Carfora: "I Voted A Reluctant Yes on Maturo's Budget"

EAST HAVEN, CT - East Haven Democratic Mayoral candidate Joseph Carfora said he voted a reluctant "yes" in going along with Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr.'s $92 million 2019-2020 budget that minimally cuts tax rates for taxpayers.

Carfora, 3rd District Councilman, issued this statement about his vote and the budget:

My budget votes was a reluctant - Yes.

"While I fully understand the difficulties that families face in today’s economic environment, I also recognize the difficulties that municipalities face when putting together a fair and reasonable budget. Through this process I also kept in the forefront of mind what we as taxpayers can afford, but also what we as a community deserve.

"My yes vote was primarily made because this budget did hold the line on our taxes. However, I am not convinced that it provides this community what it deserves. And to get what we as tax payers deserve does not mean that taxes need to be raised.

"It’s about priorities and I have consistently pointed out that I do not believe that this administration prioritizes the right things. Our public works department is in shambles. We have an able body workforce that are not given the tools to do the job. Our infrastructure from buildings to streets are in visible disrepair. Heck- wouldn’t it be nice to simply see a street sweeper daily moving throughout town. Finally, as a former athlete, the conditions of our playing fields are far inferior to our comparable neighboring towns.

"It is not acceptable.

"I will continue to hold Maturo and this republican administration accountable and I will tirelessly work to help provide East Haven residents what they deserve."