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Experince to Serve as Financial Watchdog
By John A. DeLutio, Litchfield
I am running for a two-year seat on the Town of Litchfield Board of Finance. This board is the financial watchdog of our town, and I believe that over forty years of business experience has given me the background to contribute. Now is the time to tighten our belts, face up to what is facing us, and spend only what is required. Spend only as if the money is ours.
The last Grand List of October 1, 2000 increased only .07% from the prior year. When we are looking at a budget increase of three to four percent and a Grand List increase of less than one percent, there's going to be an unhappy ending in the future resulting in major increases in our mill rate. Just remember, only last year, our mill rate was 20.33. Our current mill rate is 25.21.
• An increase in mandated updated sewer plant costs from $4.8 million to $6.1 million—or $1.3 million. What happened?
• Possible building of new high school and renovation of middle school at gross cost of $35 million, excluding partial reimbursement from the State and bonding costs. According to Connecticut State Department of Education and Federal Board of Education, school enrollment in Connecticut will level off in the year 2004 and then start downward.
• The people of Connecticut pay the highest taxes in America, and for every $1 we send to Washington, we get back only 65 cents in services and aid. In other words, we are the highest taxed and least rewarded. Our state has a projected deficit this year of $300 million, so they will be cutting back with regard to the Town of Litchfield.
• We are short on volunteers for Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance coverage. A town meeting will be held on October 30.
I am a registered Republican, having moved here two years ago from Ridgefield, Connecticut after 27 years because that town became much too costly. Prior to that, we lived in London, England on an employment assignment, and in Douglaston, New York.
I am retired from the commercial world, having accepted early retirement after 29 years as senior executive with a Fortune 500 international corporation.
I am married with three grown children who, thank goodness, have moved on and out. All live in Connecticut; one is in close by Bethlehem. All three are college graduates.
For your sake, I will try to continue in concise fashion:
• Served four years in U.S. Navy during Korean War. Honorable discharge.
• Graduate of New York Technical College with an A.A.S. in Business with Honors.
• Graduate of New York University with a B.S. in Business with Honors.
• Graduate of University of Ontario (Canada) Senior Management School.
• Recently completed Local Civilian Police Academy course.
• Currently serving on Cable TV Advisory Council and Veterans Affairs committee.
• Recently served on Litchfield's Schools Superintendent Search Committee, as I did in Ridgefield.
• Active lifetime member of American Legion.
• Member of Association of American Retired Persons. In the past served on local chapter legislative committee and as a director.
• Currently attending town meetings, public hearings and meetings of B.O.S., B.O.E. and P&Z.
• Was co-provider in Danbury of weekly community telecast covering politics, government and current events.
• Familiar with Roberts Rules of Order and Freedom of Information Act.
• Served on many committees in Ridgefield, including Charter Revision, Elderly Tax Abatement Review, and Annual Meetings Program Review.
Please consider me on November 6 to represent and serve you on the Litchfield Board of Finance. Thank you.
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