Happy 50th anniversary!

If you happen to see my parents around town, please wish them a Happy Anniversary!

On June 17th, 1961, my dad convinced my mom to tie the knot. And it was only a few days earlier that he had graduated from Dartmouth College via ROTC... and began getting ready to ship out. And his Dartmouth degree continued paying dividends this week. Since his class graduated fifty years ago, he was among those who were honored guests at Dartmouth's graduation this year... and he got to see -- and enjoyed -- Conan O'Brien's commencement speech:

Tim White

Capital Budget '10/11: recap on several departments

Tuesday night at 7pm is the final scheduled review of the department requests for the proposed 2010 / 2011 capital budget. Then on Wednesday, August 18 @ 7:30pm you'll have your chance to speak at the public hearing. But in the meantime if you're interested in Tuesday's meeting, here's a recap of the proposal's that are to be discussed then:

Fire

Police

Water Pollution Control Department

Economic Development (including West Main)

Planning (including open space)

Senior Services

Tim White

Capital Budget '10/11: senior services

The TMs proposed capital budget for senior services doesn't include anything for the next two years:Tim White

My thoughts on the senior tax relief votes

A resident asked me to further explain my thoughts on last week's senior tax relief program, so here goes...

I want to provide as much tax relief as I can to everyone*. However, I believe someone who makes $15,000 / yr needs more help than someone who makes a living wage. For that reason I prefer the senior tax credits over the tax freeze - as seen in my votes last week.

My explanations follow, but really piggyback on Tom Ruocco's comments:



The tax freeze simply freezes one's taxes. And if one was already paying more than one could afford, the tax freeze is not enough. However, Tom's comments make clear the value of the tax credits that have actually reduced the tax burden of some.

Here I explain my thoughts on how the tax credits are well-suited to helping those most in need:



Also if we focused on the tax credits for those making, say, $30,000 / yr... we could actually reduce their already burdensome taxload, rather than just freezing it.

Finally, here I offer my thoughts on the tax credits and compare them to the tax freeze:



I hope this helps people understand my thoughts on the senior tax relief program.

Tim White

* we all know spending is the real issue

Senior Center grant for computer equipment

On Tuesday, the Council voted on a grant for new computer equipment at the Senior Center. The MRJs Jesse Buchanan writes about the grant here.

Tim White

Activities at the Senior Center and elsewhere

From the MRJs Jesse Buchanan:

Senior Center director Doreen Pulisciano wants to attract a new crowd - working, baby boomer-age seniors...

Countless studies support the prediction that baby boomers will be more active and will work longer after retirement than their parents, the World War II generation. Senior center events must reflect the shift towards a more active, healthier lifestyle, Pulisciano said.

"They want to go kayaking and they want to go biking they want different activities," she said.

As an alternative, I suggest meetup.com. You could join one of the three that already exist in Cheshire or one of the 44 that already exist within ten miles of Cheshire. Or expand the range to 25 miles and find hundreds of meetups as close as New Haven. It's everything from dogs to parenting, from reading to hiking.

And on a somewhat related note... if you're looking for something to do... check out Idealist.org for volunteer opportunities in CT.

Or take advantage of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation's new website and "write" a letter to the editor calling for leadership in Washington by discussing fiscal policy, particularly entitlement reform.

Tim White

08/09 Capital budget - Senior Center

Tim White

Senior tax freeze renewal

A senior tax freeze --- once a controversial idea in this town --- has been making its way to the Town Council and hardly piquing the interest of anyone in town.That's in sharp contrast to what happened more than a year ago when a group made up mostly of seniors collected more than 3,000 signatures trying to force a referendum on a plan to freeze taxes on senior citizens. When they were not allowed to put their question on the ballot, more than 100 angry seniors showed up at Town Council meetings asking for a freeze. (WRA)

Tim White
Town Council, 4th District

Budget workshop 3/26

The workshop started with Youth & Social Services. Michelle Piccirello is asking for an increase in hours for her "middle school coordinator." I asked the difference between this position and a guidance counselor at Dodd. She said it related to "socialization after school and on weekends." Fair enough, I suppose. It includes stuff such as organizing dances and other activities. Also, I think she's considering charging for an "alcohol awareness" program. I think this is a program that is offered by the state to substitute for other harsher punishment doled out to kids caught drinking... I see no reason why the town shouldn't charge for something like that. Finally, I was rather disappointed when the town manager suggested that he will probably request funding for an expansion of The Yellow House. He said that activity is increasing so much there, they'll need to expand. The unfortunate thing here is... we have a "youth center"... the Harmon J. Leonard Youth Center. And while I'm too young to have been around when it was built, my parents and others were not. In fact, they and others donated to its construction. And considering its current use... it's really disappointing to me and (I'm sure) to others who know its sad history. But that's a story unto itself. I'll try to tell that story some other time.

