Social Media

SEPT 7, 2025

I have been asked questions across the past week on the Berlin Talks page and now that it is Sunday, and the rules of that page allow political posts, I’ll answer them there and repost here. I strongly encourage follow up questions in private messages, email or in person. I’ll be at the Berlin Democratic Town Committee Headquarters Grand Opening today from 2-4, at the Farmer’s Cow Calfe every Tuesday from 5-6, as I have been for months, and of course at the Berlin Fair all weekend.

What information would you make available to folks that isn’t already made public?

One of the most important roles of Mayor is communicating with the residents of this town. Most folks in town lead busy lives and I will bring the information to them regularly in quick summarized posts. I would keep them updated about the Knights of Columbus Senior Housing Project, the East Berlin pool, the Senior Center and much more. Our budget process is complex and very few understand the dynamics between the Town Council, Board of Finance and Board of Education. In the past ten years, the Mayor’s office has been relatively short on providing information and updates (less so during his election seasons) and less forthcoming when specific questions are asked of him.  The BOE budget has become a regular political football.   I oversee over a $100 million dollar budget for the State of Connecticut Court Support Services Division, and I will help people understand how the budget comes together and how we spend our money.

After the Mayor shared that AAA rating which basically says we are already operating fiscally responsible, could you tell us what is currently wrong with how we are currently spending our budget?

I do not believe our education system is properly funded. Our school system needs to be a priority. It’s why families move to Berlin, buy homes, and then pay taxes. I don’t believe that the Mayor prioritizes this.  As a member of the BOE, I have seen first-hand the painstaking, careful process that 9 people, with a wide range of political views, go through to make sure we are providing the best possible service in the most cost-effective way.  To watch the Mayor disregard that each year without participating in the process is frustrating.  As Mayor, I will prioritize community services, like our Senior Center and Parks and Rec departments. Our budget referendum process is expensive, and the outcome is not adhered to. I will listen to our citizens and be sure they know more about how their tax dollars are prioritized.

Your comment could insinuate that folks in Berlin aren’t proud of our town. Considering republicans have won the last couple elections, I would say majority of Berlin is happy with the direction we are heading. What about Berlin aren’t you currently proud of?

I think Berlin is a wonderful town.  I am excited as Mayor to highlight the things that make it wonderful.  I am excited to involve the entire community in our decision-making processes.  I want young families to experience what I experienced with my family – a great school system, world-class police and fire departments, and beautiful outdoor spaces that kids can safely enjoy.  

As I have been knocking doors for several months now, I have heard a variety of concerns. I recently spoke to a dad who is considering moving his family out of town because of the cuts to education and the lack of accessible community spaces for youth downtown. I hear these two concerns repeatedly. Many people are concerned that they don’t know how their tax dollars are being spent. We have seen a lack of voter turnout for referendums and municipal elections.  This tells me that there are many people who are not feeling heard by their town officials and are giving up on the process.  We need to change this dynamic.

What is your vision?              

I envision a town with a thriving and walkable downtown area, where families spend time and young people want to live.

I envision a fully funded world class education system whose budgetary process is not impacted by the politics of the moment.

I envision a town where folks show up in impressive numbers to vote, because they know their candidates, understand the process and know their vote will be respected.

I envision a town with thriving community services for seniors and families, including a transparent process to develop a new senior center, senior housing and youth services.

I envision a town that fully supports our extraordinary police and fire fighters, so they can continue to do their jobs keeping us safe.