Since Mayor Murphy took office, the citizens of New Milford have been overtaxed to create discrete government piggy bank. The over-taxation has led to the bloating of the Internal Service Fund (ISF) by a whopping 170%. The ISF has grown 2.5 times higher than the town’s healthcare premiums. This overtaxing of citizens has continued to take place even after Murphy’s administration publicly agreed to proper management of the fund in 2008. It’s time for this fund to undergo a proper forensic audit so citizens can be assured their tax dollars are fully accounted for – and returned to them.
On February 8, 1993, the Town Council passed a resolution establishing the Medical Reserve Fund, which is now the Internal Service Fund. It is used specifically to keep track of medical insurance premiums coming in, and payments for medical claims going out. The money coming in is paid by employees and retirees of both the Town and the Board of Education. The ISF funds health insurance for a majority of town employees: police officers, clerical staff, teachers, administrators, etc.
Here’s what important about the 1993 Town Council resolution: it specifically states, “… making deposits into the fund reserve shall be to maintain the fund reserve balance at a level which stays between twenty percent and thirty percent of the total Annual Medical Expense Estimates.” To repeat: between twenty percent and thirty percent. Not below 20%, and not above 30%. Pretty clear, right?
The minimum of 20% was set up to cover extremely high medical costs not covered by a single year’s premiums. The 30% maximum limit was set up to prevent overtaxation and to ensure timely and proper oversight. Pretty clear, right?
Prior to Mayor Murphy’s administration, the last fiscal year for former Mayor Gambino was 2003/2004. According to the town’s annual financial audit for 2003/2004, the ISF had $2,629,570 in Total Net Assets. For that same year, the actual medical premiums were $7,786,144. The amount necessary to meet the 20% of premiums is $1,557,229. At this point, the ISF was overfunded by $1,072,341, or at a level of 33.8%. This is 3.8% higher than the maximum funding allowed.
Here’s a very important point: the funding level in 2003/2004 was enough to cover the 20% of premiums in 2008/2009 (the last year of audited data). Not one additional taxpayer dollar was necessary during the entire Murphy administration.
But the overfunding and overtaxation - with no oversight - were ready to explode.
The annual percentage of funding grew far above thirty percent upper limit. 2004/2005: 35.5%; 2005/2006: 49.6%; 2006/2007: 53.4%; 2007/2008: 56.3%; 2008/2009: 54.0%.
According to the audit reports for the Murphy administration, the ISF net assets have grown to $6,327,551. That’s a whopping $3,697,981 million more than Mayor Gambino. The ISF net assets grew by the following annual amounts: 2004/2005 - $607,115; 2005/2006 - $1,864,570; 2006/2007 - $454,861; 2007/2008 - $738,532; 2008/2009 - $32,903.
You could look at the last audited year (08/09) and think the town has finally made an effort to slow down the overfunding. However, nothing could be further from the truth. That year, the Murphy administration used $1,000,000 of ISF funds to offset budget expenses. So, instead of the fund dropping by $1 million, it actually grew slightly because overbudgeting pumped $1 million back into the ISF.
If you’re going to use $1 million to offset budget expenses, why overtax citizens by $1 million? What kind of oversight is taking place? Is there any oversight – or just overbudgeting and overtaxation?
What’s also amazing is how the growth of the ISF is much higher than the rise in the town’s health care premiums. From 2004 – 2009, premiums rose by 50%. But the ISF grew by 140%, and the overfunding of the ISF grew by 271%. What kind of oversight is there when an already overfunded account nearly triples healthcare premiums? Simply stunning.
Prior to 2008, had anyone paid attention to the ISF? The Mayor and Director of Finance never said a word about it – or the overfunding. However, once members of the Board of Education started asking questions about the millions in overfunding, action was “suddenly” taken. A short term accounting review was done (only covering two years of overfunding), and the Mayor decided to take the $1 million out of the fund. In the accounting review, there was a recommendation “that the Town periodically settle the interfund receivable and payable balances.” And, at the Board of Education meeting April 14, 2008, the Director of Finance said the BOE contributions for 2008/2009 looked good. But what has happened since?
