The Issues

Now that you know a little bit about me, I’d like to let you know where I stand on the major issues facing Monroe.

One of the most important priorities in any town should be education. I would like to see more than a 0% increase in Monroe's education budget during the next budget cycle. Educating its students, through an efficient and capable school system, is one of the most important duties a town has and is directly tied to a homeowner's property values. I believe investing in students is an investment in the future. Furthermore, with the recent economic downturn in our country and the competitiveness that has blossomed due to globalization, the job market is becoming more competitive by the day. A Master's degree is becoming the new Bachelor’s degree. Monroe students should have the best education possible with the most up-to-date technology possible to compete in a global market.

Another important facet of our town is its growth and development. I feel strongly that Monroe needs a full time Economic Development Coordinator. It will be money well spent. According to 2010 US Census numbers, Monroe had only moderate growth compared to other surrounding towns (http://www.cga.ct.gov/red2011/documents/popmap/Pop_Change_CT_Pnt.pdf). Monroe needs to attract consumers and buyers. With surrounding towns' populations expanding faster than Monroe, this needs to be done with smart business planning and expansion that would be handled by a full time Economic Development Coordinator.

The Town of Monroe needs a lean budget that can withstand a tough economic climate while catering to the many needs of our town. That's a challenge for any municipality these days and will make for difficult decisions when the next budget cycle comes around. However, if elected, I will welcome input — and will listen! — from Monroe residents about what the budget should support. I will also take this input into account when I attend budget workshops and throughout the budget process.

In regards to Planning & Zoning procedures and regulations, all matters involving P&Z must go through the P&Z Commission which is an entirely separate entity from Town Council. Also, I am often asked about sewers for Monroe. I understand there have been studies done about the feasibility of sewers in Monroe. My initial reaction to this issue is that I do not believe sewers would be good for the Town for two reasons: 1) Taxes would go up and 2) the initial cost of putting in the sewers would be a burden to the households that sewers would be destined for.

Property taxes in Monroe are always an issue. My hope is the current mill rate would stay static or increase only slightly. There are many things that can be done to offset a possible increase. For example, one idea is providing tax abatements for business or households willing to "go green." The initial costs of setting up a "green" house or business are high. (A "green" house or business defined as a building that has solar panels, energy saving appliances and/or electronics, energy star windows etc.) If there is a household or business willing to embrace the need to go green and protect the environment, the town should be willing to help these residents or business owners out.

Something else I would like to be seen is a change in the makeup of Town Council.  Towns like Newtown, Trumbull and Stratford have Town Councils comprised of elected officials that represent districts within the town. I would like to see the Monroe Town Council made up of representatives of each of the four voting districts in town. Or perhaps like the Town of Enfield, have representatives from each of the districts and representatives that are at large — that is representing the entire town. I believe this would make for more narrow representation, for example a Town Councilperson representing 5,000 constituents instead of the nearly 20,000 of Monroe which would therefore allow a certain district's Town Councilperson to advocate in a more narrow manner for only those in that district. 

If elected, I am looking forward to being a Monroe Town Councilman who works hard and has the facts before voting. Also, if I disagree with someone, I want to have a healthy dialogue where both sides can be aired and discussed. It cannot be about politics, it needs to be about the will of the people. I will attend as many meetings – i.e. Board of Ed, Board of Finance, EDC etc. - as my schedule allows to get informed in detail about all the issues facing Monroe.

Being a Town Councilman cannot be a job of selfishness or one that has the end result of personal political gain; it needs to be about the residents of Monroe.  Being an elected official means one must represent his or her constituents. How can this be done without direct contact with the people? It cannot. Therefore, if elected, I hope to have bi-weekly office hours so that the residents of Monroe can come speak directly to me about their concerns in the Town.

I am eager, excited to get to work and above all, I am ready to Move Monroe Forward.

Don’t forget to like my facebook page (Search: Kapoor for Monroe) and get in contact with me at kapoorn555@gmail.com