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10/11/2017 08:00 AM

Attention to Fiscal Responsibility


Connecticut’s facing record deficits; threats from Hartford to cut municipal funding make it necessary to make every tax dollar count. Despite these challenges, the team of First Selectman Noel Bishop and Selectman John Hall have steadily kept Westbrook in its present favorable financial position. Noel’s attention to fiscal responsibility has paid off. He’s reached out to the superintendent and Board of Education to find every way possible to use our tax dollars efficiently. The result? It has paid off with some of the smallest budget increases in recent years. Noel’s leadership style has created a substantial reserve and allowed the town to benefit from an enviable tax rate.

This is only part of the story. With small businesses leaving Connecticut and the economic climate looking frightful, Noel and his team haven’t stood by idly or allowed Westbrook to take a back seat. He’s actively involved with the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, encouraging business in our town. The new train station is an asset for commuters looking to move to Westbrook. The Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Clinic is a major new asset for the town. While it may not have increased the tax base, it does bring people here, and they often take time to shop in our restaurants and stores. He follows through, promoting those businesses that have made a commitment to Westbrook.

Westbrook’s a great place to work and live. It continues to attract people wanting a quality of life that’s fast leaving Connecticut. It offers a favorable business climate, maintains a low tax rate, and is still one of the best towns in Connecticut.

Westbrook’s a great place because of Noel Bishop, John Hall, and their team. The Bishop and Hall team’s leadership has and will maintain and strengthen the quality of life we so enjoy in Westbrook.

Don Perreault

Westbrook