• Despite the Director of Finance claiming the numbers looked good for 2008/2009, the ISF still grew by $1 million
• The Mayor used $1 million for budget expenses in 2008/2009
• The Interfund receivable and payable balances – in excess of $2.5 million - have not been resolved as of the last audit
It appears that when taxpayers look away from the ISF, nothing changes. Overtaxing and overbudgeting with no oversight remains the status quo.
Taxpayers and town employees need to demand the following:
• A forensic audit of the ISF dating back to fiscal year 2004/2005
• Accounting of funds contributed by employees, Town, and BOE
• Reconciliation with the health insurance consultant to ensure past practices will no longer be the norm
• A transparent process of health care budgeting
It’s time to expect Mayor Murphy to follow the 1993 Town Council Resolution. Taxpayers and town employees deserve oversight – not overtaxation.
Showing posts with label Mayor Murphy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayor Murphy. Show all posts
11/19/10
Thanks, Aunt Myrtle. Now, put the gun down.
As fun as it would be to keep talking about national politics, it’s probably time to return my gimlet eyes to local politics.
(Wait! one last sip:
How awesome are Republicans? They may be drunk with victory, but boy, are they mean drunks!
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/gops-top-tax-guy-republicans-will-block-permanent-middle-class-tax-cut.php?ref=fpb
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45181.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/15/mitch-mcconnell-earmark-ban_n_783767.html
And then there’s this fresh Hell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyWKlxNAh30
Can you feel the brain cells die as you watch? I know the mere thought of those two getting into a “situation” together makes me never want to let anyone have sex. With anyone. Ever. Again.)
Ok. Gasp! Ok.
No more capitol cocktails. The hypocricy could kill a person. Local brews. Local brews.
So. Been to a Town Council meeting lately? Or are you too busy trying to decide if you should support the Bush Tax Cut sunset? Well. You might be able to catch the meetings on cable access. If you keep the tv on channel 17 for the rest of your life. (Better than DWTS at least).
At the November 8th meeting, the Town Council weighed in (almost!) on the teacher contracts.
What teacher contracts? Oh. These:
http://www.newmilfordspectrum.com/default/article/A-pay-freeze-New-Milford-teachers-agree-to-do-680250.php
Let's pause here. This is a big deal. New Milford teachers and the town’s Board of Education, reached an amicable agreement in July, over salaries and benefits for the next academic year. The upshot is that teachers are accepting a pay freeze. They have also agreed to slightly higher copays for some medical visits. And they did this without a lengthy and expensive arbitration process. So. Tax payers: hug a teacher. And also a BoE member.
Now. Onc e the contract is approved by the teachers and the BoE, it goes on file with thew Town Clerk. Note the date of the article (September 29th). And count 30 days forward. According to the town charter, that’s how much time the Town Council has to approve, reject, or decline to notice, the new contract. The Mayor and TC chose the latter course, but it seems it’s because someone forgot to count.
I guess the Mayor and TC wanted to say something about the contracts, but didn’t realize the contract had been filed (do none of them read the local paper? This was big news), or that they only had a 30-day window. Which, given how long most TC members (not to mention the Mayor) have served this community, seems a little odd. But not as odd as this explanation, from the meeting minuntes:
“[A Councilman] asked why the Town Council was not notified that the agreement was submitted to the Town Clerk. Mayor Murphy stated that it is not required to.”
See? “It is not required.” That’s logical and satisfying, isn’t it?
I know. But … given that the TC agenda from October 25th included this item:
“Mayor Murphy told Town Council members if they know of anyone whom they think should be recognized for something they have done in the community or another accomplishment, they should let her know.”
And, given that the BoE successfully negotiated an even more recent contract, this time with school administrators, also with a $0 salary increase, also with concessions on benefits, also without arbitration
http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/New-Milford-school-administrators-avoid-798796.php
it’s not like there wasn’t anything worth commenting on.
(Um, Mayor Murphy, how’s about thanking the teachers, adminitrators, and the BoE for agreeing to a pay freeze, and saving tax payers money!?! Too much to ask, I suppose.)
Well, even though the magic 30 days had passed, preventing the TC from epxressing their official dis/approval of the contracts, some members exercised their First Amendment right to free speech, and comment less officially at the November 8th meeting.
“Mr. Bass stated that all parties should be thanked. Mayor Murphy thanked all those involved for a good job including those people in the audience from the Board of Education.”
