Profile: Madison GOP First Selectman Candidate Tom Banisch

By Brian McCready, Madison Patch Editor

For nearly eight years, Tom Banisch served as the leader of the local Republican Party.

Banisch has served as the party’s chairman and over the past six years he’s worked with Incumbent GOP First Selectman Fillmore McPherson.

When McPherson decided not to seek reelection this summer Banisch said he knew he needed to step up and run for the town’s top elected position.

Banisch, who resigned the party chairman position this summer, said he sees possible storm clouds looming for Madison.

He said it’s not Madison’s doing, it’s the poor economic condition of the state of Connecticut and the reduction of financial aid Madison is receiving, which concerns him.

Just recently, the town learned it would take another six-figure reduction on a state grant, which means more of a burden on local taxpayers.

He said issues at the state level are taking a toll on Madison residents. About 300 houses are currently for sale, companies that once prospered in Connecticut are leaving and taking their highly skilled employees with them.

Banisch, who is a realtor and who also owns his own chemical trading company, said the slow exodus has hurt Madison’s school system. For years, the enrollment has been declining, but not to the point where any real cost-savings could be realized.

School officials are now looking at possible long-term changes including the possibility of closing a school because of continued declining student enrollment.

Banisch, who spent 25 years involved in youth sports and is a member of the Parks, Beach and Recreation Commission, said he’ll work on making Madison more self-sufficient so possible continued reductions in state aid won’t take its toll on the community.

“Our fair share doesn’t exist in Hartford,” Banisch said.

He said the General Assembly needs to sit down in a bipartisan manner and find ways to reduce the “bloated government.”

Economic Development

Banisch said if elected he’ll work to bring more businesses to Madison.

“We have to be a tourist attraction and destination spot,” Banisch said.

Banisch said Madison has a thriving downtown and most of the spaces are occupied but he said there are some vacancies on Wall Street. He said bringing in businesses that fit into the character of town are important and he cited shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Economic Development Background

Banisch said he’s been involved in economic development issues on a regional basis serving as a member of a Council of Government’s subcommittee. He’s also been a member of the Madison Chamber of Commerce since 1985. He’s also served on a tourism committee as well.

He said he’s spent significant time talking with elected officials from nearby towns and said he’d like to discuss creative opportunities, which would help lead to businesses coming to Madison.

Senior Tax Relief

Banisch said he vows within 120 days of taking office he’d have a plan to improve tax relief for seniors. He said he can’t commit to a tax freeze because he doesn’t know how much such a proposal would cost, and he has to see what kind of impact that might have on other residents in town.

He did say more needs to be done for Madison’s seniors and he’ll spend significant time researching a solution.

Taxes

Banisch said often the talk during budget season is how to keep the tax increase as low as possible, but he wants to change that moving forward.

He said his goal will to come up with efficiencies and cost-savings that could reduce residents property taxes. He said he knows “hard decisions” will have to be made, but that it’s time to discuss tax cuts, and not more increases.

Who is Tom Banisch?

Banisch, a 30-year Madison resident, said he’s been involved in the community for a long time and gets involved because he genuinely cares about the welfare of the town and its residents.

“It’s important to give back and to give of yourself to others,” Banisch said. “That’s what I want people to know. I care about the people of this town, and I care for this town. I put my heart and soul into everything I do.”