Leaders in local governments nationwide face the same challenge: how to provide high quality public services, compensate municipal employees fairly, and keep taxes low. While this may seem like an impossible balancing act, we in Warren can take action to address all three goals at once.
High quality services require a commitment from administrators and department heads to research and implement best practices—from consolidation to public-private partnerships to modernization of computer systems. Fair compensation calls for regular and fair performance reviews, professional development, and reliable human resources management. To take the pressure off local property taxes, we must look to state government to send back to local governments a bigger share of the sales tax and the meal and beverage tax. Currently, almost of those taxes go into the state general fund even though they are collected by businesses cultivated and supported in local communities.
It's time to vote! Get out and do it on November 6th!
June Speakman
Democratic candidate for Warren Town Council