Milford Mayoral 2019 Election Profile: Ben Blake Vs. Dan German

MILFORD, CT — Milford Mayor Benjamin G. Blake says he has earned a fifth-term of office as he cites the city's "historic" fourth straight tax decrease. The Democratic Mayor also said accomplishments include a strong AAA bond rating, 96 percent retail and industrial space currently occupied, and the No. 1 grand list in New Haven County.

Blake also touts a series of recent New York Times articles that have lavished praise on Milford saying it's "A pretty New England city that's 'just big enough," and, "Milford is especially appealing to second-home buyers, retirees and empty nesters."

Blake's GOP Challenger, Daniel German, who is a current member of the Board of Aldermen, says there's an important story behind the numbers that Blake shares on the campaign trail.

German contends that Blake is borrowing too much money and that the city will have to pay the price in future years. German said he would focus on "increased efficiencies," to provide honest and sustaining tax relief "rather than kicking the can down the road by borrowing and bonding.

"The city’s borrowing has almost doubled, and pension funding has fallen behind. Debt payments are up to $18M per year. We are draining our retirement funds to cut taxes and taking out loans for the future. This needs to stop" German said.

Another key focus for German is the city's health insurance fund. German, who owned a gym in Milford for decades, says, "Milford is self-insured with a healthcare budget of over $45 million per year. I have a plan that will potentially save millions of dollars a year by making a shift to be more proactive and focus on prevention. Healthcare costs will continue to rise if we don’t address it."

Blake says that the city saved $2 million on health care costs recently by going out-to-bid and that the pension fund is "one of the most well-funded pension funds in the state." Blake also said German once was the only aldermen to vote to reduce the city's municipal pension contribution.

Who is Ben Blake?

In November 2011, Blake, then 33 years-old, was elected the tenth Milford mayor. He previously served eight years as a member of the Board of Aldermen, including terms as Minority Leader and as Chairman.

Blake said the job of mayor is "all-consuming" as it's "all Milford all the time." He said he loves the city and works "very hard" at being the best mayor he can be.

Blake said he takes pride in his work that streamlined city government, which saved taxpayers money. He said the city is paving 20 miles of roads each year, which is a record. He said the city has also added a dog park, splash pad, boardwalks, parks and playgrounds for residents and all in a "fiscally responsible way."

Who Is Dan German?

German, 56, has owned and operated a business in Milford for over 30 years, German Financial, an insurance and financial advisory practice. In addition, German has served on the Milford Board of Aldermen for 10 years. German is a graduate of the now former Milford High School and has 25 years of experience in the health and wellness industry.

German said he decided to run for mayor because he has the "skills, knowledge, experience and wisdom to make the city of Milford amazing." He said he is a "huge supporter" of the arts, tourism and finding new ways to attract people to the city's downtown area.

"I want a great looking town," German said while adding he'd focus on beautification of the town. He also bemoaned the loss of trees in Milford.

The State Of Business In Milford

German contends that businesses are leaving Milford and he sees "lots of empty storefronts downtown." He said the city needs to recruit new businesses and fix neglected roads which also impacts business.

German said the mayor needs to get out and speak with business owners. He said the city's land-use agencies are not overly business friendly. He said small business owners don't have money to waste by waiting to open.

Blake counters that Milford has the largest grand-list in New Haven County and there has been a 7 percent jump in new businesses since the 2017-18 fiscal year. Blake said the city is undergoing an "economic renaissance." He said eight years ago land-use agencies were criticized as being unfriendly to businesses but "there has been a 180 degree change.

"It's one of my proudest achievements. We went from worst to first. We have a great reputation now," Blake said of the city's land-use agencies.

He said the city has more than $100 million worth of permitted constructional.

"Seeing all of the empty buildings downtown and on the Post Road I question that number," German said.

"We have a bubbling, vibrant downtown that is thriving ... this is something we can be proud of," Blake countered.

Environmental Concerns

German said he has advocated the city put a re-use center at the Milford Transfer Station saying the city throws away too much trash. Blake said a glass recycler may be coming to Milford which will help with glass recycling. He said the city now recycles textiles at the curb. Blake said a re-use center and program could cost Milford residents too much.

Roads

German said the roads need a lot of upgrading. He said some haven't been paved in 30 years. He said the city needs a schedule so people can know in advance when their roads are due to be repaved.

Blake said there are 1,200 local streets in Milford and that the Public Works Department does a great job. He said the city posts a road paving schedule on the Public Works website. He said 40 miles of roads have been re-paved over the past two years.

New Police Station?

It appeared the city was on track to construct a new police station after buying land on Route 1 for $4.5 million in 2017. But Blake pulled the plug on the project and the city sold the land after he said the costs could zoom past $60 million. Blake has said that is too much debt for the city to take on. Police officials have countered that the true costs are much lower.

Blake said he is committed to either renovating the current police headquarters or building a new station. Police headquarters has become antiquated and desperately needs more space. Blake said if he endorsed the new $60 million station it would have led to tax hikes for the next 20 years.

German said he supports constructing a new police station and that police officials dispute the $60 million price-tag that Blake cites.

"We don't need a Taj Mahal but (the police headquarters) is way outdated and needs a lot of work," German said.

Tolls

German said he opposes tolls saying it's "just another tax on people." He said if tolls returned, it's obvious the state would keep raising the rates annually.

"I'm not a tolls guy," Blake said, while adding he realizes the state needs to find funding sources to upgrade the state's roads.