Join us in voting NO!

May 2023

HAVE YOU CURTAILED YOUR SPENDING THIS YEAR

AS A RESULT OF THE RISING COST OF EVERYTHING? 

SURELY THE ANSWER IS ‘YES’

WHY HASN’T THE TOWN OF RICHMOND DONE THE SAME?

Because Richmond is Addicted to Spending!

Dear Richmond Taxpayer and Voter,

You are probably visiting this page because you received my letter.   The letter you received was sent to hundreds of people – people like you and me – who are concerned that we are going to be priced right out of Richmond soon. 

Richmond has become nearly unaffordable. 

The school budgets have increased every year (with the exception of last year because we fought it twice and won) resulting in property tax increases.  The people in charge of the Richmond budgets haven’t exactly had fiscal restraint these past ten or so years. 

I’ve reviewed the Richmond municipal budgets going back to fiscal year 2012 and found that…surprise… spending has increased BY 82.28% - an average of 6.86% EACH YEAR!  I kid you not.  See the graphic below.  It’s complete insanity that we have allowed this kind of spending to take place.  You and I have allowed spending increase after spending increase, resulting in tax increase after tax increase.  Together, we have to stand together with unified voices to educate the town voters that fiscal responsibility has to return to Richmond Town Hall.  Together, we have to tell our Town Council – “show us real spending cuts.”

On Monday, June 5th, you have the chance to JUST SAY NO to unchecked municipal spending increases by VOTING NO and rejecting this municipal budget. 

We applaud the members of the Richmond Town Council who empathized with the taxpayers as a result of this year’s property reevaluation process and lowered the mill rate.  And we recognize that 3 members of the Town Council (Helen Sheehan, Mike Colasante and Mark Trimmer) had the foresight to bring the taxpayers relief in lowering the Fund Balance from 16% to 15%.  These two strategies resulted in no tax increase.  GREAT NEWS RIGHT?  WRONG! 

In a recent meeting, when I asked the Richmond Town Administrator and Finance Director what substantial cuts were made to this year’s proposed budget, the answer was “THERE WEREN’T ANY.”