Letter to the Editor: Bonding Projects will Benefit Town

The Suffield Chamber Board of Directors reminds eligible Suffield voters that voting on the town's $14.8 million bonding proposals is a two-step process. The first critical date is Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m.

The majority votes cast by eligible voters attending the March 17 town meeting will determine which, if any, of four independent bonding proposals will move to a separate town referendum vote, potentially in April. The town meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Suffield High School Auditorium, 1060 Sheldon St. The Suffield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors encourages Suffield voters to attend this meeting.

Four separate bond issues are being proposed, totaling $14.8 million. The bond proposals are for capital spending to make improvements to the town roads and town hall, purchase new fire trucks and to build a new library. Separate votes will be taken on each proposal versus a total bond package because of the diversity of the projects.

The Suffield Chamber Board of Directors hosted an education event at its regularly scheduled board meeting on March 3. First Selectman Tom Frenaye presented the town's research and results from prior town meetings and Boards of Selectmen, Education and Finance meetings regarding the four bonding proposals. Frenaye also educated chamber members on town government and the town meeting and referendum process.

Suffield Chamber Board President and former Selectman John Smith emphasized that the "town voters may forget or be unaware of the importance each taxpayer plays in town government and on voting issues held during town meetings. In particular, at the March 17 meeting they will be voting on the items that will be placed on the ballot for the April referendum."

Suffield Public Library Foundation President Mel Chafetz and Kent Memorial Library Director Jim McShane reviewed the library proposal, research and private funding through the Suffield Public Library Foundation.

Financially, the board noted that funding and town's capital needs are similar to issues we experience in developing our business plans and our own individual budgeting and planning. The board discussion underscored that maintaining and enhancing Suffield's infrastructure are fundamental considerations. Core community services for protection, education and health services, and cultural components are fundamental to the town's ability to attract community residents and employers to expand our taxpayer base. Suffield includes a broad range of businesses: from home-based to small- and medium-sized businesses and agri-businesses located throughout our community, to larger commercial and industrial businesses in planned areas.

As a result, we applaud the efforts of the Town of Suffield Boards of Selectmen, Education and Finance support of the four bonding proposals as we consider them fundamental components to the town's economic health and cultural environment. The $14.8 million bond issues will add an $146 average annual tax increase over the 20-year bond for a property assessed at $300,000.

We encourage town voters to attend the March 17, 2011 town meeting to vote for their bonding choices to be included in the April referendum. To help with your understanding, visit the chamber's Web site. Look under Latest News: Bond Bullet Points and Financial Discussion. A copy of the legal notice with additional information can be found here.

The Suffield Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization of business people who strive to advance the commercial and industrial and agri-business interests of the communities we serve. Since its founding in 1994, the Suffield Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to promoting economic and community development within the region.

The Suffield Chamber also seeks non-profit organizations as active members. Membership affords businesses and non-profits the opportunity to reach a wider audience, broaden the base of volunteerism and financial support which contribute to the culture and character of our community and to enhance the economic climate in which we do business and the community where we serve and live.

Suffield Patch welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Letters may be edited by Patch for length and clarity. Send them to perry.robbin@patch.com.