Benjamin Blake and Dan German
Throughout the political season the Milford-Orange Times continued its tradition of featuring the top candidates’ responses to a series of questions about how they would serve their communities if elected in a three-part series. With the Nov. 5 municipal elections just around the bend, we’ve collected all the questions and responses here for you. In Milford, incumbent Democratic Mayor Benjamin G. Blake is being challenged by Republican Dan German.
Question 1: Connecticut’s continuing fiscal challenges make it likely that the state will put more cost burdens on towns in coming years. What will you do to keep costs down for taxpayers?
Blake:
Through good old-fashioned Yankee thrift, common sense, and with the help of our entire community, Milford continues to thrive. Our city employees, department heads, volunteers, political leaders, and an entire village of contributors have all worked diligently to seize upon opportunities to keep costs down while ensuring exceptional city services, unparalleled public safety and extraordinary schools.
Notably, new business continues to skyrocket as we outpace all other Connecticut towns and cities. This past year alone, we have had 465 new businesses make Milford home. A tidal wave of economic development has helped grow our tax base to over $6.7 billion; we now have the largest grand list in New Haven County and one of the top in the state.
All of this expansion has benefited Milford’s bottom line, supporting the overall budget. Taxpayers have now experienced back-to-back-to-back-to-back tax cuts – four consecutive decreases in the amount of local taxes due; no other town in the state can boast this experience.
And while commercial growth is a big part of our fiscal success, our path toward prosperity remains grounded in our drive for efficiency. Our workforce is leaner than ever and we work very hard to streamline city operations. This practice of conservative financial planning has paid dividends.
In addition to tax cuts, Milford has done much to improve our community. We have made great efforts to restructure operations to maximize the effectiveness of local government. Our cost-conscious philosophy has not only saved the city money but enhanced the services we provide our citizens. It is through these types of strategies that we are financially able to take on projects that make our community more attractive.
From paving more miles of street than ever before, to making Milford a more walkable and bikeable town, to building new world-class recreational facilities, to creating more downtown parking, we have been able to do more and invest more in improvements that make Milford more livable. Even in these difficult times when the state and federal governments exhibit instability, Milford continues to chart a solid and steady course forward.
Indeed, we are proud of Milford’s accomplishments: a tax rate that is fair with excellent services; pristine parks, beaches, and open spaces that enhance quality of life for all; and, a progressive optimism that turns potential problems into possibilities while pushing us all to work for a better, stronger, more innovative community. As we continue along this trajectory, we are also sure to safeguard the traditions, heritage, history, and attributes that make Milford the envy of the world.
German:
How do we keep our cost down?
Spending is out of control at the state level. On the local level, we as a city have to operate very lean, and always look for ways to save money and drive revenue. And we can keep costs down and taxes from increasing while maintaining all the city services people expect and deserve.
This can be achieved several ways:
1. Grow the tax base and grand list. We need to do more to attract and retain business. A healthy business climate will add to a strong tax base, thus keeping taxes low. This will also drive strong housing values, which will attract homeowners. Fewer people will be tempted to leave our town and the state, which is a problem right now.
2. Our recycling program needs to be revamped; it’s not working.
3. Health care costs are out of control. A simple shift to prevention and wellness instead of managing sickness will go a long way. And there are many ways this can be accomplished. This can potentially be a huge savings.
4. Working with our unions to keep expenses in line will help.
5. Limit our borrowing, which only kicks the can down the road and makes things worse in the long run.
6. The use of high efficiency LED lighting, solar and other energy management practices are a huge savings.
7. Every department needs to be audited for efficiencies. There are always ways to save a little more!
We will need to make tougher choices as the challenges increase. And we will all need to work together to make this a great city that is affordable and enjoyable.
Question 2: The General Assembly has created incentives to encourage municipalities to join regional organizations. What are views on regionalization, and how would you work to encourage or prevent regionalizing services in your municipality?
