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07/08/2020 08:00 AM

Some Factual Information


With the continued publishing of misleading and fallacious letters to The Sound regarding the Blackstone budget, I would like to respond with some factual information. Fact #1, there was no cut to the Blackstone budget. The library will be funded next fiscal year at $1.46 million, the same amount as received this fiscal year. Fact #2, the Blackstone is anticipating a budget surplus this year of approximately $99,000. What this means is that the residents of Branford were taxed for $99,000 more than needed. All other town departments, including the BOE, return their surplus back to the town; not so with the library. And by the RTM funding at last year’s level, Blackstone not only retains its surplus but gets that additional $99,000 again this fiscal year.

Fact #3, the library board knows, and it was again reminded, that during the year should it run short of operating funds it needs only come back to the RTM with a valid reason for additional dollars and its request would be approved. Fact #4, by the Republican RTM members carefully and prudently reviewing all departments budget requests, not just Blackstones’ as many have reported, the residents received a slight reduction in their mill rate; something that has not happened in quite some time.

So those are the facts—argue and debate the facts, not the deceptive half-truths that continue to appear in this publication. And one other fact, the new president of the Blackstone Library Board has graciously agreed to meet with Rep. Frank Twohill and myself so that we may discuss our differences and hopefully come to a better understanding on how we can work in a more cooperative and collaborative environment. That is how you resolve issues, not by writing letters to The Sound.

Ed Prete

Branford

Republican Ed Prete is a 6th District RTM Representative.

Editor’s note: The previous letters on this topic were also factually accurate; as always, the conclusions drawn on those facts were the authors’.