Sunday, October 20, 2019

Wallingford's Strong Republican Leadership-Mayor William Dickinson

As we all know Election Day is almost upon us.  On Tuesday, November 5th, legal registered voters are allowed to cast their ballots for the people of their choice to represent them for the next two years in Connecticut's municipal elections.  It a vital part of our democracy that many choose to follow and make their voices heard and a path where many could not be bothered to spend 10 minutes of their lives in actually doing.  In my opinion many of those who choose not to vote are the loudest complainers of what is going on in our society and community.  Do not complain if you do not vote. The time of election here in Wallingford we again hear a tale of two cities, one that is horribly run with massive taxes, high costs,  a lack of technology and a path to economic oblivion.  And then the economic reality of a prosperous, dynamic, efficiently run, low tax, low electric cost community run by a Republican led Town Council and a Mayor who has been office for many years placing Wallingford's needs above his own and his own political gain.  I see a familiar pattern each election here in town.  The Democrat contender paints the town as a backwards and illiterate community with pay to play schemes, etc., with only his new tax and spend policies bring the town into the 21st century.  I do not know what town he lives in but it can not be Wallingford.
We have strong Republican leaders who place Wallingford's interest over their political ego on the Board of Education, Town Council, and in the Mayor's office.  Wallingford's strong Republican leadership has been able to keep a AAA bond rating for many years now, has been able to keep taxes low, has been able to have the lowest electric rates in the state and provide effective local services, and a strong educational system for our youth.  Wallingford's Republican leadership has been a dynamic force in keeping Wallingford moving forward economically and growing.
Wallingford's Republican leadership should become a model for our state.  It is not however the template that our state government uses. It is far from it.
Mayor William Dickinson has led Wallingford and continues to lead Wallingford as an elected official should.  He is economically conservative and understands that taxpayers monies is not unlimited.  He is also legally bound by the countless unfunded mandates that Connecticut government places on its cities and towns that increases our spending.  Mayor Dickinson has led by example never to be brought up on any ethics charge in all of the years he has been in office. 
On November 5th Wallingford voters have the opportunity to extend forceful, economically rational and ethical government in Wallingford by voting for Mayor Dickinson for reelection along with the entire Republican slates for Board of Education and Town Council.  We see a well-run town due to Wallingford's Republican leadership.  They deserve to continue to run Wallingford for the next two years.  Vote Republican on November 5th.

Sunday, October 06, 2019

Tom Laffin For Wallingford Town Council

Wallingford Town Council Republican Vice Chairman Tom Laffin is running for reelection this November.  Tom is an articulate and soft-spoken individual on the council who is concerned with neither ego nor fan fare as he looks at and decides on the issues of our community.  His knowledge on issues and his ability to communicate his thoughts to the public will impress all sides of a problem or discussion. He has a desire to serve our town. He is dedicated to his public service to our town and has done an excellent job in his efforts. He is an active member in our community.  
From his campaign literature and website: tomlaffin.com
Public safety has always and will always remain a priority for me in town and I am extremely grateful for the dedication and hard work that our safety and emergency authorities provide.
I worked with Councilor Shortell to add additional police officers to the force in 2017. While we were not successful, it was something that CHANGED in the following two budgets.  The mayor and the council requested and approved the addition of 2 officers each budget year since.
I have continuously supported the requests of our of safety services departments, whether it be for special radio and computer upgrades or bid waivers on fire trucks and specifications necessary to get the job done.

Keep the taxes low.  Wallingford’s taxes are the lowest in the area.  Our millrate is lower than any of the area towns.
I will continue to vote only for fiscally responsible budgets.  I’m sorry that sometimes includes a small tax increase, but in order to have the things we as a community need or would like, those are the choices we have to make.  In order to manage our money responsibly, it is necessary. We cannot manage increased costs in staffing, education, and state mandates, while looking to grow areas of our town for recreation and services for nothing.  The town has been incredibly well managed for the past 30+ plus years so we are fortunate to be able to build off a solid foundation. 
To the those looking to score political points with claiming we can have 0% tax increases by spending down our “rainy day fund” (which is political buzz for a savings account that has money allocated for various projects and purposes) - even with our tax increases that account was spent down approximately $3 million dollars over the past two years.  Cleary, as I stated, your plan was not possible without wrecking our strong fiscal standing.
I have been a consistent defender of the Wallingford taxpayer.  I have fought to cut frivolous budget lines, protecting necessary and carefully considered spending priorities and I will continue to do so.

