As Election Day draws closer, it’s important to highlight how this campaign is being played by my opposition.
The Chairman of the Republican Town Committee has begun posting negative comments and twisting facts. He claims that I don’t invest time in understanding the issues, then twists my positions.
In April, Mr. Szewczyk stated the Fund Balance was $3.7M when the current administration took office. In reality, financial audits provided by Keith McLiverty revealed the Fund Balance was $4.4M.
Later, Mr. Szewczyk claimed the cross-endorsement of Keith McLiverty was an endorsement of the Republican’s fiscal policy.
Mr. Szewczyk stated, “… we are flattered the opposition is finally realizing the validity of the tough financial decisions made by this administration … Our Treasurer was consulted on these decisions …”
If it is his party’s policy to consult the Treasurer on such issues, he should have done so regarding the Fund Balance, rather than posting erroneous information.
I understand various officials are consulted on fiscal decisions. If one were to understand the responsibilities of the Mayor, they would recognize that the bi-partisan Tax Board must be consulted and vote on financial issues, not the Mayor or his assistant.
Once the legal settlements are approved, the Treasurer and Tax Board figure out how to minimize the impact on taxpayers.
Part of the problem with this administration is the “me, me, me” with successes and never “they” for a job well done. The Mayor has been completely absent from his seat at Tax Board meetings and his budget submittals are incomplete, yet takes credit for the successes of the Tax Board.
While I understand the Fund Balance is strong today, Mr. Szewczyk skewed his number to make it look better than it was. The strength of the Fund Balance has nothing to do with the Mayor’s office, but rather the prudence of the Tax Board and the Treasurer. That is why we elected to cross-endorse Keith McLiverty.
Mr. Szewczyk recently posted comments stating I attacked the Derby Police Department with crime statistics.
This is not true.
In fact, my campaign referenced data from the General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Research. The OLR obtains data from the Uniform Crime Reporting program, maintained by the State Police’s Crime Analysis Unit. If that research is not thorough enough for Mr. Szewczyk, then I’m not quite sure what is.
There was never an attack on the police department. In fact, I fully support Chief Narowski and I am committed to helping obtain the equipment and staffing he needs to make Derby a safer place.
If my opponent is not going to agree, then how can any position he takes be trustworthy?
Derby has a crime and staffing issue, and I will work collaboratively with the Chief on a remedy.
It is my intention to keep this campaign clean and factual. My campaign is committed to operating with the utmost regard for the facts and will incorporate supporting information to alleviate any further spin doctoring.
The author is a Democrat looking to unseat Republican Mayor Anthony Staffieri.
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