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The Courage to Say ‘No’

With the election on Nov. 7, most of the oxygen is being consumed by the first selectman race, but there is another very important decision to be made and that is for a seat on the Board of Finance (BOF).

We should not overlook the importance of this race; the BOF is the last line of defense for homeowners when it comes to how our property tax dollars are spent and for most of us the twice-yearly check to the tax collector stings.

We need a BOF that has balance, and will think carefully before every spending decision. We know there is never a shortage of pet projects being promoted, and for some people there will never be enough money spent.

It seems to be easy to just say “Yes,” and the evidence is there to see. In a little over a dozen years our taxes have increased 70 percent. Few of us have been fortunate enough to receive that level of increase in our incomes.

While some in town are okay with this level of tax increase, many find it hard and this affects some older residents and prevents many of our adult children from establishing themselves here.

When Jon Trotta served on the BOF, he was the voice of caution. He does not engage in group think and will not be intimidated, but will carefully weigh the issues and come to an independent decision.

Jon is the person with the wisdom to know what is nice to have and what we need to have. He is the person with the courage to say “No” when appropriate.

We need an independent voice on the BOF, someone who will remember who is paying the bill; that person is Jonathan Trotta.

Earl Swan

Guilford