Derby stands at a crossroads. How the next two years unfold, the decisions that will be made regarding economic development, taxes, and spending will impact Derby’s future for decades to come. As a result, the decision on who should lead Derby for those next two years couldn’t be more important or clear.
Mayor Dziekan inherited the worst financial mess in Derby’s history. It brought Derby to the brink of financial ruin. It caused the financial markets and the state of CT to take notice and keep a keen watch on the city’s response. Mayor Dziekan made the difficult choice, as part of the solution, to raise taxes for two years in a row to restore Derby’s fund balance, fix an accounting error in the BOE budget and right Derby’s financial ship. As a result, he won the praise and approval of the state oversight board and the financial markets.
In the final year of the plan he not only fulfilled the objective of righting Derby’s financial ship, but cut taxes for the average taxpayer. That’s leadership, strong, ever present, dependable and accountable leadership.
Now able to turn his attention guiding Derby to a brighter future Mayor Dziekan has made sweeping proposals to lower taxes for two groups most in need; senior citizens on fixed incomes and single-family homeowners. He also unveiled a plan to achieve sustained economic development that will increase tax revenues for Derby for decades to come.
Senior citizens on fixed incomes rarely have enough “gold” to enjoy their golden years. The mayor’s proposal to provide tax relief demonstrates his heart for seniors and provides a little more “gold” for those golden years. It also demonstrates a wonderful understanding of Derby as a multi-generational community made up of great grandparents, grandparents, parents and their adult children that love and care for each other.
Single-family homeowners account for 70% of revenue for the city budget. They are also the only class of taxpayer that has no outside source of income to help pay those taxes unlike commercial, industrial or even multi-family homeowners. The Mayor’s proposal to provide a $250 tax credit for this group is sorely needed and a great way for the Mayor to say thank you to the taxpayer group most responsible for helping him in righting Derby’s financial ship.
The Mayor’s 7‑point plan for achieving sustained economic growth, incorporates aspects from Derby’s past such as the development of Fountain Lake Industrial Park, the present, developing city-owned property on Main St, and looks to address challenges that Derby faces proposing a way to transform Derby’s problem areas through redevelopment of what he calls “transformation zones.”
Joe DiMartino, Mayor Dziekan’s opponent, who in his campaign for Mayor to this point and in the 6 years as an Alderman, the past two as the President, has failed to make a single proposal on how he would meet the challenges Derby faces.
Mayor Dziekan has demonstrated strong, ever present, dependable and accountable leadership. He has a clear vision, and plans to secure a bright future for Derby. The choice couldn’t be clearer. I urge Mayor Dziekan’s re-election.
Walt Mayhew
The writer, a Danbury resident, is the former Derby treasurer.
