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What is your biggest budget concern?
Larry deBear: Rocky Hill's town budget, to a great extent, is a stepchild of the state budget and the national recession. When funding for the town is constricted by reductions in state aid, and when town revenues are constricted by a reduction in tax revenues due to recessionary pressures, the town budget suffers. My biggest concern centers on the Town Council's ability to maintain essential town services and programs while avoiding increases in town property taxes. It's a challenging juggling act. However, the Democratic majority approved a budget for the current fiscal year that cuts town-side spending, resulting in two of every three town taxpayers paying the same or less in actual tax dollars this year, compared with last year. And we maintained essential services and programs and avoided layoffs.
Marti Felici Stiglich: We need to begin to create the town's total budget on a bottom-up basis as most business organization do and work on the allocation of funds to meet a still-to-be established long-range strategic plan for the town. Many of the programs in town haven't been functionally reviewed in years and it is time to apply solid business practices to manage costs and program delivery in town.
Timothy Moriarty: The biggest problem is the money we used to get from the state. They're cutting back on that. It's affecting our budget. It starts on the federal level. The federal level is cutting into the state, the state is cutting into the town and now it's in the hands of local government and it has to pick up the burden. They're cutting our money coming back but they're not cutting out taxes. It's just driving our cost of doing business up.
Nadine Bell: My biggest budget concern is the lack of a well defined and articulated long range plan and prioritization of the essential core services that prevents effective analysis of the town's budget. Zero based budgeting, where each department has to justify all requested expenditures, not just the incremental increases, needs to be adopted. A strategic long range plan for building maintenance, land acquisition, building projects and vehicle/equipment purchase also needs to be developed. We need to look for synergies between town departments and regional entities to save costs.
Philip Sylvestro: It's our ability to maintain as many services as we can and hold taxes down. The next several years are going to be very difficult. Economic growth is rather anemic. It appears, at least in the short run, it's not really going to change. Our principal source of revenue is property taxes. Fiscal constraint - holding that budget as tight as we possibly can as we did this current year - is going to be the challenge for the new council. I think it's probably the highest priority for the residents right now. I run into people all the time: 'What's going on with taxes? How are things going to be with taxes?'
There's two sides to the ledger. There is fiscal constraint but then there's the revenue side of the page. If it's not taxes, then what? So, if you can grow the grand list a little bit and frankly I think that's all you can be looking at in the short-term. That'll be our challenge.
Catherine Vargas: This next budget season is going to be a very difficult one - with the current economic conditions as they are, we need to do a thorough review of all town spending and to ask the town departments to present a zero based budget - to start from scratch and justify all expenditures needed to operate that department. We then need to look at all the services offered and the costs associated with them and then present a budget to the town that is both fiscally responsible and provides the necessary services to the residents of Rocky Hill.
Barbara Orsini Surwilo: It's two things. One is keeping the taxes as low as we've managed to do, which is .02 percent, which I think is one of the lowest in the state of Connecticut. We've done this because we've had a pretty good growth rate on the commercial base in Rocky Hill compared to other towns. The result is about three-quarters of our taxpayers this year have paid either the same tax or less tax, actual cash dollars out of their pockets.
For the future, it's how to maintain very tight budget controls and keep taxes to a minimum in this miserable economy. National and state economies are not helping Rocky Hill; they are a detriment. We still have to provide our services and educate our children. The whole question is how do you maintain the high quality of our educational system and our services and keep the taxes about as flat as you can get.
Frank Szeps: The budget is growing to quickly. We must slow it down and a cap is a good start. The town is currently spending over $1 million a week. At this rate, it won't be long before many residents will not be able to afford to live here.
As an incumbent, what do you consider the highlights of your time in office so far?
Surwilo: I think my contributions are as the most fiscally conservative person on the council of both parties; that I've managed to help craft very tight budgets and keep taxes under control.
However, my passion is open-space preservation and farmland preservation. In my years in office, I think I can claim around 200 acres of land that's been preserved as open space at a minimum cost to the town. We need to add to that inventory because a great deal of our open space is in our 20 zones. When you build houses, you produce children and children in this town cost us around $13,000 each per year to educate. The more housing we take out and the more open space and farmland we preserve and not build houses adds to the long-term ability to keep our taxes level. It's the key factor.
Szeps: My first two on the council being in the majority. Creating a capital improvement program to fund much-needed town building repairs and funding for future equipment purchases, breaking away from the habit of borrowing money on a long-term basis to pay for these items now.
Moriarty: My biggest thing is, because of my experience with construction, to get the school projects done and finally come up with something that the taxpayers can afford and will take care of the needs of schools. We had the referendum out [in 2008] and it failed, which actually we're kind of lucky seeing the times we're in. We have to do something to try to bring the schools up because the rest of the buildings in town are in real good shape. We need to get the schools taken care of and get on some type of program where we have a continuous maintenance schedule. We need to take care of stuff better as opposed to having to do major repairs.
