Patch Candidate Profile: Frank Dutches, Monroe Treasurer

MONROE, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Monroe and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Monroe Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Retired vice president at Burroughs / Unisys Corporation, Frank Dutches, 69, is running for re-election as Monroe town treasurer on the Republican ticket. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Seton Hall University. He has been married for 40 years to wife Debra, and the couple has two married sons, and two granddaughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife Debra is the Republican registrar of voters in Monroe

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I am currently the treasurer for the Town of Monroe

Why are you seeking this office?

I bring a wealth of real-world life experience to the position. As a longtime resident I understand the variety of needs from families with school-age children to those of our seniors.

As the current Town Treasurer over the last 15 months, I’ve been able to accomplish a considerable amount on behalf of the Town of Monroe:

• Significantly increased the town’s investment income. I was able to leverage rising interest rates and diversification of our investment portfolio to increase investment income by about $1,000,000 in FY 23. This contributes to minimizing tax increases and maintaining a strong bond rating. FY 24 is on a similarly strong trajectory.
• Reduced the town’s exposure to non-FDIC insured deposits in our banking accounts. Working with our primary bank and taking advantage of additional deposit options we eliminated about $1,000,000 of potential exposure; now all the town’s bank deposits are 100% FDIC insured. In making this change we also significantly increased the interest we receive in those accounts.
• I have been able to leverage my business background to work with the Finance Department and First Selectman to improve and streamline the approval process for budgeted expenses. This helps ensure we take advantage of early payment discounts and avoid late charges, while ensuring timely processing of department business requirements to better serve the residents of Monroe.

I look forward to building on these accomplishments and moving forward.

As a military veteran I have always understood we all have an obligation to serve where we can. At this point in my life, I think I can best serve the residents of Monroe as town treasurer. I bring no agenda to the position other than to serve my friends and neighbors for Monroe.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

In the current environment many of our fellow citizens are struggling financially, whether it be a young family with school aged children or our seniors. As treasurer you have the opportunity to ensure town funds are spent appropriately and perhaps more importantly safely maximize the investment income the town earns on the tax dollars of our hard-working residents. In doing this you help minimize future tax burdens. As the current treasurer and as stated in my response to the previous question, I have a proven track record of doing just that.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I cannot speak to the other candidate for treasurer but only for myself. I bring experience and a proven track record, with no agenda other than to serve my friends and neighbors for the town of Monroe.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

None - I am focused solely on the responsibilities of the town treasurer.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Just do the right thing.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I spent 4 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps - leaving active duty with the rank of captain.