Letter: Corona Outlines Campaign Issues in Bid for Middlefield Selectmen

Life-long Middlefield resident Marianne Corona is running as an independent for the job of first selectman this November. She submitted the below statement to Durham-Middlefield Patch and we are reprinting it in its entirety.

As a Rockfall and Middlefield lifelong resident and active voice in my community, my commitments as a candidate for First Selectman in the November 5 town election is as follows:

I regard the office of First Selectman not as a job but rather as a wonderful opportunity to assist the residents of Rockfall and Middlefield. My motto is, and has always been, "How can I help?" My focus in this role will be on issues and how to solve them. This process will be done with open discussion and transparency.

I'll work towards much better management of our budget to help prevent tax increases, I know that this can be done without diminishing town services! I have always monitored the town budgets and have attended many finance meetings over the years. I have also served as chair for the former Capital Improvement Committee which was responsible to aid in future budget planning.

As your First Selectman, one of my top priorities will be to work on ways to relieve annual tax increases. The First Selectman has control over the town operating budget. During the eight years of the present First Selectman, Jon Brayshaw, with continued approvals from the Board of Finance, the town portion of the budget has risen approximately $1 million dollars! This negatively affects existing business as well as the average home owner!! Better management of our tax dollars is desperately needed, I promise that management!

The  folks at Lake Beseck, who have the highest sewer usage rates in the state, would have  relief with fewer local property tax increases!

As your First Selectman I would actively engage in moving ahead with seeking suitable business development. At the same time  we also must open discussions with our larger tax payers, Zygo, Lymans and the others, as well seek input from our important small business owners. We must hear from these folks, they all provide a large percentage of our tax revenue. It is also extremely important that we begin to move forward with attracting new business, carefully working with those that can provide a balance with our open space and housing. This  endeavor would add to our tax base and potentially add employment opportunities.

I will work with town employees to establish better communications between and among departments and residents. My door will always be open and I will establish a policy for responding  to citizen complaints and concerns with a 24 to 48 hour initial response time.

I do not have, nor ever have had, any personal agendas, and as in past years I will continue to work with everyone for the best interests of Rockfall and Middlefield, our very special town!  

Marianne

Related stories

Brayshaw, Bailey Lead Republican Ticket in Middlefield

Petrella, Burgess Lead Democratic Ticket in Middlefield