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Candidate Statement - Warren Serenbetz
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I am asking for your vote. I believe that i bring to the table a fiscal viewpoint that is consistent with the majority of wiltonians. That view is that wilton's ability to tax its residents is not justification for doing so. We must carefully vet each and every line item of the budgets submitted to us to make sure that they 1) meet a real need for service or acedemic excellence and 2) could not be delivered in a more cost effective way.
An examination of the record during my tenure on the board shows my actions back-up this view.
- Tax rate increases averaged 2.9% over the past 4 budgets that i have been involved in vs 6.7% in the 4 years prior to that - without impacting town services or acedemic excellence
- Wilton has protected its aaa bond rating by maintaining the general fund balance at appropriate levels
- Pension plan funding has been strengthened through a policy to reduce the unfunded liability faster than actuarially required
Under my guidance as chairman this past year the board (as it has always done in the past) operated in a non-partisan way. Opinions of all board members were always sought and listened to and consensus achieved on every decision, often unanimously.
Experience on the job
I was appointed to the Board of Finance in June 2006. After the departure of Bob Kelso I will have the second longest tenure on the Board at 3-1/2 years. This is a critical year for the Town with the retirement of Joe Dolan and a new CFO - experience counts. After 1-1/2 years on the Board I was elected Vice Chairman for 2008 and similarly unanimously voted Chairman for 2009.
During my tenure on the Board I oversaw a continuously declining mil rate increase culminating in an historical low under my Chairmanship.
I fought for Wilton's fiscal health by maintaining sufficient general fund balances to maintain Wilton's AAA rating, put a program in place to reduce the unfunded pension balance and supported audits of Town and school services to assure fiscal integrity.
A Consensus Builder and Listener
Being an effective Chairman of the Board of Finance requires that one listen to all constituents. In addition to budget meetings with the schools and Town I have attended hearings on the plan of development, the Charter Revision Committee and Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief. Listening to what Wiltonians have to say in each of these important areas is one of the keys to understanding the needs of all of the residents in town.
During the 2009 - 10 FY budget deliberations there was a wide diversity amongst Board members as to what the final mil rate should be. As Chairman, through bipartisanship, I was instrumental in enabling the Board to reach a unanimous conclusion on the final historically low rate.
Long Term Wilton Resident
I have lived in Wilton for 25 years. My children all went or currently attend Wilton public schools. I believe in and support public education. I have participated in my local church and in community programs either through direct involvement or by financially supporting organizations such as the PTA, the Wilton Playshop, the Wilton Y, Ambler Farm, the Wilton Library and many other local programs.
Strong Financial Background
I have a MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and over 30 years experience in Finance and business management, including being elected as a Director of a NYSE listed company, serving on both its governance and compensation committees. I am currently President of a $100M investment management firm.
Where are we going?
The best solution to fiscal health for Wilton lies in increasing its taxable Grand List. I support a plan of development which calls for the "smart" development of the Route 7 corridor to bring in business in a way that is aesthetically sensitive to the character of the town while at the same time promoting revenue growth. I am also in favor of establishing a long term operating budget plan in order to provide a window into anticipated revenue needs.
In summary, i believe i bring the background, expertise and persona to work in a bipartisan way to bring a tax structure to wilton which will balance the needs of the community with the ability of our citizens to pay.
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