Letter: First Selectman talks Beacon Falls

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(Editor’s note: This letter is the July First Selectman’s letter that appears on the Beacon Falls town website.)

To the editor,

On behalf of the Boards of Selectman and Finance, I would like to thank all the residents who voted to approve the five questions regarding the financing of the capital projects for Beacon Falls. Your vote of confidence is an affirmation that we as a town are moving in the right direction. To the residents who voted against the budget and/or the loan package, I hear your concerns, and I will work hard to make sure that your hard-earned dollars will never be spent frivolously.

Beacon Falls has serious financial needs that must be addressed. The municipal budget and the loan package were hammered out with blood, sweat and tears, and unanimously supported by all members of both boards.

There are two ways to lower individual taxes: either through cutting expenses or by increasing revenue through an expanded tax base. We have cut expenses to a bare minimum, and in these tough economic times, revenue has been stagnant. I will continue to seek innovative ways to trim expenses and increase revenue through aggressive tax collections and by working tirelessly to increase our commercial and industrial tax base.

The annual Fireman’s Carnival and Parade were a tremendous success. I spoke with many residents on the Saturday after the parade and everyone seemed to enjoy the event. A warm thank you goes out to all the dedicated men and women who serve on Beacon Hose Co. No. 1, and contributed their personal time to prepare for this event. These same volunteers respond to emergency calls day and night, in all weather conditions, year round. Again, thank you.

Congratulations to Beacon Falls’ first CERT team. The inaugural team has completed its training and a graduation ceremony took place on June 9. These CERT members will assist our emergency personnel as needed during natural and manmade disasters.

I invite you all to consider serving our town in some capacity, whether through our CERT program, Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 or on a board or commission. It is our volunteers that make Beacon Falls special.

Gerard Smith

First Selectman

Beacon Falls