Returning Government to the People

Republican Tom Jerram and Democrat Owen Quinn at the Torrington mayoral debate on October 4. Photo/Robin Gourd

On July 24 I asked the question, "Who is Tom Jerram?" Over the past 100 days my campaign for mayor of Torrington has worked hard to answer that question. We have also provided the voters with a platform that returns government to the people and addresses serious issues facing this city. As you go to the polls on Election Day, please considered what our team would like to accomplish.

We have initiated a plan to reform the budget process. We cannot afford "taxation without representation" with an unelected board having the final say on our budget and mill rate. We must have an elected body, accountable to the voters, finalize the budget and establish the mill rate.

Our economy is not the same as it was during last year’s budget process. With recent world events, over 500 announced job layoffs and the Governor’s projected $300 million budget shortfall, we need to "tighten our fiscal belt" now in preparation an uncertain economy. That’s why we are prepared to identify and freeze $200,000 of non-wage-related expenditures for the second half of the fiscal year. This is a prudent measure to plan for the future. We cannot act like children and spend the money just because we have it in our pockets.

We need to continue to pursue excellence in education for our children, in safe, secure buildings. That is why the Torringford School is our #1 priority—before any city buildings project and before a speculative urban redevelopment project.

Our plan for redevelopment capitalizes on the existing successes of our Main Street buildings. The Work Center, Hannah’s, Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Warner Theatre, Toy Jam, Remember When, Libby’s Furniture, LARC, Walgreens and CVS have all invested in our Main Street. Lets "complete the street" and retain the existing beauty and architecture of our downtown before we branch out to our other central business district commercial arteries.

And lastly, let’s make City Hall a 21st century service organization. Let’s get the work of the people done as efficiently as possible. We will extend City Hall hours on Thursday evenings so our working families can conduct city business without leaving work. And, you can be assured of a return phone call from the Mayor’s office.

I am Tom Jerram. I am the Republican candidate for Mayor of Torrington. I ask for your vote on November 6. I also ask that you support our entire team.

Thank you, Torrington. Thank you for your kind words of support, encouragement, and the opportunity to serve you as mayor of this great city.