In a recent letter to the editor, Mr. Duus’ claims about my understanding of municipal bonding limits were mistaken. Connecticut law expressly allows towns to issue long-term bonds in certain circumstances, and my comments related to exactly that. Other towns use these tools responsibly.
The real issue isn’t legal fine print, however. It’s how to finance overlapping capital projects, like the rink, GHS pool, and new school buildings, without overwhelming taxpayers. Borrowing carries interest costs, but the alternative is steep tax hikes or deferred investment.
What Greenwich needs most is honest, transparent, multi-year capital planning that aligns future projects with our capacity to pay. Developing such a plan is the First Selectman’s core responsibility, reflecting our community’s values and priorities. That hasn’t been happening.
For instance, the 202526 budget as proposed by Mr. Camillo merely flowed proposed capital expenditures into a spending template and highlighted in red the outyears where the BET’s own debt policy would be violated, without elaboration. As First Selectman, I will bring the necessary rigor back.
Ultimately, the BET decides how to finance our needs.
Any long-term borrowing requires a bipartisan vote and RTM approval. Yet for four years, Republican BET leaders have neglected even to review our debt policy, which the policy requires be done “periodically, but no less often than every two years.” That’s not planning.
The Democratic financial experts running for the BET will work across the aisle to responsibly assess and determine our financing. Together we will deliver the prudent fiscal management you deserve.
Anthony Moor,
Candidate for First Selectman
