To the Editor:
From the many campaigns that I ran as a candidate, I can tell you for certain that people want someone who will do what they say.
They also have had it with the old bait and switch candidates who say one thing prior to the election and do something quite different after the election. Additionally, voters want a clear choice between candidates. If there isn’t a distinction between two candidates, then why change?
People in the town of Hamden and in the particular, in the 7th district, know me from the years I have been publishing in the newspapers and electronic media. They also know me from the four years I served on the Legislative Council in an At-Large position.
In other words, my politics are well known. My voting record is well known. My ability to communicate is well known. You may not always agree with what I say, but you know I am not afraid to say it. In fact, I can promise you if elected, I will frequently communicate what is going on within the Legislative Council.
Regarding my opponent, I don’t believe you have seen a single article pertaining to relevant issues facing the Town of Hamden. His strategy has been to lay low and hope nobody notices his voting record - specifically his never-ending support of tax increase after tax increase. Rest assured if he is elected again he will do more of the same. He has a well-known and established tax and spend philosophy of government.
From my articles and voting record you know that I am opposed to the tax and spend mentality that this town has embraced for the last 20 years. You know I am opposed to dismantling the unions by utilizing privatization schemes that only create more burdens on the taxpaying public. You know I believe we need to reform pension and benefits to sustainable levels, and you also know that education spending in Hamden is out of control with around $100 million in current spending when you consider benefits.
So here is what I propose:
- Negotiate with the unions clearly demonstrating that it is to their advantage to work with the administration to reform pension and benefits by considering a 401K plan with matching contributions for all employees with 10 or less years of service. Employees with more service would keep the plans they have. The 401K plan would be completely portable and would go with the employee if they decide to leave Hamden’s employment.
- Propose a cafeteria style benefit package allowing employees to pick and choose what they need rather than one size fits all.
- Hire an independent non-partisan consultant group reporting directly to the Legislative Council that can facilitate cost saving measures by applying national research to local issues. The intent is to provide specific recommendations to the Board of Education when they again request an increase in spending during the budget process. The BOE is out of ideas.
Thank you for your consideration to my candidacy.
Ron Gambardella
Candidate for 7th District Legislative Council Seat