Sylvestro: I saw the town through some important expansion with renovations to the high school, specifically the auditorium; a fairly large group of approved referendums for improvements to the parks and schools; the building of a new Town Hall; the renovating of the old Town Hall into the police station. ...
I spent a lot of time on the land boards and frankly we're in a very good position financially because of what we did 15-20 years ago. We set out a long-term plan to try to get some balance between commercial and residential development. ... The tax revenue that Corporate Ridge and the corporate development on Brook Street bring to Rocky Hill is a significant reason why our taxes are the lowest in the area and we're able to offer the vast array of services I think residents have come to expect that few towns can match. I'm proud that a played some part in that.
deBear: As a member of the Democratic majority, I've supported public services and programs that have maintained Rocky Hill as a town that continues to attract residents, principally through funding a strong educational system, meeting the needs of seniors and the disadvantaged, and providing a wide variety of public recreational programs that enrich the town's quality of life. I've also served as chair of the Council's Economic Development Subcommittee, supporting town staff in attracting new business and industry that have had the effect of increasing the commercial/industrial sector of the town's grand list to approximately 37 percent, thereby lessening the burden on residential taxpayers.
As a challenger, what would you bring to the council that you think is currently missing?
Vargas: I would bring a fresh perspective and a new set of eyes to the current budget process and other issues facing the town. I have worked in the financial field for over 25 years and I have been involved in preparing budgets for the Rocky Hill School System for the past 10 years. I am passionate and committed to putting in the time and energy needed to make sure that Rocky Hill is the best possible place to live, bring up our children and grandchildren and to retire.
Bell: I pledge to bring the following attributes to the Town Council: Professionalism, a strong work ethic, total dedication, and bipartisan cooperation. Members of the Town Council must develop bipartisan solutions to the issues facing the town. During my 10 years on the Board of Education, two as chairman, I was very successful at working with the Democrats to incorporate their opinions and gain consensus on issues. This will be a necessary skill in the upcoming budget deliberations as reduced state funding will have a significant impact on our municipal budget. During budget time I think it is important to have new faces with fresh ideas evaluating the town's budget. Active discussion and debate done in a professional manner can lead to innovative solutions and more effective use of taxpayer money
Stiglich: As a prior Town Councilor who managed to save money by Waste Management, I would use those skills to look at the entire town to see if solid MBO's can be used. As a senior business management professional and a volunteer in many organizations and boards, I would use those skills to improve town performance while saving funds for needed services and projects.
With the election right around the corner, what do you believe is the most important thing for Rocky Hill voters to consider when they head to the polls?
Bell: We have had very few "fresh faces" on the Town Council over the past several years, resulting in little change in how we look at our budget, prioritize our capital expenditures and maintain our buildings. We all feel the burden of the current economic climate which will necessitate a municipal budget that does not place an undue burden on the town's taxpayers. I will fight to save programs that are necessary and suggest budget cuts based on detailed review and fact finding where appropriate. New ways to assist our senior citizens on a fixed income must be implemented. Smart economic development will also need to be enhanced.
I am willing to roll up my sleeves, work hard, bring fresh ideas to the table and communicate openly and effectively. Rocky Hill voters would be well served by the professionalism and scrutiny our Republican Team would bring to the management of our towns resources.
deBear: Rocky Hill is tremendously fortunate in having a population that keeps track of what's going on in town, provides hundreds of volunteers to help maintain responsive public programs and services, and is highly sophisticated when examining the records of elected town officials. When voters look at the record of the past four years, they'll see that the Democratic majority has kept spending under control, has maintained its commitment to supporting an enviable educational system, has voted to strengthen town services for seniors, youngsters, and the needy, and has done all of this without resorting to harmful tax increases. Voters will also recognize a Democratic Team committed to doing what it takes to lead our community out of recession and into a much better and brighter future.
Szeps: Voters, consider this: Do you want a council that promises to raise your taxes year after year and has done so and will continue to so? A council that has no long term plan for the town? Or are you willing to support a group of residents that have committed to a cap and a bottom-up review of all expenditures and services, a plan not only for tomorrow, but for five, 10 and 20 years down the road. A team committed to rewriting the Town Charter; a council with a plan to fix our school buildings and provide much-needed services for our seniors? If you choose the latter, then vote the Republican team. Vote the top line.
Surwilo: I think they should consider the track record and experience of the Democrats. When the Democrats are in control, the budget is in control, taxes are in control. When the Republicans have been in power, spending at the local level has been out of control.
I think that people have a notion that the Republicans know more than we do and if you look at these two tickets that are running, there is zero comparison between the broad range of experience on the Democratic side and production of a stable tax rate on our side, compared to no experience on the Republican side. This time, there isn't any question at all that all the Democrats should go in just for quality of budgetary control and taxing control.
