The Citizen’s News asked candidates running for Town Council in Prospect in the Nov. 7 municipal election four questions. The responses from Petitioning candidates are below:
Name: Carl David Cicchetti
Age: 40
Party: Petitioning Candidate (Endorsed by Democratic Party)
Education: B.A. from Providence College and J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law
Political Experience: None
Occupation: Attorney
Why are you running for Town Council?
“I have lived in town for over 14 years, am married to a lifelong Prospect resident, and have three children in the Region 16 school system. I have a vested interest in this town and want to help guide it into the future.”
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Prospect? How will you address it?
“The most important issue facing Prospect is the lack of growth and progress in how our town government functions and how our town has developed. I would update our town website, providing more online services, and I would do my best to create a business-friendly environment to encourage more economic growth in town, which would lessen the burden on our current tax base.”
How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a mill rate?
“My approach would be to try and keep the mill rate as low as possible while still having the funds to provide proper services to the citizens of Prospect.”
What is your message to the voters?
“Get involved. Vote!”
Name: Anthony Dorso III
Age: 39
Party: Petitioning Candidate (Unaffiliated)
Education: Bachelor’s Degree – Finance Teikyo, Post University, Waterbury.
Political Experience: Served on Inland Wetland Commission
Occupation: Self Employed, Owner Custom Grounds LLC
Why are you running for Town Council?
“As a 40-year resident of Prospect, I am running for Town Council to be an advocate for the taxpaying citizens of this community. The town has grown the tax base over the past ten years, but our property taxes for the average homeowner continue to escalate. I would be an outspoken independent voice with a concern for where and how your tax dollars is being spent.”
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Prospect? How will you address it?
“The most important issue facing Prospect is the escalating taxes that have weakened homeowners’ property values. As the State of Connecticut is in its current fiscal crisis, the town needs to very prudent when making financial decisions. I believe at some point the aid the state provides will either be minimal or unavailable and it will be up to residents of Prospect to make up for this shortfall. Currently, I believe the state provides over $5,000,000 in aid to the Town of Prospect. If this amount is reduced, the impact to the average tax paying resident will be significant. It is the Town Council’s job to make sure every tax dollar is being spent as efficiently as possible.”
How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a mill rate?
“After the mayor drafts and submits the budget to the Town Council, it is up to the members of the council to review each line item. I will review each department and every category within those departments to evaluate and determine what resources should be allocated. Currently, the town uses the same budget year after year and imposes a percentage increase over the previous year. This approach creates a lot of wasteful spending. I believe starting from scratch will be a more effective method. Further, the town needs to update its accounting practices so there can be greater accountability and transparency on how and where you tax dollars are being spent.”
What is your message to the voters?
“I am a true conservative candidate who will watch and make sure your tax dollars are being used as efficiently as possible.”
