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Find Other Means

I endorse Vin Pacileo for first selectman of Essex. Under the Governor Dannel Malloy budget, there will be a substantial reduction in the Education Cost Sharing grant for Essex. Vin Pacileo vows to confront the governor for fair state funding. Contrast this with our present first selectman, who wants to use our rainy day fund to close the loss. Personally, I would like to see that our tax money be used for other needs in Essex, such as adequately funding our libraries and Fire Department. I believe our present first selectman should join those selectman and mayors working to force Governor Malloy to find other means to solve Connecticut’s budget crises.

Furthermore, our present first selectman feels a solution would be to form a select commission to develop a comprehensive strategic plan. This sounds wonderful and makes you feel warm and fuzzy. However, I have been involved in politics on all levels, for 40 years. I have never seen anything productive come from a commission.

The Essex Democratic Party platform states Essex will continue a bi-partisan approach to solving problems. The General Assembly did by passing a bi-partisan budget, which Governor Malloy vetoed. I believe our present first selectman shows he is rejecting a bi-partisan solution. This in turn will affect the Town of Essex’s budget.

I want a first selectman who will fight for Essex. Vin Pacileo is that man. I encourage your readers to vote for Vin Pacileo on Nov. 7.

Lynn Herlihy

Essex