To the Editor:
I am running for re-election to the Old Lyme Board of Finance (BOF). I have served on that board since 2014 and very much want to continue. I also urge you to vote for the other Democratic Town Committee candidates: Anna Reiter as a regular member and Sheila Riffle, Diane Linderman and Candace Fuchs as alternates.
We appreciate the importance of the BOF to the town and the serious responsibility service on the board entails. Together with the Board of Selectman (BOS), the BOF must decide what expenditures are in the best interests of our residents and where to draw the line so that taxes are no greater than necessary. You trust us to make these decisions thoughtfully and prudently, taking into account the needs of the town and the opinions of the taxpayers.
Electing this slate would correct the 4 to 2 party imbalance currently on the BOF and position us to improve the budget-making process. We need to adopt an orderly and effective methodology for developing the annual budget, which starts with the Board of Selectmen and then moves to the BOF for review, refinement and adoption. The work should include careful examination of the financial requirements of each program and department, and determination of the amount of surplus needed by the town. Surplus in excess of that amount may be used to offset approved project expenses and/or reduce upcoming tax needs.
My colleagues and I are deeply committed to the welfare of Old Lyme and are particularly well-qualified to serve on the BOF. I am a retired corporate lawyer and business owner, with years of experience on the board. Anna Reiter has served on the BOF and has managed large budgets in her role as a project geologist. In her role as high school principal Sheila Riffle developed many annual budgets, aligning them with district objectives. Diane Linderman has years of accounting experience and was immersed in the Region 18 Board of Education budget-making process while serving on that board. Finally, Candace Fuchs, who served on our Economic Development Commission, has managed multi-million-dollar budgets as a project manager for pharmaceutical companies.
You can find more information about each of us at oldlymedtc.com. We would also be happy to meet with you at DTC headquarters (151-B Boston Post Road in Old Lyme, behind Morrissey Cycles) to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Please vote for us on November 7.
Sincerely,
Bennett (BJ) Bernblum,
Old Lyme.