Letter: Is Hamden Better Off?

To the Editor:

New Haven Register reporter Michael Bellmore began his recent reporting on the state of Hamden’s finances with the following statement: “Don’t call it a magic trick, but Hamden’s done one heck of a shrinking act.” 

The gist of his story is that Mayor Scott Jackson has saved taxpayers $6 million. Friends, this story was clearly written in what I suppose will be a long series of endorsements of the Jackson Administration. Don’t be fooled. 

Here are the facts. Hamden’s 2011-2012 budget was $177.4M, the 2012-2013 budget was $192.5M and the most recently approved budget by the Legislative Council was $200.2M. Each budget approval comes with a tax increase.

Hamden has experienced tax increases each and every year Mr. Jackson has been in office and the budget has grown at pace exceeding inflation. This year’s budget grew at 4% over last year - “Curt Leng called Jackson’s first budget a “crisis” spending plan.” Imagine if this wasn’t a “crisis”. How much higher would the increase have been? 

The real crisis is the pension plan deficit, unfunded liabilities, low or no economic growth and a deteriorating infrastructure with no solutions to solve any of these problems.

Through his own admission, the Town of Hamden continues to be on the brink of insolvency. This result is the culmination of policies implemented by this administration and every past administration for the last 14 years. 

During this time Mr. Leng has been lurking in the background and for a time presided as the Chair of the Finance Committee on the Legislative Council. 

“Leng said layoffs and privatization efforts were needed to patch a nearly $9 million hole left in the medical self-insurance account by past administrations, which “threatened the town’s solvency.”” Here is where I agree with Mr. Leng, yes indeed, the town is just barely avoiding insolvency.

“In fiscal 2011-12, Leng said layoffs were avoided by union concessions. In fiscal 2012-13. retirement incentive packages were offered, which staved off layoffs while still eliminating positions.” Mr. Leng conveniently neglects to mention the town was brought to court twice by labor and lost twice costing taxpayer’s money they can ill afford to pay while having to reinstate employee that they were originally counted as savings. 

These lawsuits were in direct response to the policies put in place by the Jackson Administration in attempt to “save” labor cost. The exact opposite occurred. 

Friends, we are headed into a critical November election. The solvency of Hamden is at stake. Look at the facts. Is Hamden better off with the current administration or do we set a new course toward economic prosperity? 

Our fate is in your hands.

Ron Gambardella
Chairman, Hamden Republican Town Committee.