Next up was Senior Services. Doreen Pulisciano requested increases for dispatcher (19hrs/wk to 25hrs/wk) and program coordinator (25hrs/wk to 35hrs/wk). She said the increases for both were because of increases in use. As well, they would provide greater "coverage" for our seniors. Both of those things make sense to me, but... one thing that is a concern for me is the benefits. And not that I refuse to offer someone benefits, but I have to wonder about the purpose of town government... is it to provide services to residents or benefits to employees? And if the answer is to provide services to residents, then I wonder why we wouldn't do something such as... take the 19hr/wk dispatcher and change that to say... two 15hr/wk dispatchers? Then we'd have increased to 30hrs/wk of coverage. AND i think the cost would be less than that of a 25hr/wk employee. Of course, that's assuming that these hours are increased. I don't know if they will be. But Doreen did make a strong case for her own department's willingness to look for revenue sources other than Cheshire taxpayers. In fact, with an 06/07 appropriation of $339,000, she's added $147,000 to her budget through

1) in kind donations,
2) volunteer hours (based on minimum wage),
3) grant money (sr bus) and
4) user fees ($5/house).

I thought it was worth pointing out that 30% of her (grossed up) budget is generated through her department's internal efforts. (That's not to say that other department's don't do similar things... but I haven't seen them on paper.)

Then came The Pool. And there were positive points here, such as the fact that we're no longer routinely replacing $50 lightbulbs because of better engineering knowledge. As well, in the recent snowstorm, three "bubbles" collapsed in CT, but thankfully, not ours. And that was due to our increased knowledge and vigilance in maintaining the bubble. (Literally, our P&R guys were there, heating the bubble and clearing the snow from the side of the bubble so that the snow moved away from the bubble and didn't accumulate.) As well, the pool has had several successful events, such as movie nights, Dodd nights and has created a successful diving program. And one upcoming event will be on April 28... they're going to sponsor a Relay for Life fundraiser. Bottom line though to me... a $412,000 subsidy was too high last year and is still too high this year.

Parks & Rec came next. Bob Ceccolini mentioned that the proposed 90' diamond at Bartlem Park would be ready in 2008. His goal is to remove "the mound" and use it as fill at Mixville. Then we can kill two birds with one stone... creating two ballfields at the same time. Nonetheless, I mentioned my disappointment that the Bartlem field wasn't done yet, even though Rep. Al Adinolfi had secured money for those ballfields, perhaps, two years ago... I mean, how long does it take to get this stuff done? Anyway... the main ideas Mr. Ceccolini had for saving money were to eliminate lifeguards at Mixville (I don't see that happening) and to eliminate the long-standing Camp Sassacus and role it into Camp Quinnetukit at Bartlem Park. And I tend to doubt that will happen. I doubt it would happen because while it would save $6000 for 214 kids... I figure, you could more easily raise the fee by $30 and generate the additional $6000... than it would be shutdown the program.

Economic Development Commission (Jerry Sitko) followed. There was some talk about the West Main Street project and a new program called "Adopt-a-spot."

I stepped out of the meeting to pop by the Energy Commission meeting. In the few minutes I was gone, I missed the CPFA budget. Sorry about that.

Finally came the Town Council / Town Manager / Town Attorney budget. The highlights for me here were the request for $14,000 for an update to the Strategic Plan. I voiced my reluctance in supporting this. I'd prefer to use our boards and commissions to update it, although we'd still need someone to coordinate it. Also, there was discussion about the cable access channel. I tried to make it clear that while I think the cable access channel is extremely useful, I think the best thing we could do is to move to the web. My thinking is that we should get our Council meetings on the internet and broken down by agenda item... so... if you want to see the discussion about only one particular item, you can skip the rest of the meeting. PLUS... we could all start ripping and burning our own "choice" clips from the meetings, then post them on YouTube. Wouldn't that be fun? Also the budget includes a new "parking ticket enforcement officer." If I got it right, it's a lawyer who (once a month) performs a review of parking tickets with people. And last, but not least, the Town Manager requested a position change for a staffperson in his office at a cost of about $5,000/yr.

