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Clinton Needs Action

As Clinton’s first selectman, what would I promise to do differently?

Communication is key. The conversations Phil Sengle and I had with Republicans who signed petitions to put us on the ballot next Tuesday were heart-wrenching. The disappointment and despair are grave. I will never be indifferent to the woes of Clinton’s taxpayers.

Clinton needs action.

I will do all in my limited power as first selectman to reduce taxes. My first act in office will be to cut the first selectman’s salary in half and transfer those funds to the grossly underfunded Economic Development Commission.

All contracts that have been extended without competitive bidding will be reviewed. Clinton’s purchasing policy permits contracts to be extended without competitive bids, so long as prices increase no more than three percent annually. That compounds significantly over years in which inflation has been nearly zero. Where reasonable, Clinton will seek price concessions or reopen bidding.

All town agencies’ budgets and spending will be reviewed. Trends in spending will be compared to the demographic and commercial growth of Clinton to determine sustainability and to pragmatically adjust spending to reality. As first selectman, I have limited power to force reductions, but by educating and winning the understanding of all those with the power of the purse, we can and will lower taxes.

Clinton must reduce its mill rate to compete with neighboring towns. That, alone, will make the objective of developing the old Morgan School, Unilever, and Bostitch more achievable. Also, it will attract commercial development to fill vacant buildings, shrink the inventory of unsold homes, and enhance property values.

The Plan of Conservation and Development will become a living document and we will measure our performance against its objectives.

I encourage Republicans who agree to please vote for Phil and me next Tuesday.

Kirk Carr

Clinton

Kirk Carr is challenging endorsed incumbent Bruce Farmer to be Clinton’s Republican first selectman candidate.