Mary Ann Jacob: The Patch Voter Guide

Party: Republican
Office: Legislative Council, District 2
Status: Incumbent, Vice Chair
Pitch:  My primary mission as an elected official on the Legislative Council will continue to be responsible stewardship of the taxpayers money. I will continue to listen to the needs of all of our residents and provide balance in discussions and actions of the council. I will ensure open and complete dialog on all issues facing the council, no matter how difficult those discussions may be to have.

I'd like to see changes in our charter replacing the antiquated town meeting process with referendums for large spending projects. I'd also like to see the charter updated to reflect similar processes among boards and commissions when replacing members. We also need to consider changes to allow leases to be signed in the best interests of the town, not using a sealed bid process which could allow unwanted commerce.

Finally, we need to address the needs of our seniors, which is our largest growing demographic. A new senior center and increasing our tax credit fund for eligible seniors are items I consider high priorities.

On The Issues

• The Education Budget

I did support the 2013-2014 education budget. We were faced with an unprecedented situation when the budget was going through the process. The Board of Education was faced with decisions on the budget just after the shootings at Sandy Hook School. We knew there would be added costs for security and other things that were complete unknowns related to that day. While I believed that many of the items asked for in the initial budget could have been eliminated; like the request for an additional assistant principal as the high school, I also know the district would need money to support the needs of the students most effected by this tragedy. With so many unknowns about what assistance we could expect for the state and federal government, I urged my fellow council members to err on the side of caution.

This year, with a better grip on what costs associated as a result of the shooting are being covered by grants, we can make a much more accurate budget. I expect the Board of Ed to continue to improve the level of detail they present with the budget, and to address declining enrollment in an impactful way. Continued collaboration among and between boards as well as continued improvement in our communication to the public about the budget process is a must.

• The Municipal Budget

We need to continue to build on the work of consolidating town and school administrative functions to drive down operating costs.

I fully support the efforts being made to reduce our debt and increase our savings to improve our overall financial condition. This year, focusing on ways to increase our revenue from sources other than personal property tax will be a priority.

Do you believe Newtown's tax structure needs improvements — for example, tax relief for seniors or a change in how revaluation is conducted? If so, what measures would you support to improve it?

Most areas of revaluation are dictated by the state. The concerns we have heard from our citizens about taxes cannot be solved without addressing the main issue. Our spending needs to be slowed and our revenue from our commercial base increased. I believe in continuing to support our senior tax relief program so those residents who most need it can take advantage. Increasing the overall amount of money targeted for that program each year helps.

• What is the most important issue facing residents of your district?

Our single biggest issue is the heavy reliance on personal property taxes to finance our spending. Increasing our commercial base in a balanced way will help shift that burden away from our residents.

• What can the town do to attract more business?

We need to get sewers in the Hawleyville section of town. Exit 9 is currently the only exit off route 84 without a commercial base. It's the most number of available acres for growth. The current fast track system in place to approve new businesses is helpful, as the economy improves businesses will benefit.