Johnson calls for public votes on major projects

Press release from Republican mayoral nominee Ken Johnson:

(Bristol) Ken Johnson, the Republican nominee for mayor of Bristol, unveiled his first plank to reform Bristol’s government. His proposal would give taxpayers direct input in large expenditures made by the city.

This proposal would mandate that all capital expenditures over $10 million be approved by the voters at a referendum. Johnson’s proposal, if approved by the Charter Revision Commission and the City Council, would be put on the ballot.

“During our door-to-door visits over the past few weeks,” Johnson explained, “my campaign team and I have heard many people say ‘No more tax increases!’ Taxes continue to rise because of irresponsible spending. It is high time the politicians on both sides of the aisle get the message that the members of our community can no longer afford to pay for all of their projects.”

The capital expenditures Johnson referred to would include the construction of new schools, renovation of existing schools, and sports complexes. Johnson acknowledged that many municipalities in Connecticut with this type of referendum have not always seen their proposals passed by the voters, but he remains confident that the people of Bristol will help him to “Put Bristol First.”

“Ultimately the citizens of Bristol should have the final say when it comes to major city spending,” said Johnson. “If local politicians want to have a capital expenditure passed, then they will have to do a better job of explaining it and marketing the proposal to the voters. If the voters say ‘no’ then so be it.”

Johnson intends to submit this initiative along with others to the current Charter Revision Commission that has been formed to analyze and make changes to the city charter, which is the blueprint used to run the city.



*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com