Ok... it's late. I'm done with this post.

Tim White
Town Council, Budget Committee

Ideal community

As I've said before, guest posts are not only welcome... they are appreciated. Here's the latest guest post... this one is from Diane Visconti:

In an ideal community no one would complain about taxes because everyone would value gov’t services and believe their tax burden was fair. The accepted view would be that everything works out in the end; some families pay more now but may very well need for more services later. There would be comfort in knowing that no one would be hungry or cold or suffer from lack of medicine.

There is no such thing as an ideal community but it is worth while to aim for one. We’ve heard objections from some seniors that the taxes are too high and that they want their taxes frozen without a need to pay back. We also have a request for an increase in eligible tax brackets. The arguments for these, while compelling on personal levels, I don’t think, rise to the level needed to have others pay more in their taxes. In an ideal world seniors could be given the recognition and reward they deserve by freezing taxes. But in our real world to do this would take money from young families who are saving for their retirement as well as college and health care and energy costs. In Cheshire we have less numbers of seniors applying for energy assistance than we do families applying. In Cheshire we have full time employees in almost every town department making less than the proposed new bracket.

Cheshire already strives to take care of those who most need help…we have one of the most generous senior tax breaks in the State.

I know that the proposed freeze with no lien and higher income bracket won’t cost much now and we also currently have a hefty surplus. But what about in 5 or 10 years? I believe setting precedents now will hurt taxpayers later.

And I want to take this opportunity to urge people in my generation to do a better job in convincing their parents NOT to worry about leaving us as much as you can. I’m certain I speak on behalf of my generation in saying we want you to live as comfortably as possible now… if that means deferring taxes for us to pay later…well that is ok!

Diane Visconti
Town Council, 3rd District

Council mtg 3/13

While the meeting took a while, it did go more smoothly than I had expected.

The main discussion item was Elderly Tax Relief. It's late and I need to get to bed, but the highlights of this were three votes:

1) Increase the tax credits - I think the credits are good tax policy. So I supported this while pointing out that I think our legislature has failed us. They have failed to provide meaningful or "comprehensive" property tax reform, despite my continued calls for reform with suggestions that I consider true reform. Furthermore, I believe we could use the credits as a "tax freeze." (passed 8-1, Visconti opposed)

2) Lien on the tax freeze - I think Elizabeth Esty stole the show here. The room burst into applause when she announced her support of removing the lien. For me, while I think the "tax freeze" is not good tax policy, I don't see the point in having a lien on a freeze. It defeated the whole purpose, so I voted to remove the lien from the freeze. (passed 8-1, Visconti opposed)

3) Tax freeze - There are too many uncertainties with the freeze. I gave one example, but there are many. For such reasons, I believe the tax freeze is not good tax policy. And since we could use the credits to get to the same end as the tax freeze, I didn't support the freeze. (passed 7-2, Visconti & White opposed)

Finally on ETR, I voiced my disappointment of the inability of the town to offer a referendum on such a significant issue. So I suggested that we should consider revising the charter. It's been ten to twelve years and I think it would be worthwhile to consider it for a variety of reasons. This though is nothing new for me. I made this same suggestion several months ago here on the blog. (As well, at the end of the meeting, Ray Squire suggested the Council consider revising the charter. So I know there are others who support the idea of a charter revision.)

(See WRA, by Lauresha Xhihani)

Fire house - I don't recall this vote, but I'm guessing it was not unanimous with David Schrumm voting against. Is that correct?

Waiver of bid for removal of bubble - Last year I suggested turning the pool into a summer facility because it was too much of a drain on taxpayers. I wouldn't necessarily mind spending some money on the pool, but the current subsidy is too high. So I voted against this. (passed 8-1, White opposed)

The Government Access Channel report - This got quite a bit of discussion. The questions revolved around the appropriateness of including some "quasi-governmental" tv show. I didn't say anything, but since C-Span covers "The Road to the White House" and CT-N covers the federal and statewide office elections, I think our government channel should also allow political shows, including not only League of Women Voters forums, but also straightup political shows. Why not? You're voting. You should know as much as possible about the candidates. Not to mention... by allowing only government shows on Channel 14, a certain benefit accrues to incumbents. And while there is no way to eliminate that, I think allowing pure political shows would be a way to combat the inherent benefits of incumbency. I could go on and on about this. I really don't think there's any right or wrong answer though. Reserving government tv to government forums does make sense.