Vargas: I am passionate about doing what is right for Rocky Hill and I believe I can make a difference. I believe in honest and open communication at all levels and in putting aside politics to work together for the benefit of every taxpayer. My pledge, if elected, would be to work with the mayor and the other councilors to:
Review and reduce town spending - I will promote fiscal integrity and responsibility through a thorough review of the town budget, challenging existing expenses.
Promote economic development - I will support expanding the commercial tax base while retaining the charm of Rocky Hill, the reason we all moved to town.
Enhance senior tax abatement - We need to recognize the contributions our seniors have made to our town over the years and to help those seniors with fixed or low incomes.
Improve School Facilities - I will work with the Board of Education to continue to develop both short and long term plans to improve and maintain our school facilities.
Moriarty: They have to look at the big picture. There are some people out there who really don't want to put a dime into the schools because now their kids are out but at one time would pay for their kids. I think people need to be open-minded. Look at the big picture, although it could be tough at this time because the way the economy as and a lot of people are losing their jobs. Try not to get caught up in some of the riff-raff and slinging that's out there, not that there's a lot of it.
Stiglich: It is time for the voters to elect a team that will bring fresh ideas to the table; that is committed to a Charter Re-val that will provide all town taxpayers with referendum power over the budget. Everyone deserves a seat at the table of planning what direction the town should take, so Town Councilors can provide the facilitation on the process and allow town residents to make the decision that best suit their vision for Rocky Hill. I would urge all residents to get out there and vote for the Smart Team of Doc Colandrea. As a team, we will deliver a better town government that works in collaboration with all town residents to provide the services we all need at the best possible cost.
Sylvestro: It is performance that counts. Not what we've said because talk is just that, talk. I think we not only said we're going to do things, we in fact did them. If anyone thinks that we [Democratic candidates] are not prepared to make very difficult decisions, I would ask them to look at the last budget. I've been doing this a long, long time and I do not ever recall a budget like we passed this past year. The economy and times demanded that type of budget and we did it without raiding the fund balance, which many towns did. Now, they're looking at holes in the budget of a million or more dollars. ...
With the prospects of difficult decisions continuing over the next two budgets, it seems to me I'd want folks in charge who have demonstrated, not by talk but by action, that they are fiscally prudent and will make difficult decisions when necessary.
Candidates for Board of Education
What is the most important challenge facing Rocky Hill schools?
Frank Morse: The biggest issue facing our schools today is the facilities themselves. The buildings are aging and have lacked the updating necessary to compliment today's educational standards. Schools are crowded and lack the space required for today's requirements for special need students. State requirements have changed from the date of construction to today and we have to address these needs. From handicap accessibility to modern science laboratories the schools need to be upgraded and expanded in some way. The solution has to be economically feasable but also has to address the needs of the students and the curriculum. Working together as a team the BOE and Town Council can get this done if we listen to each other and do what is right for the children instead of what we feel is right politically.
Bill MacDonald: Challenges facing the next Board will include aging school buildings, increased academic pressures, need to strengthen curriculum, and fiscal responsibility. With last year's referendum on school facilities failing, we must seek creative solutions to address overcrowding in our elementary schools and the aging infrastructure of our school buildings. I look forward to working as a team with all BOE members to address the infrastruture needs of th schools in a cost effective manner.
Raffaella Calciano-Coler: I think that are a few challenges that are facing the Rocky Hill schools, among them are aging school facilities, State Department of Education funding and the ability of our town to financially support the cost of education, considering the global economic turmoil we are facing.
Marc Beliveau: I believe the most important challenge is to finally address the school facilities. Anyone familiar with our current buildings knows that they either overcrowded, outdated or both, and Moser is no longer suited to properly serve the educational needs of our youngest students. While the plan proposed by the Town Council failed at referendum last year, these problems persist and they are not going to resolve themselves. We need to be creative in finding solutions that address the need to update and expand our school facilities without placing an undue burden on the taxpayers.
Alex Silva: I think the most important challenge facing Rocky Hill Public Schools is keeping current economic issues as far away from our children as possible. While finding adequate funding for certain projects will be difficult, it will not be impossible. We must ensure that the standard of learning is not only maintained, but surpasses expectation.
Gruy Drapeau: Infrastructure, technology and deferred maintenance - those are my main concerns. Anyone who walks the halls of any of the schools will see that the buildings, while not completely dilapidated (except for Moser), all need immediate attention in various areas, and there is no long term capital maintenance plan in sight. From a technology perspective, I would like to see the curriculum adjusted to handle 21st century technology. Our children are living in a very different time than 20 years ago. We need to explore various types of smart classroom technology to help our children be better prepared for a modern world.
As an incumbent, what do you consider the highlights of your time in office so far?