Blake:
Given the shared aspirations for our region, we are always looking for appropriate partnerships and collaborations with neighboring towns. In the greater Milford region, there is little disagreement on the resources we aspire to achieve and maintain for our residents. We all want successful schools, reliable roads, and safe sidewalks. We want a superb senior center and a sound and balanced budget. We all want the best bond ratings and our operations to be more effective and efficient than ever. Whenever and wherever possible, we look to generate real revenue to help offset the cost of city and town operations. We want the character of our neighborhoods protected and our downtowns vibrant and bustling. We want a safe and secure place to raise our children and grandchildren with beautiful green open spaces and stellar parks and beaches. What we really want here in the greater Milford region are communities that we are proud to share with visiting family and friends who are so wowed by all that we have to offer that they consider moving here too.
With such a common interest in what we all want for the greater Milford region, our local budget debates focus on how to realize our goals and prioritize our resources. There is a balance that must be struck between the need to provide quality services and the cost of those same services.
Each year, we must ask ourselves: how we will maintain and invest in our infrastructure, our schools, our police, our fire and our senior center without placing an undue tax burden on our residents? Do we really need a particular product or service and what is it truly worth? What can we afford and how can we be sure we are getting the most out of our tax dollars? Are there better models in other municipalities? Or will a regional partnership bring efficiency and value? Will partnering with a neighboring town help us to maximize the efficiency of local Milford government? These are the questions that will challenge us as we plan for the future and contemplate regional opportunities.
As we consider the possibility of regionalizing, we know that Milford, which stands on the footing of a fiscally firm foundation, is a desirable community with which to collaborate. Milford has an enviable mill rate – far less than any of our neighboring communities. Our prestigious AAA bond rating, prudently managed fund balance, and sound pension fund make Milford an attractive partner. Ultimately, it is through purposeful planning strategies (which always include the possibility of regionalization) that we will continue to enhance the services we provide our citizens and further reduce taxes for our residents and businesses.
German:
Typically a smaller business does not have the equivalent purchasing capacity as a large organization in term of purchasing supplies and/or equipment. However, if a smaller company has the assets and ability to be part of a larger regional organization, it typically would have greater buying power because of the alliance. It is understandable that the financial benefits of regionalization favor the smaller participant. A similar concept would be that of purchasing health insurance, where the benefit of being part of a larger organization would result in lower cost of health insurance compared to an individual buying health insurance on their own, and assuming there are no subsidies.
I have heard much discussion regarding smaller towns such as Orange/Woodbridge/Bethany where regionalizing fits well. That school system is ranked among one of the highest in the state.
I personally feel regionalization is a consideration local school districts need to carefully assess and if feasible and practical, then develop a long-term plan. Sometimes the relationship between regionalization and cost savings is complicated.
On the other hand, if a school district is managed well, is efficient, and highly rated, would they want to consider merging with another local district? I feel municipalities should have that discussion and look at all options.
With regard to other city services such police, fire and public works, a feasible option would be to work with neighboring towns for big budget items such purchasing supplies/equipment, road maintenance and construction equipment to name a few. In emergency situations involving a major fire, disaster or criminal activity, a coordination of efforts is definitely beneficial. In this case regionalization can provide better services at a better cost to taxpayers.
Regionalization can be a tangible way to save money and better serve citizens, but it also can be difficult.
When considering Milford’s population, logistics and resources I would be opposed to regionalization but would be open to the discussion and welcome all options.
Question 3: The cost of housing throughout Connecticut has continued to rise. At the same time, the number of seniors, who may not want or be able to stay in their homes, is growing. Also growing is the number of young people struggling with college debts and other expenses who are looking for housing options that fit their needs. What will you do to help these populations while maintaining the quality and character of housing in your community?
Blake:
Milford is a world-class city with a universal attractiveness that appeals to people across all generations. Over the past several months, newspapers, magazines and preeminent news organizations have published articles celebrating the extraordinarily rich and vibrant community that is Milford.
An April 25 Bloomberg News article, “Where US Millennials Are Moving Most,” reports that “Younger Americans voting with their feet are most heavily favoring moves to Milford,” while the New York Times May 29 piece entitled “Milford, Conn.: A Pretty New England City That’s ‘Just Big Enough’” explains how “Milford is especially appealing to second-home buyers, retirees and empty-nesters.”
On July 5 Wallethub named Milford to its 2019 best beach towns to live in, while Connecticut Magazine’s June 24 write-up countered with “Milford’s Many Charms Make It More Than Just a Beach Town” and detailed “why it’s such a wonderful place to live, and a great place to spend a spectacular Saturday. Walking on the beach, appreciating nature and history, eating great food, enjoying a drink in a bar full of regulars – if it’s not home to you, it can start to feel that way in no time.”
