Currently holds the office of Wallingford Town Council until December 31, 2025.
Candidate for Wallingford Town Council in 2023 Connecticut General Election.
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Get StartedIt's extremely important, but only when it is used efficiently. A town's bond rating is crucial as it serves as a public indicator of its financial health and creditworthiness. It significantly influences the town's ability to borrow funds for major projects, infrastructure development, or public service improvements. A high bond rating often translates to lower interest rates on borrowed funds, which can save taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of a bond. Conversely, a low bond rating can limit a town's borrowing ability or increase the cost of borrowing due to higher interest rates, potentially straining public services or leading to higher taxes. Hence, maintaining a strong bond rating is a key aspect of a town's fiscal stewardship. Learn more
Moreover, the town should invest in marketing to effectively communicate the benefits of setting up shop in their locality. This includes showcasing quality of life factors, like recreational facilities, cultural events, and safe neighborhoods, as they not only attract businesses but also the employees who will work for them. Fostering relationships with local, regional, and national business networks can also provide a platform for the town to pitch its benefits to potential businesses. Finally, maintaining a strong local economy can create a symbiotic relationship where existing businesses thrive and new businesses are incentivized to join in on the success. Learn more
The solution of moving towards a one new high school solution versus remediating both school ''as new'' does not make financial sense as has been presented by the Board of Education. One of our schools is 50 years old and the other 70 years old. They were at the end of their useful lives at the end of the 1990's. Learn more
The two high school renovation plan would also need a multi-year temporary (but significant) space that can accommodate an entire schools worth of students. Those costs have not yet been quantified. Learn more
To attract more businesses, we should focus on creating a supportive, vibrant environment that encourages entrepreneurship and business growth. This involves the development of favorable policies and incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or streamlined licensing processes. An investment in infrastructure can also be advantageous; well-maintained roads, enabling more options for high-speed internet access, and government that works at the speed that businesses must do to survive are essential for many businesses. Enhancing the local education system can create a more skilled workforce, making the town more appealing for businesses in industries requiring specialized workers. Learn more
In light of recent events throughout our town, implementing comprehensive prevention programs that target underlying risk factors is a vital strategy for addressing a town's juvenile crime problem. Schools, parents, and the community can collaborate to enhance awareness, focusing on substance abuse education, mental health support, and mentorship programs. Alongside this, creating safe and engaging environments for young people during after-school hours can significantly reduce the opportunity for engagement in delinquent behaviors. We should expand the accessibility of after-school clubs, sports teams, arts programs, and community service opportunities, all of which help promote positive youth development. We do some of this, but not enough. Learn more
I know we can increase the quality of the education our children deserve. Learn more
Education and Training: As technology evolves, the CTO is responsible for ensuring that municipal staff have the necessary training to use new technologies effectively. Learn more
Embrace energy-efficient practices and technological tools to automate processes and make data-driven decisions. Collaborate with nearby towns to share resources, and perform regular financial audits to identify and eliminate waste. Lastly, involve the community in budget discussions to improve transparency and foster a sense of shared responsibility. Learn more
To optimize annual spending in a town government, start with accurate budget planning and forecasting based on historical data and future expectations. Prioritize needs according to urgency and impact, and conduct cost-benefit analysis for all proposed projects. Implement preventive maintenance for town infrastructure and establish efficient procurement practices, such as competitive bidding and long-term contracts. Learn more
First, you have to understand where we are. When I walk around the town I see crumbling infrastructure, poorly maintained town owned buildings, sidewalks in disrepair, parking lots in need of maintenance, and a lack of understanding of what true meaningful economic development is. The town obviously has a significant problem in that the schools are aged out and past their useful lives. Wallingford needs an immediate remediation plan for infrastructure and I am thankful that we've recently created a building committee. It's not enough. We need a Wallingford 2030, a 2040, and a 2050 plan. Why should businesses move into this town? Why should people start a family here? Is it affordable? These are all goals that we should work towards in the near and short term future. What technologies can be introduce to increase the quality of life for our employees, employers, and residents. Learn more
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