Clear Difference Between Parties

By John S. Gauger, Jr., Winsted

By John S. Gauger, Jr. is Chair of the Winchester Democratic Town Committee.

The Charter question, "Shall the Town of Winchester Charter be amended to change the method of adoption of the annual budget?" deserves your "Yes" vote. Since the incumbent Republican team that has controlled the Board of Selectmen passed their first budget at 25.97 mills in 1996, taxes have increased 10 mills or 40% to 35.84 mills. At the same time the town's population has decreased by 7.5% and the town's Grand List has remained the same.

All the promises and spending on redevelopment, hotels, retail stores, and Main Street renewal have been just that—promises with a big price tag. What is evident is that volunteer Boards of Education and Selectmen are no matches for skilled union negotiators. At the last Board of Selectmen meeting on October 15, the town tax collector informed the board that another 54 properties were being turned over to the town attorney to begin foreclosure proceedings. The regressive property tax puts young families and the elderly at the terrible risk of losing their homes.

The only body that has demonstrated any ability to control costs is the townspeople voting at referendum. The proposed Charter change allows for the widest participation by allowing an all-day referendum for voters to cast their ballots on the annual town budget. And, if you can't make it, you can vote by absentee ballot.

There is a clear difference between the parties when you vote on Tuesday, November 6. The Democratic team supports this Charter change which allows all to participate in the adoption of the budget. Remember, when you close that curtain, vote Row B, the Democrats, and search out the Charter Question at the very top and vote "Yes." After all, as this recession unfolds, the next house foreclosed on may be yours.