Alford: Cities need mandate relief

Press release from Republican mayoral contender Mary Alford:

Alford: State Mandates deserve State Funding

With a financial tidal wave looming in Bristol’s future, Republican Mayoral Candidate Mary Alford called on the Bristol State Delegation to join Republican House Minority Leader Larry Cafero in his plea to either “Fund the mandates or do not force them on municipalities like Bristol that face severe budget shortfalls over the next few years. We do not need gasoline in the form of mandates thrown on the budget fires!” Alford said.

“Any new state unfunded mandate can force drastic changes. It is up to those in power in Hartford, the Democrat majority, to take action that will save jobs and preserve public services”, she said.

This year’s budget in Bristol relied upon $2.5 Million taken from the undesignated fund balance (a reserve account) to close the spending gap created by City Hall. “As your Mayor, I’d like to see our services and the jobs needed to implement them remain”, said Alford.

“There are many creative ways to reduce costs and to cut spending, but they just can’t be forced into effect. We need to achieve these measures with cooperation from everyone and consideration for all those affected. If the Democrats in Hartford proceed to pass more unfunded mandates, it will become a greater hardship than already exists for budget makers next year and in the years to come. Give us a break Hartford! ”, Alford concluded.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com