Keith Silvia and the Election
First, my congratulations both to Keith and his son Danny and his hard working supporters. He accomplished what many said couldn’t be done.
From the outset, no disrespect to Charlie Murphy, even Keith said he was an honorable man. The issue is he was a spender.
Keith drew a clear distinction between him and Murphy. He pointed out that under our new Town Administrator spending increased dramatically as opposed to our former town secretary, seemingly without accountability.
A few examples, Mr. Rees spent $20,000 for a consultant to negotiate a new contract for the police and fire departments, created a new Human Resources position, $40-60K plus benefit, then tops it off with an additional week vacation with a big increase in salary.
Just consider the proposal to build a massive new safety complex to the tune of $50 million. I am not totally against, it, but not for $50 million.
I heard Mr. Murphy say this town has an excellent bond rating. Sure, the bankers and creditors will loan you the money. Just put it on the taxpayers’ dime.
The last two town budgets blew right past the 2 1/2% cap. Mr. Rees assured us the tax revenue from the sale of recreational marijuana would cover it. Never happened.
Many in this town receive social security. We depend on it, myself included. We don’t get a 4% increase in benefits. Some years, nothing.
Thank God for Keith and his son Danny and his hard working supporters. The hard pressed seniors and taxpayers in this town will have someone who will keep them in mind and support them.
I would like to finish by saying in the past few months I have gotten to know both Keith and his son Danny quite well.
First of all, they are hard working, honest and charitable men. They are involved in activities like free meals for seniors. His son Danny has volunteered for Big Brothers and Sisters. Danny mentored three boys. Two are doing well, one is a police officer.
I haven’t heard anybody speak ill of either Keith or his son Danny. Just about everyone spoke well of them.
I don’t know exactly what the next three years will bring. One thing for sure, Keith will govern well with the taxpayers in mind.
John Pond, Fairhaven
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