"Big Steve" Tracey: "I Voted for Budget - and I'm Proud of it"

EAST HAVEN, CT - Republican councilman and candidate for mayor "Big Steve" Tracey is explaining, below, why he voted in favor of Mayor Joseph Maturo budget.

Tracey had this to say:

"Recently, as a town council member for the 4th District, I, along with many of my colleagues, made a choice on behalf of the residents, and taxpayers of our town.

"My vote in support of East Haven’s annual budget, was the correct vote. It was one of the most important votes I will make, on behalf of our town and its future.

"East Haven’s budget process is very difficult and complicated. The residents of our town elect us to be leaders concerning these matters. And it’s with that kind of leadership, I will run the town as your next mayor.

"I am encouraged by the fact that in this approved town budget, taxes will be slightly lower, and key services maintained. I’m also encouraged that our town finances continue to be stable in an unstable environment. I’m confident that important issues will be addressed, and in some cases improved. For instance, continued funding for our children’s education, continued support for public safety, and the many community- driven activities our residents enjoy.

"My vision as Mayor of East Haven will focus on economic development, improving the way our town is managed, holding the line on taxes, protecting education, improving our town image, healing the many frayed relationships between our political parties, and working with all of our citizens to make East Haven a better place to live.

"However, town council member, Joseph Carfora has a different view. In fact, he was recently quoted in the East Haven Patch as saying, “I voted a reluctant yes on Maturo’s budget." This kind of uncertainty raises question about the type of mayor this candidate would be. Carfora further stated, “…I am not convinced that it provides this community what it deserves…”
If he had so many concerns with the budget, then a “No” vote would have been appropriate. A strong leader doesn’t play both sides of the fence.

"The Republican and Democratic town council members deserve credit for passing this budget in a bi-partisan manner.

"Town council members had to make difficult decisions that were in the best interest of the community; that is leadership.

"Again, for the record, I voted “yes” on East Haven’s budget, and my reasons are very clear.

“I believe that holding the line on taxes is even more important this year, as state democrats threaten us with new taxes, tolls, and other increased costs for East Haven families.

“Are there items in the town budget that could use extra funding? Yes, and that will always be the case. But as a town council member and candidate for mayor of our town, it's the household budget of our residents that I am most concerned with protecting, and, I will do it as your mayor.

"That’s a promise I will keep."