GOP Finance Candidates Tout Newcomer, Cite Accomplishments
GOP Finance Candidates Tout Newcomer, Cite Accomplishments
By John Voket
Republican members of Newtownâs Board of Finance issued a position statement this week on behalf of the three members seeking a return to the board â Joe Kearney, Harry Waterbury, and John Kortze â as well as outlining the experience of a fourth GOP candidate, Rich Oparowski.
The statement touts Mr Oparowskiâs financial experience with Fortune 500 companies as well as his current position of supporting 87 Catholic parishes in Fairfield County as the director of finance with the Diocese of Bridgeport. It also outlines the guidelines and practices that the finance board has initiated or maintained that have helped Newtown enhance its strong bond rating, which translates into lower interest rates paid to build schools and bridges, and millions of dollars in interest savings to taxpayers.
Pointing out the importance of adhering to financial guidelines, the statement notes a number of neighboring towns that have strayed from their financial policies that were subsequently downgraded.
The GOP finance candidates recapped a number of initiatives they have collectively supported in recent years, including initiating discussion on declining student enrollment trends and the impact on facilities; implementing monthly financial reporting from the town and educations departments; and encouraging tax relief for seniors over many years.
Messrs Kearney, Kortze, and Waterbury say they also pursued rebidding of the high school expansion, saving taxpayers more than $6 million; identified more than $2 million in âcommodityâ savings in the 2009-2010 overall town budget; and worked with the townâs auditor to improve Board of Education Transfer Policy, allowing greater transparency
If reelected, the GOP candidates pledge to continue to reduce overall borrowing; address ever-changing state and federal budgetary issues; advocate for combining and improving town and education purchasing and administrative processes; and continue to look for savings and efficiencies across all town spending.