At the risk of sounding ungenerous, these “thanks” were recited with all the passion and sincerity of an 8-year-old thanking their Aunt Myrtle for a hand-knit Christmas sweater.
But, wait, there was more! Following the national trend of seeing one’s first amendment and raising you the second amendment, Councilman Raymond O’Brien had this to say:
“Mr. O’Brien stated that the Town Council usually approves contracts ‘with a gun to our heads’ because it is always told that if they don’t approve the contracts, they would go to arbitration and the town would lose.”
Of course, he isn’t exactly accurate on how the process works. I’ve looked in the Town Charter, and it really doesn’t say “After contract is filed with Town Clerk, a gun will be placed to the Town Council’s head until they vote their approval. If they reject the contract, the Town will automatically lose in arbitration.” But then, my reading of the Health Care Reform Act didn’t turn up any Death Panels either. So, there might be a special ink, visible only to conservatives, involved here.
Well, Mr. O’Brien. Thanks for the statesmanlike response. Honestly. A gun to your head? There’s a lot I’d like to say in response to your stunning hyperbole (not to mention hypocrisy: how’s about that civility manifesto?), but it’s not printable.
But that’s not even the most incendiary part of his comments. There’s more:
“[Councilman O’Brien] would much rather be advised earlier so that the Town Council could have some meaningful input before it is filed with the Town Clerk.”
Ummm ……. Because that’s not how the system works.
So, what? Councilman O’Brien would like a seat at the bargaining table? Should Councilman O’Brien just write the contracts himeslf? Why not just let Councilman O’Brien be in charge of everything? Charter, shmarter.
Councilman Peter Mullen tried to dial back the crazy:
"Dr. Mullen stated that communication is great, but disagreed with O’Brien’s statement. He felt the Town Council is not forced to accept a contract. They are not told the Town will lose."
Yeah. Well. That and telling Sarah Palin she can’t see Russia from her house will get you a blank stare and a headache.
Look. I’m quibbling over a minor detail. The comments of a cranky man about teacher contracts that already passed really don’t add up to major policy.
It’s just so disheartening.
It’s just another casualty in the decline of civil discourse.
These contracts were the result of hard work, good will, community spirit, and mutual trust, on the parts of our educators and our Board of Education. They are an example of putting community before personal gain. The contracts are something to celebrate.
Is it too much to ask that people like Councilman O’Brien not spoil the moment with petty carping (while also attempting some sort of political coup where he actually gets to take the place of the BoE and the teachers’ union in deciding contracts)?
Would it be putting a (metaphorical!) gun to the Town Council’s heads to expect a sincere, full-throated “Thanks!”
Or is it too close to budget season?
(are those crickets?)
(Wait! one last sip:
How awesome are Republicans? They may be drunk with victory, but boy, are they mean drunks!
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/gops-top-tax-guy-republicans-will-block-permanent-middle-class-tax-cut.php?ref=fpb
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45181.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/15/mitch-mcconnell-earmark-ban_n_783767.html
And then there’s this fresh Hell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyWKlxNAh30
Can you feel the brain cells die as you watch? I know the mere thought of those two getting into a “situation” together makes me never want to let anyone have sex. With anyone. Ever. Again.)
Ok. Gasp! Ok.
No more capitol cocktails. The hypocricy could kill a person. Local brews. Local brews.
So. Been to a Town Council meeting lately? Or are you too busy trying to decide if you should support the Bush Tax Cut sunset? Well. You might be able to catch the meetings on cable access. If you keep the tv on channel 17 for the rest of your life. (Better than DWTS at least).
At the November 8th meeting, the Town Council weighed in (almost!) on the teacher contracts.
What teacher contracts? Oh. These:
http://www.newmilfordspectrum.com/default/article/A-pay-freeze-New-Milford-teachers-agree-to-do-680250.php
Let's pause here. This is a big deal. New Milford teachers and the town’s Board of Education, reached an amicable agreement in July, over salaries and benefits for the next academic year. The upshot is that teachers are accepting a pay freeze. They have also agreed to slightly higher copays for some medical visits. And they did this without a lengthy and expensive arbitration process. So. Tax payers: hug a teacher. And also a BoE member.
Now. Onc e the contract is approved by the teachers and the BoE, it goes on file with thew Town Clerk. Note the date of the article (September 29th). And count 30 days forward. According to the town charter, that’s how much time the Town Council has to approve, reject, or decline to notice, the new contract. The Mayor and TC chose the latter course, but it seems it’s because someone forgot to count.