During the Town Manager's report, we got an update on the pool consultant. He's expecting to get the report within a few weeks.

And I think that's about it.

Tim White
Town Council, 4th District

ETR tomorrow

I went to the ND public hearing tonight. I was fortunate enough to have a chance to speak with a number of people (not Council members) who have been advocating for the tax freeze. Based on those conversations (and feedback from others), I'm feeling supportive of eliminating the lien, but averse to adopting a freeze.

I'd like to focus on the tax credits for those most in need. And that would not necessarily include the income bracket that is being proposed this year as an additional bracket.

As well, I'd like to focus on the spending side... not the tax side. If we hold down the spending, the taxes are lower for everyone.

Tim White
Town Council, Budget Committee

Council agenda 3/13

Quick recap on the council agenda for Tuesday's meeting...

I don't see anything on the consent calendar that will generate a discussion.

As for the new business:

1) Adoption of amendments to elderly tax relief - Make sure you tune into the Henry Channel on Tuesday night. This one could get interesting. Again though on my main concern... as a matter of tax policy, I prefer credits over a freeze, but currently the freeze is targeted at those most in need ($27k singles, $33k married). So I really am undecided on what to do here. Nonetheless, if a freeze were adopted in lieu of the credits, I wouldn't see the point in having a lien.... The real issue is spending though. So maybe we should cap spending (or have certain increases go to referendum automatically, such as a Massachusetts-style Prop 2 1/2). But I suggested that when I first got on the Council and was summarily dismissed.

2) Approval of bid award for construction of Fire House #3 - Although $1.4million was approved at referendum, the bid came in at $979,000. That's great news.

3) Waiver of bid for removal of pool bubble - I may vote no on this one. I voted against the pool budget last year. And I believe my recommendation was to turn it into a summer facility. So voting against this might make sense.

4) Acceptance of Government Channel Report - I hope this doesn't cause a stir. It really shouldn't.

5) Set public hearing to accept 5.1 acres by I-84 & Rte 70 - I think this is the old entrance ramp to 84. And now we're hoping to use it for parking and access to the Dime Savings property.

6) Economic incentives - we've got several: PA Steel, Napoli Foods & Whitright Realty.

7) Dedominicus property - apparently we need to pay Milone & MacBroom $1,300 for a survey map to assure the state about conservation easements. Then I guess the state gives us the grant money.

And that's about it.

Tim White
Town Council, 4th District

Some thoughts on ETR

It's a bit late and I am about to fall asleep, but wanted to share a few of my thoughts on the proposed ETR as several people asked about it today.

It seems as though many components of the program have widespread, bipartisan support. However, not all aspects have such support.

The liens (tax freeze) and, possibly, the new top income bracket (tax credits) may not have such support.

My thoughts on those two items:

The tax credits are better tax policy than the tax freeze. (I can't make the point right now... too tired.) So my initial instinct was to prefer enhancing the tax credits... such as increasing the credits for low income households.

However, if we go with the proposal as it stands, then it may make more sense to prefer the tax freeze as it is better public policy. By that I mean, the tax freeze is helping the lower income households than some of those that would be helped by the tax credits.

Furthermore, if a tax freeze is implemented, it wouldn't make much sense to me to include a lien. After all, we already have a deferral program in place. So what would be the purpose of the freeze?

Truth is... I'm really tired, but the bottom line to me is that someone who makes only $30,000/yr is not wealthy. And I'm happy to help people who are most in need.

Tim White
Town Council, Budget Committee

The problem with ETR

I've been thinking about this a lot and have decided to explain my thoughts on elderly tax relief in two posts. Sorry. Just too many thoughts on this.

Anyway, I've decided to start with the underlying problem: the property tax.

The current situation in which we find ourselves is a classic case of where I would prefer to avoid voting on something. Instead, I would prefer to vote on a "comprehensive reform" package. By that I mean, the property tax stinks and CTs entire tax system should be reformed, so that taxes are linked to one's ability to pay. But as long as the legislature ties our hands and refuses to grant towns any (significant) options other than the property tax, we're stuck making ad hoc corrections to a poorly designed system.

