Marketing Of The Mythical Low Property Taxes

The name East Haven conjures an image that at the very least, portray an opaque picture of a community that on the one hand, could be counted upon to extend a helping hand to his neighbor, while in the same breath, seemingly embrace an outlook that is altogether harmful to its own interest.

Take the political marketing of “low” mill rates.

For more than a decade, the current administration has consistently marketed the notion that low property taxes in and of itself, serves our greater interest for which reason he and his fellow party members, deserve reelection, and the majority of us obliged.

So what did we get in return?

Well, “let me count the ways”. Titillating scandals for one, expensive lawsuits and more lawsuits, indifference in government and the most damning of all; an even more ruinous reputation we and our children clearly, do not deserve.

And they call that a fair exchange?

Reputation is everything for it provides a compendium of information we use to make a value judgment in our daily routine.

Why a good image, which equals good reputation, could mean a higher value for our homes when we sell it; or conversely an exceedingly devalued one.

Imagine, which house, comparatively speaking, is more likely to be sold at a higher price? A property in town or the one from our closest shoreline neighbor?

And it doesn’t have to be that way for as a dear friend from North Branford, Tom Walker once quipped “East Haven should be a place where you want to live; not where you have to” which speaks volumes I thought about our reputation.

The fundamental question in this mayoral election is simple enough.

Governance ruled by arrogance and indifference symbolized by either political parties (fully displayed at the DC Moore School sale Town Council meeting) or one representing a fundamental change for the better, which I, alone, represent.

And towards that goal, I will, if elected, implement the following:

• Institute gender parity in government; meaning women will occupy an equal number of prominent positions in our administration.
• Reconvene the Charter Revision Committee to study the legality of several scenarios that would bring about a genuine government of; by; and for the people to include a recall of elected officials the community has deemed unfit to serve.
• How to more effectively enforce accountability in public office.
• Legal prohibitions of nepotism even the appearance of it in public office.
• That neighborhoods and or home owners that will be impacted detrimentally by a government decision will be duly informed and encouraged to participate in the discussion before such action is taken; i.e. the sale of DC Moore School.
• The Beach problem should not have been one were it not for indifference exacerbated by neglect that inevitably turned it into one.

My solution is simply this: establish order through a policy that would limit its availability to non-residents from Sunday to Tuesday but would include parking privileges (for a fee).

The rest of the week would be for the exclusive use of the residents and their guests.

• Regarding the Tweed Airport; those residents directly impacted by the airport’s operation will be provided relief that will meet and satisfy their sense of justice.

• The Quarry issue will be equally resolved in a way that would meet the test of fairness (for our town).

My wife and I have lived through harrowing experiences for years, which happened due to indifference by succeeding government administrations. It is for that reason that I have, in all these years, made the effort to do something to change it, in the only way that would make it possible; running for the office of the Mayor.

Our government Should represent our collective ideals and interest; not the interest of the political party to which we might belong to for Our children’s future, need and dictates as much.

Thank you for reading this and I welcome your comments and criticisms.

Oni Sioson