I guess the Mayor and TC wanted to say something about the contracts, but didn’t realize the contract had been filed (do none of them read the local paper? This was big news), or that they only had a 30-day window. Which, given how long most TC members (not to mention the Mayor) have served this community, seems a little odd. But not as odd as this explanation, from the meeting minuntes:
“[A Councilman] asked why the Town Council was not notified that the agreement was submitted to the Town Clerk. Mayor Murphy stated that it is not required to.”
See? “It is not required.” That’s logical and satisfying, isn’t it?
I know. But … given that the TC agenda from October 25th included this item:
“Mayor Murphy told Town Council members if they know of anyone whom they think should be recognized for something they have done in the community or another accomplishment, they should let her know.”
And, given that the BoE successfully negotiated an even more recent contract, this time with school administrators, also with a $0 salary increase, also with concessions on benefits, also without arbitration
http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/New-Milford-school-administrators-avoid-798796.php
it’s not like there wasn’t anything worth commenting on.
(Um, Mayor Murphy, how’s about thanking the teachers, adminitrators, and the BoE for agreeing to a pay freeze, and saving tax payers money!?! Too much to ask, I suppose.)
Well, even though the magic 30 days had passed, preventing the TC from epxressing their official dis/approval of the contracts, some members exercised their First Amendment right to free speech, and comment less officially at the November 8th meeting.
“Mr. Bass stated that all parties should be thanked. Mayor Murphy thanked all those involved for a good job including those people in the audience from the Board of Education.”
At the risk of sounding ungenerous, these “thanks” were recited with all the passion and sincerity of an 8-year-old thanking their Aunt Myrtle for a hand-knit Christmas sweater.
But, wait, there was more! Following the national trend of seeing one’s first amendment and raising you the second amendment, Councilman Raymond O’Brien had this to say:
“Mr. O’Brien stated that the Town Council usually approves contracts ‘with a gun to our heads’ because it is always told that if they don’t approve the contracts, they would go to arbitration and the town would lose.”
Of course, he isn’t exactly accurate on how the process works. I’ve looked in the Town Charter, and it really doesn’t say “After contract is filed with Town Clerk, a gun will be placed to the Town Council’s head until they vote their approval. If they reject the contract, the Town will automatically lose in arbitration.” But then, my reading of the Health Care Reform Act didn’t turn up any Death Panels either. So, there might be a special ink, visible only to conservatives, involved here.
Well, Mr. O’Brien. Thanks for the statesmanlike response. Honestly. A gun to your head? There’s a lot I’d like to say in response to your stunning hyperbole (not to mention hypocrisy: how’s about that civility manifesto?), but it’s not printable.
But that’s not even the most incendiary part of his comments. There’s more:
“[Councilman O’Brien] would much rather be advised earlier so that the Town Council could have some meaningful input before it is filed with the Town Clerk.”
Ummm ……. Because that’s not how the system works.
So, what? Councilman O’Brien would like a seat at the bargaining table? Should Councilman O’Brien just write the contracts himeslf? Why not just let Councilman O’Brien be in charge of everything? Charter, shmarter.
Councilman Peter Mullen tried to dial back the crazy:
"Dr. Mullen stated that communication is great, but disagreed with O’Brien’s statement. He felt the Town Council is not forced to accept a contract. They are not told the Town will lose."
Yeah. Well. That and telling Sarah Palin she can’t see Russia from her house will get you a blank stare and a headache.
Look. I’m quibbling over a minor detail. The comments of a cranky man about teacher contracts that already passed really don’t add up to major policy.
It’s just so disheartening.
It’s just another casualty in the decline of civil discourse.
These contracts were the result of hard work, good will, community spirit, and mutual trust, on the parts of our educators and our Board of Education. They are an example of putting community before personal gain. The contracts are something to celebrate.
Is it too much to ask that people like Councilman O’Brien not spoil the moment with petty carping (while also attempting some sort of political coup where he actually gets to take the place of the BoE and the teachers’ union in deciding contracts)?
Would it be putting a (metaphorical!) gun to the Town Council’s heads to expect a sincere, full-throated “Thanks!”
