NHR on budget meeting
Here are some excerpts (see blue italics) of the NHRs take on last night's budget meeting (by Luther Turmelle):
Formerly representing "the fightin' fourth" and a long-time Democratic leader in Cheshire... “If you can, find your way to a zero (mill) increase, go for it,” said Joy Hostage. “The people of this town will stand up and cheer.”
From one of the town's most attentive and independent-minded residents... “Have confidence in your decision, that the people will accept whatever cuts you choose to make,” said Ray Squire.
But there was an alternative view voiced... members of the council’s Democratic majority said they felt uncomfortable with a zero increase in the tax rate.... “It sets an expectation that we can replicate it again in the next budget cycle,” said Michael Ecke, the council budget committee chairman.
I strongly disagree. I doubt anyone in Cheshire has ever said "well, my taxes increased 3.2% this year. So I guess I can expect that next year." Seriously, that argument seems so flawed. Although it did sound better than the remarks that made me think some people were drinking the Kool-Aid when they seemed to suggest it's good for taxes to go up every year.
But what do you expect from The Rubberstampers?
Tim White
10 comments:
It is embarassing to think that one of our council members would make such an idiotic statement like the one Mr. Ecke made.
Does he really think that if we had no increase this year then we would expect it next year? I, for one, know that we would eventually have to pay more taxes, I just think if there is a way where we can avoid it during a year when we are in recession, then we should.
If this is the reason why Mr. Ecke is voting for an increase then he should be booted out so fast.
Does he realize that there are many intelligent people in this town who understand that taxes can't always stay the same? When he makes a statement as stupid as that he is the one who looks like the scarecrow who needs a brain.
Ths is the same old BS. Maybe a referendum is all the majority on the town council understands. They certainly don't listen to anyone that speaks at TC public hearings. Why is the attendance low? I'm sure they can answer that question. Wait until the next election. They only have the majority because of 150 votes in the 3rd district. I would not call that a majority. Listen and represent the citizens as you where elected to do. All the millions in surplus and we are trying to cut $80,000. How idiotic.
Great article. The sediments of the people was caputured beautifully. Why don't the council members hear the pleas? Are they sleeping at these meetings?
How can anyone accuse the Democratic majority of not litening. They listen to Milone, Ernie Dipietro, the developers and other special interests, and they don't give a rat's tail about the rest of us except at election time.
Kudos to Elizabeth Esty for stating that the proposed school budget increase may be all that we can afford right now and that proposed staff cuts in the schools may be acceptable, that in reposne to Mr, Florio crying once again that the sky is falling. Anytime anyone opposes anything in the school budget....Mr. Florio runs screaming like chicken little. If the schools cant handle smaller budget increases or static budgets Mr. Florio, than your not doing your job, which is to be prepared for better or worse to run the schools effectively and efficiently. Maybe its time for Mr. Florio to move on...
"All we could afford" We are given them everything they want. There has been no cuts made by the proposed budget. They always ask for more knowing they will get less which might be the real figure they are looking for. Kudos are not in order.
“It sets an expectation that we can replicate it again in the next budget cycle,” said Michael Ecke, the council budget committee chairman.
This has got to be one of the dumbest things this guy has said!
6:53 You are exactly right - kudos are NOT in order for Esty. The boe is getting all they want and Esty is just trying to look like the "good guy"..she knows (and so does Florio) that NO teachers will be let go. It's all an act.
Anon 9:22, why do we need to lay off teachers? As I mentioned on another post, these are not highly paid executives, the average salary is under $50k. Hows that for folks who educate our children, require graduate degrees to maintain their employment and pay for supplies out of their own pockets. I supported the last zero growth budget and would like to see another one. Blaming this mess on the teachers and asking for some to be laid off is unfair.
Its no different than a corporation laying off employees when management makes piss poor decisions......
Anon 10:38 We don't have to lay off anyone. There is plenty of money and there will be enough for next year. It's a game. Zero mill increase could have worked with no reductions in services. It could have been lower if they truly try to save some money. No incentives- no savings to taxpayers.
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