The Chaplin Democratic Town Committee :: The Selectman's Corner

FROM IRENE SCHEIN, SELECTMAN, TOWN OF CHAPLIN

The Chaplin budget has been the focus for several weeks. The Board of Finance, working with consultants and the Board of Selectmen, have amassed information to create a bare bones budget. In light of decreasing State and Federal funding we were able to dodge a bullet for the next fiscal year.

Our contribution to the Regional District Eleven budget decreased almost a mil because of the decrease in the number of students we will be sending to Regional District Eleven in comparison to the other two Towns. However, this temporary good fortune is not a solution to our budget problems. The long term solution cannot be solved at the local level alone. Other towns in Connecticut face the same struggle to balance the budget with high educational costs, unfunded mandates in education and accounting, and ever-increasing utility, health care, and insurance costs.

We, of course, are affected by large State deficits and inefficiencies. We need to look to our State and national representatives in Government to fight for a restructuring in the way education, (particularly Special Education), is funded, as well as allowing Towns options other than the property tax to raise revenue. And, most of all, to demand unfunded mandates be eliminated!

Candidates at all levels are traveling around the State looking for support. It is important to meet these candidates and question how they will handle our economic crisis. Participation is key to getting people in office who are responsive and responsible to our Town's needs. Attend meetings where these candidates are present and let's work to get people elected who will stand up for economic justice in our State.

In other news, the Board of Selectmen will be presenting an ordinance at a Town meeting in June to establish an Economic and Community Development Commission in Town. This Commission will be proactive in overseeing Town growth and development to assure that it is in accordance with the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development while providing needed services to our residents and visitors. They will explore our assets and opportunities to bring sensible growth to help bolster our Grand List. Anyone interested in serving on this commission? Let me know. Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

The citizens, at a Town Meeting, will also be asked to consider changing the voting location to the Firehouse so the Town Hall does not have to close for elections.

The Board of Selectmen meet the first Thursday of each month and the Board of Finance the second Monday of each month, both at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.