BOF and 1st Selectman Forum - List of Questions Asked

As a convenience to Tivo users, here is the list of questions asked at the BOF/1st Selectman Candidate Forum held Tuesday, October 13. The forum was taped for GCTV. We will post the broadcasting schedule when it is available.

GuilfordPACT BOF FORUM QUESTION LIST

Q1 - The Board of Finance is charged with preparing an annual budget for consideration by the public, setting an annual mil rate, overseeing the expenditure of town and BOE budgeted funds, and annually designating an independent public accounting firm to audit the Towns books and accounts. In addition, Members should have a background in financial management. What makes you qualified to fill the role just described?

Q2 - A Community Task Force spent four years studying Adams and the High School which included options of partial renovation, full renovation and build new. The Task Force concluded that the build new option is the most cost-effective, long term solution for both facilities. Dr. Forcella and the BOE agreed as evidenced by the vote taken over a year ago. Specifically, what is you position regarding the Task Force's findings and what are the next steps in your view?

Q3 - Strong leadership is needed in difficult economic times to ensure the best future for our Town. Therefore, are you willing to work to convince voters that new school facilities are the right choice rather than asking them if they will consider supporting the idea?

Q4 - In your view, historically, has the BOF been justified in its annual use of the undesignated fund balance and adding it to the Town Budget in order to keep the mil rate low?

Q5 - What tools or processes does the town use to evaluate the affordability of tax increases? Are there other metrics that we should be using?

Q6 - If the budget failed a second time this past Spring, what steps would you have advocated for in order to see it pass?

Q7 - As things currently stand, the town and education budgets are growing at a rate which exceeds the growth of the grand list. In your role on the B.O.F., what steps will you take to address this growing gap between budget expenditures and tax revenues?

Q8 - This year there were "wage concessions" from both town and school employees. Can you explain the difference between the concessions on the town and education sides and how you expect these concessions will impact next year's budget?

Q9 - What amount of debt do you think the town can reasonably undertake to invest in long-term infrastructure projects?

GuilfordPACT 1st SELECTMAN FORUM QUESTION LIST

Q1 - What single reason motivates you to run or re-run for public office?

Q2 - What makes you the most uniquely qualified individual to run our Town as 1st Selectman?

Q3 - In sixty seconds or less, in your words, explain the role of 1st Selectman through your eyes.

Q4 - Do you believe that the 1st Selectman position is outdated, and that the Town of Guilford needs to hire a Town Manager who will be responsible for fiscal planning and be held accountable for the fiscal condition of our Town?

Q5 - Where do you envision Guilford in 10 years and how do you intend to influence that vision during the 4 years of your term if elected?

Q6 - A Community Task Force spent four years studying Adams and the High School which included options of partial renovation, full renovation and build new. The Task Force concluded that the build new option is the most cost-effective, long term solution for both facilities. Dr. Forcella and the BOE agreed as evidenced by the vote taken over a year ago. Specifically, what is you position regarding the Task Force's findings and what are the next steps in your view?

Q6a FOLLOW-ON - Please describe what you would do in your role as 1st Selectman to support the passage of the referendum.

Q7 - What do you intend to do if a referendum for school facilities changes does not pass?

Q8 - How do you balance the concern from senior citizens about the raising of their taxes versus the need to address the school infrastructure? We have heard that there are a lot of senior citizens who no longer have children in the schools that are opposed to spending any money on the recommended changes. If they filled this room this evening, what would you say to address their concerns?

Q9 - Forgetting how it came to be, what are your thoughts on addressing the current low balance of our "undesignated fund balance?"

Q10 - How do you intend to lead the charge to boost our local tax base?

Q11 - Outline your first 6 months in office

Q12 - Can you outline the steps you intend to recommend and/or see implemented to find alternative revenue sources or tax reforms that would help ensure a more stable income for the Town?

Q13 - What are your thoughts on the Town Center South plan and what do you see happening to it over the next four years should you be in office?

Q14 - How can the town better prepare for capital improvements, maintenance, and the purchase of open space?