Election 2021: Douglas Harding For Ellington Board Of Finance

ELLINGTON, CT — Republican Douglas Harding, 32, is running for Ellington Board of Finance in Ellington-Somers.

Occupation: Electronic Filing Coordinator--connecticut Department Of Revenue Services

Experience: Incumbent-Board of Finance-8 years Incumbent-Ad Hoc Emergency Services Committee-8 years Former Member-Planning and Zoning Commission-4.5 years

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing Ellington at this time is Covid-19. If re-elected to the Board of Finance and I plan to ensure that the Town has the necessary resources to respond to the pandemic to make sure that our Town stays safe. I will also ensure that the Town continues to seek all reimbursements that we are eligible for from the State and Federal Government for our Covid response.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I will always put Ellington first. My experience as an elected member of the Board of Finance, as well as being a former elected member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, provides me with the necessary background to ensure that the Town’s budget provides for the services necessary to make Ellington a great place to live, but also preserves our rural charm. I will work to ensure that the Town passes fiscally responsible budgets that stabilize the mill rate, and while at the same time the Town strikes the right balance of economic development and farmland preservation.

Accomplishments:

As the Board of Finance Chairman this past year, I led the Board of Finance in crafting a fiscally responsible budget that not only reduced the mill rate by 1 Mill, but also eliminated the trash collection fee, while still providing for the services that makes Ellington one of the best towns in the State. Thanks in part to this fiscally responsible budget, along with the Town's new Fund Balance policy, the Town's bond rating was increased to AA2 this past June, which will allow the Town to secure better interest rates on any debt we issue, and including the debt that was refinanced earlier this year.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science. I also earned an Accounting Certificate from Manchester Community College. I have lived in Ellington all my life. I am an Eagle Scout, and have been a Troop Committee Member of Troop 96 for the past 14 years.

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