I read with great interest the letter of Ray Palermo published on August 24, in support of Craig Fishbein’s
opponent in the race for state representative this November. It saddened me to see how acidic Mr. Palermo’s opinion of Mr. Fishbein was, as I have found Mr. Fishbein to be a councilor for the people. Mr. Palermo
admits that this year the Town Council was faced with two choices — raise taxes a little bit, or raise taxes
a little bit more. That statement is correct. However, he also claims that Mr. Fishbein “cast the deciding vote in favor of the higher tax plan.” That is where Mr. Palermo is completely wrong.
There is no truth to the claim that he cast the deciding vote. His vote for the budget was “no,” which, in line with the majority of council members, caused the budget to revert back to the Mayor’s original budget. That is a fact. Craig Fishbein has, throughout his tenure on the Town Council, stood up for the taxpayers of this town as an elected official, an attorney, and a taxpayer himself. He has championed many, many causes on the taxpayers behalf. He cannot, however, control the town charter regarding the budget reverting back if a new budget is not passed.
Craig’s record stands for itself. For that reason, this coming November I will proudly be voting for him to be our next state representative.
Barbara Dichello, Wallingford
