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Best Interests at the Forefront

I would like to give a special shout out to my colleagues on the East Haven Board of Finance. After six budget workshops, on March 21 we voted on our budget recommendation to the mayor. It is not easy to balance the budget, considering the financial condition of the State of Connecticut. And although the vote was not unanimous, we all continue to keep the best interests of the town at the forefront.

As an eight-year member with my fellow Republican Ralph Vitale, I am joined on the Board by Democrats Rich DePalma and Noreen Clough, who each have over 20 years of tenure on the board, and first-termers Marc Conte and Rich Esposito. We all have varying levels of financial experience; however, we ask questions and discuss ideas and issues, always showing the utmost respect for each other, both during and after the meetings. We even trade barbs about our favorite baseball teams!

This is the first time in many years that the board has a Democratic majority while a Republican administration is in office. This board works not as Republican or Democrat, but across party lines, keeping the best interests of the town as the focus, and will continue to do what is right for the town.

Again, thanks go to the Board of Finance. The board may not get the respect we deserve, but I’m glad we work to serve with the respect that our town deserves.

Beth Purcell

East Haven

Beth Purcell (R) serves on the Board of Finance.