Or is it too close to budget season?
(are those crickets?)
8/9/10
"Does Probate = Masterb-te," or "Are We Getting Jerked Off by the Judge?"
What's the deal with this primary for Probate Judge? Have you ever seen such energy put into an election campaign (Oops - I mean other than this spring's budget referendum)? Why are New Milford Republicans putting so much energy behind Judge Marty? Who stands to lose here - probate should be pretty simple, right? Would the losers be the people of New Milford? Or a privileged few who might benefit from having a buddy on the bench? (What - me cynical? Nah.)
The Elephants have been working on electing Marty since the beginning of the year. There were plenty of meetings at a Town Councilman's private office, multiple fundraisers, and meet & greets covered by the press (if you can call the Spectrum "press"). There was even a last minute dirty trick by local leader Rog Szendy. Yet, Marty lost the endorsement at the local nominating convention - he only had the support of the New Milford delegates. Apparently the other town delegations were pissed off at Szendy's dirty politicking, and they all supported William DeFeo of New Fairfield. Good job, Rog.
This election was deemed "so important" by the local Elephants that Board of Ed member Lynette Rigdon skipped her BOE obligation (the Education Connection Board of Directors Meeting) in order to be at the nominating convention. Yep - she deemed attending a local probate nominating convention more important than carrying out her duties as an elected member of the BOE. But, worse than that, she didn't want to admit to the public why she missed the meeting. In the minutes of the May 11, 2010, BOE meeting, "Ms. Rigdon said she was unable to get to the last meeting..." Pretty pathetic. But, then again, it shows the importance these clowns have put on this minor election. Still confused? Me too.
The Mayor even got her boyfriend, State Rep. Clark Chapin, to write a letter to the local rags endorsing Marty. Why would he suddenly publicly endorse a candidate - he doesn't put in the same effort for his "partner," much less higher profile offices like Town Council. Why, Clark? Why now?
A few of the New Milford politico's who know both men say DeFeo is honest and acts with integrity. They also like Marty as a person, but are wary of his key backers - the shady NM Republican cabal. Not to be cynical, but the politico's are whispering.
So let's review: DeFeo wins nomination with support from all other towns in the district. New Milford carries on the fight, pouring a great deal of energy and $$ into a fight against a loyal, long standing fellow Republican. Then, throw in that the New Milford Repubs are famous for throwing dirt and dirty tricks, and you get a recipe for skepticism.
Luckily, I can't cast a vote in this primary. If you are an "R," don't blindly follow your local leaders. Ask some questions before you pull the lever on Tuesday. I'm not sure who the best candidate is - but I wouldn't defer to Rog Szenmaster's judgement.
The Elephants have been working on electing Marty since the beginning of the year. There were plenty of meetings at a Town Councilman's private office, multiple fundraisers, and meet & greets covered by the press (if you can call the Spectrum "press"). There was even a last minute dirty trick by local leader Rog Szendy. Yet, Marty lost the endorsement at the local nominating convention - he only had the support of the New Milford delegates. Apparently the other town delegations were pissed off at Szendy's dirty politicking, and they all supported William DeFeo of New Fairfield. Good job, Rog.
This election was deemed "so important" by the local Elephants that Board of Ed member Lynette Rigdon skipped her BOE obligation (the Education Connection Board of Directors Meeting) in order to be at the nominating convention. Yep - she deemed attending a local probate nominating convention more important than carrying out her duties as an elected member of the BOE. But, worse than that, she didn't want to admit to the public why she missed the meeting. In the minutes of the May 11, 2010, BOE meeting, "Ms. Rigdon said she was unable to get to the last meeting..." Pretty pathetic. But, then again, it shows the importance these clowns have put on this minor election. Still confused? Me too.
The Mayor even got her boyfriend, State Rep. Clark Chapin, to write a letter to the local rags endorsing Marty. Why would he suddenly publicly endorse a candidate - he doesn't put in the same effort for his "partner," much less higher profile offices like Town Council. Why, Clark? Why now?
A few of the New Milford politico's who know both men say DeFeo is honest and acts with integrity. They also like Marty as a person, but are wary of his key backers - the shady NM Republican cabal. Not to be cynical, but the politico's are whispering.
