Don’t raise taxes
The following is a letter that I sent to the City Council for submission at the Special Meeting held last week on Thursday, April 2nd for the purposes of the annual budget presentation.
To the City Council
We are living in unprecedented times. Many of our neighbors and fellow citizens are living with the fear that after this health crisis passes, they will not have jobs or businesses. Certainly many citizens are feeling financial pressure as they get laid off, furloughed or close their businesses.
It is unconscionable to propose any tax increase this year. Spending has increased year to year under this administration. It is your duty and your responsibility to make cuts to this budget.
We are ill prepared as a city to take on any more spending. If we had prepared, maybe we could have increased the tax rolls with businesses that would be ready to take on the high number of individuals that will be without jobs and will need training.
I am asking for no mill increase and a reduction in spending. You all need to be brave and bold during these hard times. I have faith that you will address this matter with diligence and respect for your fellow citizens.
Michele Gregorio
We need help, too!
After reading the March 27, New Haven Register article, “Yale launches multimillion-dollar fund to aid New Haven in dealing with coronavirus,” I submitted the following letter to Yale University President, Peter Salovey, requesting that he also include West Haven in the fund the university has established to offer economic support to businesses and health care communities impacted by the Corvid-19 epidemic. I’ve also requested that Mayor Rossi, State Senator James Maroney, and State Representatives Dorinda Borer and Charles Ferraro do the same.
Dear President Salovey,
First, I would like to express my appreciation and respect for the leadership, contributions, world-class education, and quality employment Yale University provides my fellow West Haven neighbors. As the city councilman for the district which includes Yale West, as well as the Council Liaison to the West Haven Economic Development Commission, I witness first-hand the strong and growing town-gown relationship. Yale West is a prominent and most important pillar of our community.
Living on Morgan Lane, I see the shuttles from the main campus and train station on a regular basis. The economic stimulus derived from Yale to area businesses range from restaurants to convenience stores, and from entrepreneurs to family-owned repair shops is vast and essential.
I applaud Yale University for establishing a multimillion-dollar fund to help the city of New Haven and its business and health care communities deal with any economic setbacks associated with the spread of the coronavirus. I write you this evening to request that the fund also include West Haven.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Barry Lee Cohen
Councilman 10th District