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Health & Fitness

BETTER CHOICE 2011 Chairman Gerald Lucas: "Isn't it time for a Change?"

The BETTER CHOICE 2011 Chairman Gerald "Jerry" Lucas offers his warmest thanks to all of our friends and supporters

 

The BETTER CHOICE 2011 political action committee was formed last July, the day following the Republican and Democrat caucuses, because we felt strongly that there were critical issues facing our town.  We decided to begin a strong campaign with the motto “Isn’t it time for a change?”  The primary opponents were Cathy Iino, First Selectman and John McMahon, Board of Finance chairman, who seemed to have lost sight of their fiscal responsibilities when spending your tax dollars.  As the BETTER CHOICE 2011 candidates began a door-to-door campaign it became evident that most residents agreed with the above impression.

Five separate issues were most freely discussed.  One: a surprising 1.77 increase in the mill rate ($1.5 million) when so many households were struggling to keep their homes.  Two: the 3% raises given town hall employees, which is astonishing considering the generous benefit packages which most of them already receive.  Three: the decision to join The Chatham Health District which will cost about $100,000 per year and take away much of our local control.  Four: the continuation of an employee Medical Premium BUYOUT plan which adds several thousands dollars to some employee salaries.  Five: the bid award of a $125K expenditure for architect plans to build a new town hall estimated to cost $2,750,000.  This is going forward while 29 residents are under phase two foreclosure action, and will most likely lose their homes.  The BETTER CHOICE 2011 team believes the new town hall should be temporarily postponed until the financial crisis is over.  No one in the Administration seems to understand just what fiscal trouble our residents are in, and it’s obvious to me that Cathy Iino and John McMahon must be voted out, as frankly, we just can’t afford them any longer!    

The BETTER CHOICE 2011 Team represents the absolute best and brightest residents who are ready to serve their community.  Merrill Chapman, (Treasurer), is prepared to manage the town investments while producing the maximum interest.  David Adametz and John Samperi (Board of Finance) have both pledged all project spending will receive a public hearing or town meeting, no matter how large or small.  The taxpayers will now have a say in how their money is being spent.  Richard Ross and John Edwards (Planning & Zoning) pledge to work for fairness and consistency and to let some light in!  New thinking is needed on both the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals where Robert Abrams and Cindy Adametz are seeking election.  Dave Miller, the Republican Primary winner (Tax Collector), is promising compassion in the collection of taxes in these horrible financial times, and promised he will not take the Medical Premium BUYOUT!

Last and certainly not least, Steve Hollander (First Selectman) has pledged not to take the Medical Premium BUYOUT and further plans to contract for a staff audit to determine just how many costly Assistants each department really needs.

The municipal campaign is almost over and as Chairman of the BETTER CHOICE 2011 effort I must thank all the residents who opened their doors, their hearts and many their wallets agreeing with our message.  Our success is permanent in our town government whether we are successful on November 8th or not.  Residents will now be more aware and more watchful of their town administration and administrators.  Thank you all for your courtesies & encouragement.

(Candidates' profiles and platforms may be reviewed on the BETTER CHOICE 2011 web site at www.BetterChoice2011.com)

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