Presidents make State of the Union speeches. Governors have their own (weirdly named) State of the States.
Now Westport introduces the State of the Town.
Unlike the other events, this one is a public forum. Questions are welcome from normal (as in, you and I) citizens.
It’s set for Sunday, January 28 (4 p.m., Town Hall). First Selectman Jim Marpe and Board of Education chair Michael Gordon will discuss town and school issues. Both are in charge of big budgets — and both wield important influence on what this town is, and where it’s going.
The State of the Town is a joint project of Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club. Incoming presidents Eileen Flug and Jeff Wieser joined current presidents Ron Holtz and Susie Basler to make the event a reality.
The State of the Town is a great way to learn what’s going on — and give feedback.
And enjoy fine refreshments, courtesy of Panera Bread.
You can also hear what is going on in Hartford on this Wednesday.
Legislative Update with Sen. Tony Hwang, Rep Jonathan Steinberg and Rep Gail Lavielle and possibly Sen Toni Boucher.
The Chamber hosts these twice a year. Ask questions and learn what our elected officials are doing to make our state a better place.
Westport Library, Reading Room, 9am. Coffee and cake served. Free Event.
Matt-you will hear the truth from Gail and Tony about the fiscal crisis in CT. The Financial Death Spiral is accelerating as more and more of the weather leave.
Steinberg in the other hand is why tyebstte is failing. I am sure he will tell you how he voted but all you have to do is look at the facts to know. He is more committed to keeping his role up in Hartford than resolving the budget crisis. Just ask him if he votes for the new state worker benefit package that pushed their contract out till 2027.
In February we will all start to learn of another massive budget deficit that will start July 1.
i have enough issues with my state of mind
“…you and me…”
Sorry for the horrible spelling:
Matt-you will hear the truth from Gail and Tony about the fiscal crisis in CT. The Financial Death Spiral is accelerating as more and more wealthy people leave CT. 367 Families pay 12% of the state income tax and statistics show they have begun to leave the state.
Steinberg on the other hand is why the state is failing. His votes have been to raise income taxes and he recently voted to extend the state worker benefit package that pushed their contract out till 2027. The cost for state worker pensions and medical expenses will grow by Billions!!
In February we will all start to learn of another massive budget deficit that will start July 1.
Again, I apologize for the spelling.
We heard you the first time, typos and all. No need to repeat your mantra: Republicans solve the problems; Democrats won’t. For a more balanced view, read:
http://www.westport-news.com/news/article/State-reps-discuss-transportation-woes-fiscal-12508314.php
Dick-sorry to disappoint you but it is no longer political in CT-the reality is the state is in a huge fiscal crisis and with the bad news of more and more leaving CT, real solutions are needed. Tough solutions that are balanced. The Financial Death Spiral in CT is accelerating even though you would like to deny it.
Here is an article that might help you understand more about the problem and how some are trying to help. Please note the pet of the article about the state’s fixed costs.
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20180122/PRINTEDITION/301189927/two-ceos-shaping-ct-economic-policy-say-states-future-is-at-stake
Dick-another article you and everyone in westport should read. CT can no longer hide behind budget gimmicks and labor support (Steinberg) for approving budgets. CT is facing a very serious and potenatily devastating time as the upcoming budget starting July 1 2018 is projected at close to a massive $2 BILLION. The total cost increase over the next 5-8 years for pensions, medical plans and debt is $5-8 BILLION. With not growth in jobs and more wealthy people leaving CT, state revenues are flat at best. Costs rising by billions and no growth in revenues and this all adds up to a fiscal crisis the magnitude this state has never seen.
https://ctmirror.org/2018/01/22/goal-of-latest-group-to-study-connecticut-go-big-or-go-home/
If Rotary is including people “in charge of big budgets” and “what this town is and where it is going” is there a reason that the chair of the Board of Finance isn’t included?
Thanks for the question Marge. In the interest of time we thought it best to have the top elected officials who have responsibility for preparing the two aspects of the budget: the Town and BOE. However, it is, of course, always good to be in the presence of Brian Stern, and we hope he will be there to add to the discussion!