Tom Laffin For Wallingford Town Council

Wallingford Town Council 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.  I am impressed with his knowledge on issues and his ability to communicate his thoughts to the public.  He has a desire to serve our town. He is an active member in our community.  

From his campaign literature and website:

I have a record of fiscal responsibility - cutting added lines out of the budget, not being afraid to say ‘no’ to some spending requests, but I also have a record of supporting programs and spending to keep our town healthy and safe through my support of the overall budget.

I have a record of being responsive to neighbors’ needs, by working with other town leaders and staff to get things fixed in town, such as blight in our neighborhoods.

I have a record of keeping things moving and focused on what is best for the town, whether it is voting with the members of the other party to sell the American Legion or with my own party to move the issues along and keep us from getting bogged down in unproductive issues and investigations.

I have a record of sticking to my principles even when it was contrary to getting what we all wanted, such as when I voted against the use of eminent domain.

I have a record of choosing to govern rather than make things political.  I'm not a big talker, because I have learned the fastest way to get someplace is to take the straightest possible route, and I have found the fastest route is usually the quietest route which, unfortunately, is difficult when politics are involved. 

But I don’t like to think of what I do as politics, but rather as service - this is my way to help.  Politics, however, is often a necessary evil, like these campaigns, that unfortunately gets in the way of governing at times.  Governing, just like parenting, is a tricky thing - if you do it right, it will appear to be seamless, people won’t be sure you did anything at all...that is until they reach a point of appreciation or reflection...like every November.

Someone once said, ‘Decisions are made by the people that show up’...

In 1670, 126 people got together and settled in what we now know as Wallingford. 126 people picked up their lives and sought something better than what they had and they showed up here and chose to be a part of something bigger. Look where we are today, because a few people showed up.

Taxes:

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. I will continue to vote only for fiscally responsible budgets.

Each budget season I spend sleepless nights wrestling with the choices of cutting spending or raising taxes and finding the balance between maintaining a well run town with reasonable spending and preventing our town from remaining stagnant.

Public Safety:

Public safety has always and will always remain a priority for all elected officials in town and we are all grateful for the dedication and hard work that our safety and emergency authorities provide and will continue to provide the funding and support they need.

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.

While I supported and encouraged the placement of a drop box in the police station,  I understood the Police Chief’s concerns and am extremely satisfied with the compromise that was reached.

Environment:

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.

Arts and Culture:

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.

I believe Tom Laffin should continue to serve as one of our Town Councilors.  He has a professional approach to issues and problems.  His leadership is essential and vital in 2017 and beyond.  Vote Tom Laffin in November.