While the April 4 SafeHome.org report ranks Milford as one of the safest cities to raise a child – and, U.S. News & World Report lists Foran and Law amongst the nation’s best high schools for 2019, it was Homesnacks’ May 19 evaluation that named Milford the number one place to live in Connecticut based on low crime and solid schools, as well as factors such as low unemployment and an abundance of things to do.
True to the headline-hype, Milford works very hard to offer quality services and affordable living. Milford’s secret to success: low taxes. Taxpayers in Milford have now experienced back-to-back-to-back-to-back tax cuts – four consecutive decreases in the amount of local taxes due. No other town in the state can boast this experience. Our sound financial decisions and responsible management have been recognized by the nation’s premier rating agency, Fitch Ratings, which upgraded Milford’s bond rating to AAA – the highest possible credit grade a city can receive. This credit score demonstrates our city’s fiscal health. More importantly, this notable evaluation broadcasts the city’s continued trajectory as an affordable community with a low tax rate.
In addition to lowering taxes for all residents, we have also done much to expand Milford’s Senior Tax Relief Program. The improvements to the program help ensure that those seniors who have made our city great are not driven from their homes.
With respect to maintaining affordable housing options, Milford has a record of accomplishment. In August, the State of Connecticut credited our diverse housing stock, recognizing that the city had met all the requirements for a moratorium allowed under Section 8-30g of the Connecticut General Statutes. This was a huge win for Milford! No longer are we subject to the harshest elements of the state’s affordable housing law. The moratorium returns our control of planning and development by allowing us to push back against over-development and stop predatory development. In order to qualify for this moratorium, the city conducted an exhaustive canvass of housing units across Milford; we worked non-stop to prepare, to document, and to submit the city’s Certificate of Affordable Housing Project Completion.
The moratorium demonstrates the great lengths Milford has gone to create affordable housing for young professionals, working families and our senior population. And while the city supports the original intent of CGS § 8-30g – to provide housing to those wishing to reside in, and be part of a community otherwise not affordable, Milford had been impacted by the unintended consequences of the well-intentioned legislation. Developers had been able to circumvent our carefully crafted zoning regulations. With this moratorium, developers will no longer be able to ignore the sound planning principles so important to the success of Milford. The Small City with a Big Heart will continue to be a world-class community, with lots of New England charm, where every citizen has the opportunity to live and prosper.
German:
There is a shortage of affordable senior housing in Milford, and in Connecticut, and there has been for years. The waiting list is long, and it takes five-plus years before a qualified senior gets into an affordable housing unit. Experts say there is an affordable senior housing crisis, one that is expected to grow worse in the coming years.
But the problem is far greater than growing demand. People are living longer, into their 80s and 90s, meaning housing is needed for longer than it once was. At the same time, the number of older, low-income households is growing as well.
So what can we do? To offer more affordable senior housing there may be a way to work a public/private partnership for building affordable housing, efficiency units, on existing public property. This partnership for developing and building affordable senior housing may be the answer. And sometimes federal dollars are available for financing such projects.
With the cost of construction and financing at a lower price point, the units can then be rented out at a much lower rate. Profit is not the goal in this model, but generating just enough income to maintain the property would be the driving force. Other towns and cities have done this. The process would be to calculate the costs to build and estimate the revenue generated and if the numbers work, the next step is to implement.
As far as young people, it’s best to stay home! Or house share, where three or four people share in renting a house. Seniors can do this as well! To rent on your own is expensive and a waste of money in my opinion, unless you have a well-paying job or find a cheap rental. And many young folks are opting not to buy because they don’t want to be tied down in one spot, or they don’t think it’s the best investment, especially in Connecticut, where taxes are high and the future for real estate is uncertain. Property values in some areas have continued to decline, while others have increased in value slightly, depending on the area and the tax rates.
So, shopping around for the best deals, house sharing, staying home or moving in with family, or getting on some long waiting list for affordable senior housing may be some options. But towns should be seriously looking at options to provide affordable housing. The demand will continue to grow into the foreseeable future, and some experts consider it a crisis.