Letter: Power shift needed on Barrington council

Posted 9/20/16

To the editor:

On Nov. 8, Barrington voters’ choices for town council will have a major impact on the future of our town. I urge all voters to pay close attention to the Candidates records …

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Letter: Power shift needed on Barrington council

Posted

To the editor:

On Nov. 8, Barrington voters’ choices for town council will have a major impact on the future of our town. I urge all voters to pay close attention to the Candidates records and their positions on the issues. 

We need to elect councilors who will make providing a high level of municipal services and keeping property taxes affordable a priority. All issues must be considered in relation to their maximum benefit for residents and taxpayers.

As a member of the council for the past two years, I have been frustrated by my Democratic colleagues’ priorities. In negotiating the deal with the developers of the senior community on the former Zion College property they chose to divert $2.3 million in property taxes to the Housing Trust for affordable housing. Fellow councilor Ann Strong and I lobbied to have that provision removed from the agreement, but the other three councilors felt that affordable housing was more important than providing tax relief to residents or more money for our schools.

I think all residents recognize the need for improvements at the middle school, but are concerned about the fiscal impact a $68.4 million bond will have. If approved we face sharply higher property taxes and less money for future needs. The entire council expressed grave concern over the impact a bond of that size would have, but only Ann Strong and I voted against putting it before the voters in the hope that the school building committee would be forced to explore a more affordable option. As has often been the case, we were outvoted three to two.  

In my two years on the council I have received many compliments for my stance on the issues. Unfortunately my views have not prevailed with the council majority. To change that dynamic it is imperative that we re-elect Ann Strong. She has a demonstrated record of challenging the status quo. Furthermore, electing Geoff Grove and Peter Dennehy to the council will add two more members who share my priorities. Both Geoff and Peter are long term residents with experience serving on town boards. They understand the issues and will have an immediate and positive impact on the council.

Steve Primiano

Barrington

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