So let's review: DeFeo wins nomination with support from all other towns in the district. New Milford carries on the fight, pouring a great deal of energy and $$ into a fight against a loyal, long standing fellow Republican. Then, throw in that the New Milford Repubs are famous for throwing dirt and dirty tricks, and you get a recipe for skepticism.
Luckily, I can't cast a vote in this primary. If you are an "R," don't blindly follow your local leaders. Ask some questions before you pull the lever on Tuesday. I'm not sure who the best candidate is - but I wouldn't defer to Rog Szenmaster's judgement.
7/29/10
Village Idiot Days
Tomorrow is the annual town get-together, Village Fair Days (Friday and Saturday, July 30 & 31). Local and regional politicos will be there, so make sure to ask them some "real" questions, as the local media doesn't seem to know what those are. Come back and post your findings here - I'd love to hear it!
If you can't come up with any questions for Village Idiot Days, try a few of these.
Have fun at Village Idiot Days! And remember to come back and share your experiences.
If you can't come up with any questions for Village Idiot Days, try a few of these.
- Bob Guendelsberger: Was Terry Pellegrini correct? Are you driving "home" to Brookfield tonight?
- Roger Szendy: You and Beth Falder seem to be good friends; is that why she's now on the Board of Finance? BTW: That's Abe Lincoln's statue - not you.
- Ray O'Brien: If you think it's time for new ideas, then isn't it time for you to go? Have you been on the town council for 30 years?
- Walter Bayer: You don't have email? I'm so glad you're making technology decisions... not! You're a DINO and a dinosaur.
- Lynette Rigdon: Who writes your comments for BOE meetings?
- John Lillis & Liba Furhman: Do you do anything for local Dems? Kissing Chris Murphy's butt does not count, however.
- Clark Chapin: How many of your relatives work in town government (don't include your "girlfriend")?
- Bill Wellman: What do you do on the BOE other than complain? You don't volunteer for any "real" work. And who writes your comments?
- New Milford First: Without Bob Kostes, are you relevant?
- Peter Mullen and Mary Jane Lundgren: Why don't the local Dems have a website? Pull the plug on your current leadership - life support is too expensive for the rest of us.
- Any Democrat on the Town Committee: When have you last run a candidate between the ages of 21 - 50?
- Mayor Murphy: The town finished with a surplus last year (2008 - 2009), so why did you act as if the sky was falling during budget season? Shouldn't town employees be ticked off they didn't get some sort of raise? If I were a town employee I'd be very upset!
- Ray Jankowski: Speak up, Mumbles!
Have fun at Village Idiot Days! And remember to come back and share your experiences.
7/28/10
Add hawk
I’m a regular citizen. I love my town, I love my town’s school system. I hate arbitrarily high taxes, and I hate wasting time and money. Like most people, I have ideas on how things in my town could be improved. But I’m not an elected official, or a personal friend of the mayor, and I don’t have access to giant billboards I can place all over town in the dead of night. How can my voice be heard?
Well, according to Town Councilman Pete Bass, I can be part of an ad-hoc committee!
What’s that?
- Town Councilman Pete Bass says the committee would “study issues related to short- and long-terspending and revenue and to try to identify potential savings.”
- Town Council member Ray O’Brien said that, in addition to long-range goals, the ad-hoc committee should look at the short term, indicating that it would help if, by the next budget cycle, the school board could provide more detailed information to the Town Council on “how much electricity they are using by building and how much oil they are using by building.”
- (This is disturbing: will the focus of the committee be to scrutinize the Board of Education? “I think we’re trying to micro-manage the Board of Education,” [Councilwoman Mary Jane] Lundgren said.)
- Not so! “My motivation has nothing to with micro-managing the Board of Education,” Mr. Bass countered. “We all need to communicate together and come up with ideas and solutions,” he said. “It brings everyone together to study things in a think-tank manner.”
- Mr. Bass and some of his colleagues indicated the committee should consist of members of the Town Council, the Board of Finance, the Board of Education, financial officials for the town and the school district and members of the public, particularly those who work in finance-related areas…. Mr. Esposito and Town Council member Cecilia Buck-Taylor said the committee would benefit from having members who work as financial professionals.
Intriguing.
Here is what has been decided since then:
- The official name of the committee is the Advisory Committee for Efficiency and Cost Savings Ad Hoc.
