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06/30/2017 12:00 AMMadison First Selectman Tom Banisch is looking to keep his office for two more years. At a press conference on June 30, Banisch formally announced that he is seeking a second term in November.
“I’d like to announce that I am running again for the job of First Selectman, a job I love in the town that I love,” said Banisch. “I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to continue to serve you.”
Speaking outside of Town Campus, Banisch discussed the fiscal challenges currently plaguing the state, but said that Madison has managed to stay strong thanks to certain changes and policy improvements.
“Upon taking office, I instituted a comprehensive review of policies and procedures, which uncovered a multitude of issues regarding the consistency of expenditures and purchasing procedures,” he said. “Over the past year we have implemented policies to ensure that Madison tax dollars are being spent wisely and that procedures are in place to better maintain and manage town assets.”
Banisch highlighted certain accomplishments from his first term, including an aggressive road maintenance and repair program, the restructuring of certain departments, new policies for purchasing contracts, and the updating of ordinances and fees. Looking ahead, Banisch said he wants to continue to focus on economic development.
“I have a 2020 Vision for Madison,” he said. “By the year 2020, I hope to grow our Grand List by an additional $150 million over our normal annual Grand List growth through smart development that is consistent with our Plan of Conservation and Development. At today’s mill rate, that would yield an additional $3.5 million in revenues. We are already working on projects that will contribute to that growth.”
Banisch will lead the Republican ticket in November and the rest of the Republican slate will be announced in mid to late July. In the meantime, Banisch said he plans to keep residents informed of his plans for Madison throughout the election season.
“I’m proud of the team we are building and the cooperation and enthusiasm of all of our town employees,” he said. “I try to keep our residents informed using various media including print, our town website, and by improving the quality of our recorded meetings. Over the next weeks and months you will hear more about what we’ve accomplished and what we are working on.”