GLADSTEIN: Democrats Have Been Remarkable Fiscal Stewards of Our Town

Letter to the editor from Gina Gladstein

It is disappointing to read the many Republican letters warning us that if the Democrats are re-elected to town government, we will experience a rise in the mill rate and a doubling of our long-term debt. Disappointing, because the Democrats who have been in charge of our town finances since 2017, have been remarkable fiscal stewards of our town.

Let’s look at the facts. In the last municipal election in 2017, voters chose Democratic control of the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET). Democrat Jill Oberlander was unanimously voted BET Chair. Democrat Howard Richman was elected Tax Collector.

Did the Democrats initiate a spend and borrow policy? Absolutely not. In fact, the Democrats in control of the BET produced an average mill rate of only 1.375% per year over the last 2 years compared to an average 2.94% increase per year over the preceding ten years under Republican control. In addition, the Democrats used their tie-breaking vote to lower our taxes, an action opposed by the six Republicans.

That’s right, the Democrats lowered our taxes. Most importantly, the Democrats on the BET created strict auditing controls on all town departments to stop the mismanagement and theft we had been experiencing; e.g. Parking Violations Dept.

Finally, let’s not forget that Howard Richman collected over 4.2million in delinquent property taxes that had been uncollected by his Republican predecessor.

So, the idea that those same Democrats are going to spend and borrow us into oblivion is pure fabrication.

Greenwich has a 450 million dollar annual budget. Jill Oberlander has already demonstrated the skills and expertise to run our local government. The Democrats on the BET have prevented an increase in town taxes and instituted important reforms.

Modernization of our Tax Collection department under Howard Richman’s direction has been accomplished and will occur in the Town Clerk’s office if Molly Saleeby is elected.
Please join me in voting for the Democratic ticket November 5 th .

Gina Gladstein
Old Greenwich

The deadline to submit a letter to the editor regarding candidates in the Nov 5 municipal election is Tuesday Oct 29 at 5pm.