What should happen is comprehensive tax reform in Hartford. The legislature should provide towns with unlimited options. Undoubtedly, they don't want to do this for various reasons. Publicly though, they've stated their main reason for prohibiting forms of taxation other than the property tax is that it would be incompatible for a town and the state to use the same tax. Huh? Incompatible? Excuse the french, but... ummm... Then why the hell did the state enact the income tax?? Wouldn't the state and the country be incompatible if we use this logic? Oh wait... Hartford doesn't use logic.

Anyway, enough of my tirade about Hartford...

Why do I dislike the property tax so much?

Because it is unrelated to one's ability to pay. I'd very much prefer to use something like a sales tax.

Why?

Because a sales tax is:

1) related to your ability to pay and
2) avoidable... just don't buy something.

Both of those reasons make a sales tax a better choice than the property tax. Unfortunately, the legislature appears to have no will to enact "comprehensive property tax reform." Look no further than our own legislators. They're quite happy to pay lip service to "property tax reform," but take no initiative in reforming the system. (I'm going to try to youtube that this weekend. Adding youtube here could make this a whole lot more fun.)

Whoops! I went back to griping about the failures of the legislature (including our own legislators who talk out both sides of their mouths). We're stuck here. And we need to play the bad hand we've been dealt.

Tomorrow, I'll try to post my thoughts on Cheshire's proposed ETR, but wanted to at least explain where my thoughts on this process began.

Tim White
Town Council, Budget Committee

Public hearing recap

Click on the pages to read the details of the proposal.

The public hearing on elderly tax relief was tonight. I thought it went well... it was much shorter than I had expected. I think next week's key sticking points will be:

1) the existence of a lien

2) the additional income bracket (I know some people feel the program is already generous).

I'll write more later... still organizing my thoughts, but for the time being... I'll just say that I'm very annoyed with the system we have. And my thoughts from a year ago (in my very first post!) haven't changed for the most part (the property tax still stinks, while our legislators continue to pay lip service to "reform").

I still think helping those in need is appropriate. And in Cheshire, those most in need tend to be seniors.

Any comments about tonight's meeting?

Tim White

Town Council, Budget Committee

Elderly Tax Relief

The public hearing is tonight at 7:30pm in Town Hall. Please remind your friends and family about this important public hearing.

ETR 2/16

Although it wasn't on the agenda last week for the full Council meeting, the Ordinance Review and Budget Committees met to discuss Elderly Tax Relief.

At this point, it seems as though the Council will do two things:

1) enhance the existing program - I agree with this to the extent that it helps seniors most in need.

2) enact the tax freeze for seniors making up to certain limits ($27k single, $33k married).

Also, liens (for future collection against the tax freeze) are under consideration.

One point reiterated by Elizabeth Esty was that "elderly tax relief" is undergoing much debate in Hartford. So most any action taken may include a one year sunset provision.

Public hearing is scheduled for, I believe, March 6 in Town Hall.

Any comments?

Tim White
Town Council, Budget Committee

ETR meeting

Next meeting on Elderly Tax Relief will be held at 7:30pm, Tuesday, February 6 in town hall.

Needless to say, I won't be there. But if anyone wants to comment on it or email something, I'd be happy to post it on the homepage... assuming I have access to the interweb.

Tim White
Town Council, Budget Committee

Council on ETR

It's late, so just a quick post or two....

The first elderly tax relief meeting was held by the Council (budget & ordinance review) tonight. I thought the meeting went well. It seemed as though most members of the committees were generally in support (of many, if not all) of the recommendations.

My main reservations related to measurement and enforcement of various issues.

As well, I tried to be clear that I would be flexible on many aspects. That is, the tax relief committee recommended ranges of categories. In such cases, I'm open-minded to what others feel is best.

As I've said before, helping those in need is appropriate. In Cheshire, those most in need tend to be seniors. So I think doing something of this nature is appropriate.

Upcoming meetings: The next ERT meeting was scheduled for next week. However, that may be delayed. I'm gone all next week (I'll be stuck on a deserted tropical beach... life can be so unfair!) And the public hearing on ERT is tentatively scheduled for March 6.

Tim White
Town Council, Budget Committee