Let the spin begin

William Rasmussen, Deputy Mayor of Berlin, Connecticut

Letter to the Editor, published June 8, 2015, The Berlin Citizen

“Deputy Mayor Bill Rasmussen, almost certainly nervous about November’s municipal elections, needed an early start in spinning the excuse(s) why he and his comrades disrespected your referendum vote, yet again. Even though this budget, along with many others, was overwhelmingly voted down, as usual, the liberal Town Council-majority did as they pleased. Astonishingly, their decision was not to return to the original agreed upon $790,000 reduction of over a $1 million tax increase. Instead Rasmussen and cohorts were influenced by attendees of a sparsely attended budget hearing, disregarding the more than 900 people that voted “no” and thought the budget was too high.

In his cautiously-worded Op-Ed, Rasmussen neglected to reveal that this year’s 1.43 mill rate increase will cost you an additional $300 in taxes based on a home assessed at $200,000. This latest increase adds to a decade’s worth of “cup of coffee a day” tax increases, which now equal thousands more in taxes for you to pay up each July.

Doesn’t Rasmussen understand a continually-rising mill rate is one of the major deterrents to economic development and families fleeing town, resulting in a reduction to the grand list which has already occurred? Most informed citizens know this. Yet Rasmussen continues to argue for a higher tax because a lower tax increase would have resulted in the delay and completion of projects. Does this mean he needs more of your cash to cover the bungled BHS project that is more than $10 million over budget?

After years of ignoring your votes, decade’s worth of tax increases, and mismanaged projects haven’t you been snubbed enough? For the town’s sake, do not give Rachel Rochette, Bill Rasmussen, Margaret Morelli, and Peter Rosso another majority this November. Change is desperately needed, and it is up to you.”

Scott Veley

Former Deputy Mayor – Berlin