Calciano-Coler: The highlight are numerous. Hiring of new staff members in leadership roles stands out.
Morse: As a first-term member, I feel that I have significantly helped shape the future of our education through the hiring of several administrators in the last two years. I have assisted in the hiring of Dr. Villar, the new Superintendent for Rocky Hill along with Ms. Hourigan, the Assistant Superintendent in central office. I also assisted in the hiring of the Athletic Director, the High School principal, the Stevens/Moser School principal and the assistant principal at Griswold Middle School. All candidates were highly qualified and have brought a great deal of experience, knowledge and vision into the District.
MacDonald: I was born and raised in the area and am a proud product of public schools. With over 25 years of accounting and finance experience, I have worked hard to streamline the budget process and fought to ensure that funds for educational services are used efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner. During the past two years, the Board has returned a surplus to the town, which has been used for school repairs.
As BOE Chair, I have worked hard to "Put The Children First" in every decision to ensure that every child receives a great education, extracurricular activities, and a safe and secure learning environment. I refuse to accept the concept the [status quo]. For example, we've changed meeting times so parents could contribute their views and have eliminated charging students to attend High School events. We need to continue encouraging students to become engaged in activities, which will lead to increased school spirit and benefit the town in whole.
As a challenger, what would you bring to the council that you think is currently missing?
Drapeau: I am the controller at Trinity College in Hartford. In my experiences at Trinity, I have been privy to various types municipal bond offerings, been in the middle of building and classroom renovations, and seen first-hand the amazing things new technology can do to enhance the learning experience. I would be bringing all that I have learned in my career and be able to apply those experiences here in Rocky Hill.
Silva: I think I bring to the board my experiences as a Marine, a student, and civil servant. While that experience is valuable, my vision is most important. That vision is a system that truly leaves not a single child left behind, in which students are not only prepared for college, but are ready to join the workforce if college is not an option.
Beliveau: Our oldest child, Jeffrey, began kindergarten this year and his sister Faith will be following in two years. Like most parents, I want to provide the best for our children. I'm also a finance guy. As a CPA, I've worked in finance for about a dozen years. This background has helped to shape my fiscally conservative approach that I take personally - I don't like to throw money around. I believe that I am uniquely positioned, as my financial background and fiscally conservative approach will balance well with the desire we have as parents to provide the absolute best for our children. Additionally, I believe that the Republican slate of mostly newcomers can bring a fresh perspective to many of the issues that the Board will face in the coming years.
With the election right around the corner, what do you believe is the most important thing for Rocky Hill voters to consider when they head to the polls?
Silva: When going to the polls, Rocky Hill voters need to consider a vision for their future. It has to be more than just tax rhetoric that drives the citizens of this community to vote. There are 2,600 students and their teachers behind every ballot cast. For them, we must provide the tools to help them make our children excel, and get beyond the hardships for which we are charged with dealing with. Growing up I never remember needing from my school, only what I was being given. The problem was I didn't appreciate it enough, and I didn't realize what it all meant. Now I know - it means the world.
Drapeau: First, just vote. Every election is important. Second, that the Republican ticket across the board is full of smart, practical people who really care about doing what is right, not just what is easy. Everyone of us is committed to representing the best interests and beliefs of the Rocky Hill taxpayers.
Calciano-Coler: I would just tell voters that we are in this together. They are voting for fellow taxpayers and parents. We share the same goal of affordable quality education for our children.
Beliveau: I think voters should consider the way the town is currently being governed. Should we stay the course of steadily increasing the budget each year while failing to maintain or even plan for the maintenance of our facilities, or should we take on a new approach with a fresh group of leaders? An approach that promises to change the status quo and expects results - this is precisely the option put forth by our Republican slate of new faces and fresh ideas. While I'm confident that the Board will work hard to find sensible solutions, especially when it comes to addressing the facilities, remember that it is the Town Council that approves the Board's budget and determines which options come before the taxpayers at referendum. For this reason, and many others, it is crucial that we support the Republican candidates in all the races if we truly expect to make positive progress on the issues we face in town.
MacDonald: Vote. I encourage each and every citizen of Rocky Hill to vote in the upcoming election. When the voter heads to the polls, I encourage them to vote for the candidates that will work hard to address the challenges facing the school district and for those who are committed to the children of the town of Rocky Hill.
I would ask the voters to look back at the tremendous accomplishments over the past two years and vote for candidates that will continue the progress.
Morse: I honestly think that it is time for change. One of the slogans we are using is New Faces - Fresh Ideas. We need local government to work as a team, check your political party at the door and work together to get work done in a tough economic time using every means available to us. I believe the Republican Party has brought new candidates in, are moving qualified candidates from BOE to Town Council and have an energetic Mayoral candidate with vision for the town's future that are willing to work across party lines to bring Rocky Hill into the future and make it a better place to live and raise a family.
