Tomorrow is July 1. That means the tax man is coming. Let us know how much your taxes have increased as the new budget year begins.
The tax impact one year prior to the election cycle always seems to matter more in Bridgeport elections. Mayors Lenny Paoletta, Tom Bucci and Mary Moran all had minimal or no tax increases in the years they lost. The tax hit came in the year before the election, leading to the electorate’s breaking point. Most mayors live and die by their budgets. This is a key budget year for Mayor Bill Finch as he heads into reelection next year. How voters determine the tax impact will carry into next year. Meanwhile, city bean counters must close a multi-million dollar gap that relies on union concessions. Stay tuned.
So far the only official challenge to Finch is John Gomes, a former Finch administration official. Look for State Rep. Chris Caruso to make a move for the mayor’s seat after the November state election. And if Ned Lamont becomes governor will he offer Finch a state commissionership?
From Ned Lamont:
Lamont Releases Plan to Get Connecticut Moving Again
Offers Strategies to Relieve Congestion, Improve Transit, and Create Jobs
New Haven, CT – As Connecticut families prepare to grapple with holiday travel this weekend, Democratic candidate for governor Ned Lamont unveiled his plan to ease traffic congestion, expand transit options, and repair our crumbling infrastructure. With a focus on public-private partnerships and securing federal funds for transit projects, Lamont’s “Plan to Get Connecticut Moving Again” lays out his long-term vision for fixing transportation in our state without substantial cost to Connecticut families.
“The traffic jams that most Americans only experience on holiday weekends are an everyday nightmare for Connecticut commuters and their families,” said Lamont. “By improving rail service, giving commuters more options for how to get to work, and repairing our state’s crumbling transportation infrastructure, we can create jobs and encourage businesses and families to settle here in the state. As governor I will take charge and put Connecticut back on the path to smart, long-term growth, starting with transportation.”
Lamont’s plan enjoys support from transportation leaders across Connecticut.
“This is the most promising urban and transportation agenda I have seen from a gubernatorial candidate in over twenty years in Connecticut. It moves beyond platitudes and details specific ideas that, if implemented, could transform Connecticut – putting us on the road to compete with cutting-edge American cities like Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington,” said Professor Norman Garrick, the Director of UCONN’s Center for Transportation and Urban Planning.
“Ned Lamont has a thoughtful transportation plan that addresses our infrastructure needs and puts Connecticut workers back to work immediately. Ned is the only candidate running for governor that will partner with unions and others to achieve the goal of building a better Connecticut,” said Charles LeConche, the business manager of the Connecticut Laborers’ District Council
As governor, Lamont will:
• Reestablish frequent rail service from New Haven through Hartford to Springfield.
• Run Metro North trains into Penn Station so commuter rail from Stamford to Newark doesn’t entail lugging bags on four different trains.
• Equip train cars with Wi-Fi, so travelers can stay connected and productive.
• Upgrade the Waterbury branch and increase frequency of trains to Derby, Naugatuck, Waterbury, and other points on the line, bringing opportunity and jobs.
• Repair our aging bridges and highways, so we can travel safely and quickly across the state. Projects like the I-84 Aetna Viaduct in Hartford will support thousands of jobs.
• Work with major employers to bring international flights back to Bradley Airport, opening our state up to international travel and commerce.
• Institute a “smart card” system so riders can switch from bus to rail more easily, integrating Connecticut’s transit networks.
• Make Connecticut more bike-friendly, giving people a healthier, greener commuting option.
• Work with other governors to create a Northeast Transportation Authority, stretching from Washington to Maine, with responsibility for road, rail, ports, and airports.
How does a $200 increase hit you? It hit me!
Lennie, I will take note that you will publish self-aggrandizing, puff press releases. Must be a slow news day ;). Lamont appears to be stealing much of Dan Malloy’s previously published plan without the same detail. I was at Murphy’s Law last night (sans sign) to hear Dan Malloy and Nancy Wyman. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many Bridgeport DTC supporters and community organizers. It was the personification of the saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Which I thought was wonderful. I reconnected with a few people I hadn’t seen in awhile as well. Bridgeport has some powerful people behind Malloy, and I predict Malloy will come closer than anyone thought or win in Bridgeport. Dan and Nancy were very well received by the crowd of supporters and many who had not made up their minds. I think they were certain by the end of the evening. Dan said when the federal stimulus money for education disappears he will make sure Bridgeport’s education funding will not be harmed. Dan stated you could hold his feet to the fire on that and it wasn’t an empty campaign promise. Dan was invaluable to me when I worked in Hartford on behalf of Bridgeport. He helped Bridgeport almost as much as Stamford. Of all the mayors in the coalition of big-city Mayors, Dan was by far the most personally active. (To be fair he didn’t have a legislative liaison, but he didn’t need one.)
You know I supported Dan since the beginning; however, I thought, well at least Lamont is a decent guy, but now I am worried he seems to be relying on smear and fear tactics. Hmmm, where I have seen that before? I was also pretty appalled that Lamont crashed Jim Himes’ birthday party last Sunday in Norwalk with volunteers wearing his stickers.
That being said I hope Roy Occhigrosso doesn’t get down in the mud with Lamont’s team. Dan and Nancy have so much class and experience between them it seems unimaginable they would lose. As to the lame money arguments being made, Dan and Nancy’s dollars will exceed any amount of previous Governor’s primary races. Of course that is necessary when you have someone trying to buy an election. Lamont keeps shooting the Democratic Party in the foot every time he pulls a campaign stunt. He should have learned that from his Senate race. Perhaps Dan Malloy should do a commercial admitting he makes a bad cup of coffee and point out his opponent’s claims are just as meritless.
Cat, thanks for the update. I’m doing my best to dig up some stuff. Fourth of July week. Ugh! But, ya never know.
Received my tax bill on the house this afternoon. My taxes went up $135.94. The mil rate increased .94 from 38.74 to 39.64.
Based on the lack of response so far I guess everyone is happy with their tax bill.