- Input from the public is welcome, as is out-of-the-box thinking. Fresh ideas. New perspectives. In fact, even though the committee consists of 6 elected officials and one appointee, the mayor could “just as easily” have picked you, or me, or any other budget-minded citizen. Or someone with financial expertise. (But she didn’t.) (But the public is welcome and encouraged to think outside the box.) (And I’m just glad no one said “ruffle some feathers.”)
- The committee membership consists of members of the Board of Education (chairwoman Wendy Faulenbach, Thomas McSherry, Alexandra Thomas), the Town Council (Peter Bass, Cecelia Buck-Taylor, MaryJane Lundgren), and 1 hand-picked mayoral BFF – newly-minted Board of Finance member (Beth Falder). (So much for all that financial expertise.)
- The official political affiliation of these members is: 3 Republicans (Bass, Buck-Taylor, Faulenbach), 2 Democrats (Lundgren, McSherry), 1
- (I could also say, the committee is made up of 2 men and 5 women, or look up everyone’s birth dates or astrological signs, but I think I’ve digressed enough).
- The committee will disband on New Year’s Eve, before the spring budget smack-down begins. (Which, I am told, is the beauty part of it, because no one has “territory” staked out before budget season. Honest…)
- How transparent will these meetings be? (Hint: posting the meeting minutes in the town Clerk’s office will not meet my definition of “transparent.” How about a special section in the Spectrum, or a web page linked to the town website?)
- How much public participation will actually be allowed? (Please, please, please let it be more than a “public participation” moment between the pledge of allegiance and the real business, where the public is admonished for breathing too loudly). Are members of the public going to actually serve on the committee? (Doubtful. Especially if they’re not deficit hawks. Maybe I should brush up my power point skills and come wearing a suit)
- Will members of the public be allowed to vote on committee proposals? (Good God, let’s hope so! Otherwise, what’s the point?)
- How will ideas be presented, discussed, decided upon? (“Save us money!” is a tall order when faced with a $90m budget servicing 30,000 people. And there are many legal and contractual considerations that must be abided, even if they may appear “costly.”)
- What is the scope of these meetings? (Will everyone sit down with a copy of the town and school budget and reenact that wonderful budget meeting scene from “Dave”? Or will people spend an hour or two bashing tax-and-spend liberalism and tisk-tisk the wastrel youth of today?) I assume the committee will break down into several sub-committees, who will conduct research and present findings to the group. Maybe this is where Joe Citizen can get involved more directly.
- How will ideas be evaluated? (Because I’m pretty sure we’ll here “Get rid of the libraries!” and “Don’t let people take their pensions and retire out of state!”, neither of which is legal, practical, or even desirable.) It’s tough to be both “inclusive” and “realistic.” (And “non-partisan.” But I digress again.)
- What will the committee do with these ideas? (Beyond writing up a report and presenting it to … actually, I don’t even know to whom, exactly.) Will any governing body (say, the Board of Ed or the Town Council) have to implement any of these ideas?
- What, exactly, is the point of this committee? Councilman Bass suggested at the July 12th Town Council meeting, that the committee would serve as a liaison between the BoE and the TC (and perhaps the BoF too). But the mayor corrected that statement, saying the committee to provide advice and assistance to the BoE (and other committees!), but that the BoE and the TC are not required to take their advice.
- When will this committee actually meet? The inaugural meeting has been rescheduled twice. It’s currently slated to happen August 12,
- Will this really be anything more than a “let’s slap the Board of Education around and ignore anything troubling about the Town side of the budget”? I’m hoping so, but I have my doubts. (Are you a betting reader?)
7/22/10
Is Walter Bayer a DINO?
Walter Bayer was at the Republican fundraiser for Probate Judge Martin Landgrebe last night. He appeared to be meeting and greeting like a member of the "R" crowd. And you can sometimes find him tipping back a beverage with Roger Szendy and other "R's" at local watering holes.
Considering how easily he has rolled over for town council business from "R" Mayor Murphy, is he just a lap dog for the RTC? Seems like a DINO (Democrat In Name Only) to me.
Hey Bayer: Start Drinking Liberally.
Considering how easily he has rolled over for town council business from "R" Mayor Murphy, is he just a lap dog for the RTC? Seems like a DINO (Democrat In Name Only) to me.
Hey Bayer: Start Drinking Liberally.
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