Answers - Kenneth Gamerman - Candidate for Board of Finance

Q1: Do you support the construction of a new high school as approved by the Board of Education in 2008? If yes, please describe what you would do in your role on the [B.O.E., B.O.S., B.O.F.] to support the passage of the referendum. If no, please describe what modifications need to be made to the current proposal in order for you to support it.

A1: I fundamentally agree that the current high school facility is woefully inadequate and in need of major renovation or replacement by a new building complex. However, it should be noted that the BOF has not yet received a specific cost and design proposal from the BOE. It is our Board's understanding that such a specific proposal is being prepared by the BOE - and that it will address such core issues as renovation or replacement as well as possible locations for any new high school.

Q2: What will you do in your role on the [B.O.E., B.O.S., B.O.F.] to ensure drafting of a town & education budget which meets the needs of the town and schools of Guilford AND is likely to be approved by the voters in a referendum?

A2: I'm fully committed to continue doing all that I have tried to accomplish these past seventeen years on the BOF - that is, to continue to provide basic services that assure the safety, health and welfare of all our citizens - and to support the development of an outstanding school system that meets the needs of all our children. I shall continue to weigh this commitment against the ability of our residents to pay the costs involved in maintaining these essential services. My absolute first priority remains my continued sensitivity and responsiveness to the financial needs of all the people of Guilford in meeting the fundamental challenges facing our town government and our schools.

Q3: 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.E., B.O.S., B.O.F.], what steps will you take to address this growing gap between budget expenditures and tax revenues?

A3: As a member of the BOF, I'll continue to scrutinize all funding proposals submitted for our approval by the BOS and BOE. Although the Board does not have the responsibility to initiate such proposals, I shall continue to examine the impact of these initiatives in terms of internal revenue projections, declining levels of state support, our contractual salary obligations, the firm commitment to restore our fund balance, and specific proposals for assuring Guilford's economic development.

Best Regards,

Ken Gamerman
Board of Finance Candidate For Re-Election