I have been a consistent supporter of environmental priorities in town, including: the procurement and maintenance of open space, and the expansion of the Quinnipiac Linear Trail into Yalesville. These resources help maintain our community's small town feel and charm.

I am proud of Wallingford's partnerships with various venues and programs which enhance the lives of Wallingford residents.  Through both the private and public sectors, including the Oakdale Theatre, SCOW, Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, and the Choate Paul Mellon Arts Center, the community comes together to participate in and enjoy what these organizations have to offer. 

Tom Laffin has a professional approach to being the Vice Chairman of the Wallingford Town Council.  His leadership is critical and essential to the well being of Wallingford in 2019 and beyond.  On November 5th I urge Wallingford Voters to re elect Tom Laffin.


Saturday, October 05, 2019

Joe Marrone For Wallingford Town Council

I am using one of my votes on November 5th to reelect Joe Marrone to the Town Council.  Mr. Marrone has done an excellent job in my opinion as a member of the Town Council with logical explanations and analysis of the issues that come before the council.  He shows dynamic leadership qualities in his actions looking at all sides of an issue and not rushing into quick decisions. This allows him in my opinion to make valid and effective votes on all topics.  He is the Chairperson of the Council Merit Review Committee.   
Being a parent with three sons in the school system, Mr. Marrone takes an active role in what is actually going on in our schools with an eye to the future through articulate ideas.  He is very active in the town with his sons and community organizations such as Scouting.  He was born and raised in Wallingford attending public schools graduating from Sheehan High School.  His active role in the town and with his children gives him an exceptional view of the issues and events that impact Wallingford residents lives.  He understands the problems residents face and works to find answers and solutions to keep Wallingford a well run and economically efficient town.
His website is joemarrone.com
I urge my fellow Wallingford Voters to reelect Joe to the Town Council.  Vote for him on Tuesday November 5th.

Wallingford Republicans For Board of Education

Wallingford is a great town and community.  It has a strong sense of fiscal responsibility and of self government.  It has an excellent school system that has been helped over the past with a Republican majority on its Board of Education.  The election in 2019 is no different with six strong Republican candidates running for the Board.  They include: incumbents  Erin Corso, Karen Hlavac, Tammy Raccio and Ray Ross.  This year we also have newcomers Autumn Allison and recent Sheehan High School Graduate Rajan Doering running for seats.  The Republican candidates believe in fiscal responsibility and getting the most out of the Board of Education budget.  Education is crucial for any community and Wallingford's school system is one of the best in the state.  I urge my fellow Wallingford voters to elect a Republican majority for the board by voting for these six excellent candidates on November 5th. 

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Vincent Cervoni For Wallingford Town Council

Mr. Cervoni is the Chairman of the Wallingford Town Council. He is now a fifth term councilor serving three terms as Chairman.  In his second term he served as Vice-Chairman.  He in my opinion runs a balanced town council meeting to obtain information on both sides of an issue.  He runs the meetings in an efficient and effective manner.   He again will get my vote for Town Council.  
You can also read about hi and his platform at www.vincentcervoni.com
Through his negotiations for four straight years he has organized enough private donations to fund the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration in town.
He has worked to help maintain low taxes and maintain good services in exchange for the taxpayer's dollar, while achieving and maintaining an Aaa bond rating. This gives the Town the ability bond at the lowest available interest rates and to refinance bonds as interest rates decrease. 
Wallingford has maintained a bonded debt per capita ratio of less than $1000 per resident.  This also contributes to our Aaa bond rating. 
Our schools are continuously improving.  Our talented Board of Education, combined with the school system's professional leader, Superintendent Dr. Sal Menzo, have improved our school system while maintaining efficiency.  Cervoni has supported the Board of Education and their leaders in their work as Councilor.
The Wallingford Electric Division is an excellent enterprise, keeping energy rates low for residents while attracting businesses to Town for the same reason.  More businesses in Town reduce the residential tax burden.  A great incentive for a business or family to move to Wallingford is our low electric rates.

Our Electric Division also creates rate incentives for new businesses moving to the downtown district.  It is important that we keep moving toward a revitalized downtown.  

Low taxes, economic growth, forward thinking are all parts of Mr. Cervoni's platform and again he puts the needs of our community above personal political gain.  

Mr. Cervoni  is articulate and offers a great deal of insight on many issues that come forward to the Council.   He is dedicated to Wallingford and making it even better than it is today.  He deserves to be reelected this November.  I urge you to vote for him in November.