This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

A Testament

The budget season has passed again, ending happily with an overwhelming vote of almost three to one. I believe this is a testament to the residents of Clinton in their confidence in the Town Council/Town Manager form of government.

During the process, Tom Hollinger, Carol Walter, and I were criticized heavily for voting to cut $350,000 from the original Board of Education (BOE) request. Two weeks or so after that original cut was made, the BOE realized a $150,000 savings in their health care plan account. After the town hearing on April 5, the Town Council reinstated $200,000 into the BOE budget, making it whole for the upcoming year. So, as a result of our action and a review of the BOE budget, the town saved $150,000 in needless appropriations, which assisted in keeping the mil rate flat once again.

A final comment. During the last four years under the Republican leadership of the Town Council, this town has experienced three budgets with no increase to the mil rate and one with a decrease. I hope the voters of Clinton remember this fact in the fall at election time.

Dennis Donovan

Clinton