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Protect our Town Services

Branford has been lucky to have leadership that understands the importance of careful budget planning. Instead of spending every tax dollar we pay on any project that catches the eye, our RTM has successfully set aside money each year to be available in the case of emergency. This rainy-day fund, in fact, is the very reason Branford will come through our current pandemic crisis in better financial shape than other towns in Connecticut. Even though we are facing lower revenue in the upcoming tax cycle, we will be able to count on our town savings to keep critical services running.

It is now more important than ever that we protect our rainy-day fund, however. Since other towns and cities in our state have mismanaged their own spending, Hartford is suggesting that responsible towns like Branford foot the bill for their mistakes. We cannot let this happen! Branford’s citizens have worked hard for every tax dollar we give to town hall, and we deserve to see those dollars reinvested back into our own town, not thrown away to bail out the rest of the state. Don’t let Hartford cut Branford services by taking our rainy-day fund.

The best way to protect our town services is to elect people who will fight for Branford’s needs. One great person for the job is Marc Riccio, an 11-year veteran of Branford’s RTM who knows our town’s budgetary needs inside and out. This year, Riccio has stepped up to run for Branford’s 102nd District state representative position, and his timing couldn’t be better. This November, I encourage your readers to give their votes to Marc Riccio, and keep our tax dollars here to support our community.

Barbara Liquori

Branford