Milford Democrats Praise Mayor Blake's Performance Including Tax Decreases, New Businesses

Written by Milford Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith

Mayor Blake, and the Democratic Aldermen, have passed two consecutive tax reductions despite Republicans attempt to raise taxes. Mr. Gaynor seems unhappy about the tax cuts and accuses Democrats of rubber-stamping the Mayor's budget. In fact, the Board of Finance and the Board of Aldermen did make some changes to the budget so there was no "rubber stamping", but they remained true to the Mayor's intention to pass a much needed tax cut on to the people of Milford, for the second time in as many years.

According to Mr. Gaynor, Republicans, if elected, plan to raise taxes next year. According to Mr. Gaynor, "Milford will have a tax increase next year". I find this interesting given we have no idea what our grand list will be, what our final numbers will be from Hartford or what cost reductions or new revenues may hit the books. Republicans see a tax increase despite the fact that we are only 26 days into this year's budget. Fascinating.

See related: Milford GOP Doesn't Nominate Mayoral Candidate, Still Blasts Blake

The fact is Mayor Blake has worked for, and earned, the highest possible bond rating, AAA, from Fitch. This is in response to an objective assessment of our financial management. They determined Milford had outstanding, sound, responsible and careful financial management. Maybe Mr. Gaynor should call Fitch.

At the same time we have seen an unprecedented number of new businesses come to Milford. Milford is vital, exciting and a great city to live in, getting better every day.

I had wished, as we begin a new campaign season, that, given the toxic atmosphere we see in Washington, that Mr. Gaynor might have decided to take the high road and congratulate Mayor Blake for his hard work and many successes on behalf of the people of Milford. I hold out hope he will.

Richard Smith