To the Editor:
I support the election of Ernest ‘Chucky’ Cardillo, the Democrat-endorsed candidate for Stockbridge Selectmen.
I do so because I feel strongly that the incumbent has failed to protect our financial well-being by supporting run-away budget requests and a greatly over-reaching Police Department and its nearly $800,000 budget request and actual expenses. Chucky has experience running a cost effective Fire Department with a $66,000 budget item with more than 400 interactions with our Community each year. He will bring that expertise to the Selectmen’s office where it is needed.
The spending for the Police Department has spiraled out of control. Through April 30, 2015, 10 months into this fiscal year ending on June 30, the Police Department has already exceeded its 12 month 2014 budget with $670,000 spent and probably another $75,000 to $100,000 yet to be spent. Please look at the Warrant articles as there are also two non-budget items totaling $30,000 also being requested.
I provided the ‘Baby’ Town Meeting before the Finance Committee with important questions relevant to the budget items; however, they have asked us to approve a budget without numbers for salaries still being negotiated with the Unions, as I write.
We need a person with hands-on management experience and a deep understanding and appreciation for the culture of our Town. Please join me and vote for Chucky Cardillo for Selectman, the Democratic Party endorsed candidate for Selectmen.
Robert L. Markovits
3 Shamrock St.
Stockbridge
