successes from past and present. Ask me.
3) Independent: Open minded. Outspoken. Able to be challenging and use conflict constructively.
2) Team player: proven record of collaboration, cooperation and consensus building.
1) Single agenda: The best interests of all residents in the town of Darien. Ask me.
Posted by EmilyW at 10:13 AM
October 03, 2005
It's Election Time!
On Tuesday, November 8, Darien residents will go to the polls to vote for town officials, board members, and commissioners. Be an informed voter! Visit the Town Registrars of Voters website to get general information about voting, to download a voter registration application, to download an application for an absentee ballot, to find out where to vote, and much more.
The League of Women Voters of Darien's voters' guide will be published on October 27.
The Darien Democratic Town Committee and the Darien Republican Town Committee provide information about each party's endorsed candidates and committee activities on their websites.
Posted by louise at 11:00 AM