Budget Forums
Last week, over 50 citizens attended a budget forum designed to have a conversation around the 2010-2011 budget. Board of Finance Chairman Bruce Hayn, Board of Education Chairman Ron Goldstein, and myself all fielded questions and concerns from the voters.
We are extremely grateful to those who attended and shared their thoughts and ideas. Many of the attendees were passionate and emotional about some of the services the town and school provides. We all heard your feelings loud and clear. It is critical that those who attended and those who have yet to voice their opinion let the various Boards know what is important to you. Without this guidance, we can’t construct a budget that represents your wishes.
Since the school administration’s proposed budget was released the day before the forum, many of the questions revolved around the proposed staff eliminations. As the Board of Education reviews this proposal, I recommend you take the time to look at the budget and go to one of the upcoming meetings to express your opinion. One thing is for sure, we are in a very difficult economic situation and the Board of Education is working very hard with Superintendent Karen Loiselle to balance the strain on the taxpayers with the needs of our students.
There will be more information coming out in the next few weeks on the town budget that I will propose to the Board of Selectman. As always, you can get up to date information on the budget and meeting schedules on the town’s website at www.colchesterct.gov/budget.
Fuel Bank Fundraiser
Since we’re in the middle of winter, it’s important to remember that not everyone has the resources to heat their homes. As the economy worsened, the need for heating assistance has grown. Here in Colchester, we maintain a fuel bank which is funded through generous donations to help those who are in need. Whenever there is an emergency situation where a family in need can’t afford oil, we have the ability to get them enough oil until they sign up for long term assistance through another program.
In an effort to raise awareness of this issue and hopefully some money, we are trying something new. Fred Brown has organized an event called “Three Men in a Tent”. During this event, Fred, CBA President Jack Faski, and myself will be homeless on the town green. From this Friday night until Sunday morning, we will be raising money for the fuel bank by accepting donations at the tent or at Rockville Bank. If you are in the area, please feel free to stop by, show your support, and donate to the fuel bank. All checks can be made out to “Three Men in a Tent”. We’ve pledged not to eat any meals until we reach our fundraising goals.
While it may seem like a long time to be out in the cold, it’s nothing compared to what a homeless person goes through or what a family without heat has to endure. Colchester has been extremely generous to those less fortunate and I hope that the community will support us in our efforts to help as many people as we can.
- Gregg Schuster
First Selectman
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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