3. MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE EFFECTIVE
a. Pass ethics laws with teeth. Implement strict requirements against conflict of interest for elected and appointed officials, including a code of conduct for Advisory Board appointees similar to the judicial code of conduct. Include stiff penalties for violations.
b. Make Advisory Board appointments based on written qualifications, not party or personal affiliations.
c. Consider implementing a Town Manager form of government to reduce government costs, reduce taxes, improve administrative efficiency and lessen political influence on day-to-day governmental functions.
d. Offset proposed increases in spending by reducing expenses through consolidating services, improving efficiency.
e. Increase regional cooperation, e.g., common procurements with other governmental bodies to reduce costs.
f. Institute a realistic, fair property assessment process.
g. Reduce dependence of Town and school financing on property taxes.
h. Adopt a capital plan that will reduce overall Town debt with time.
i. Consider an abbreviated site plan review process for minor agricultural applications that would avoid a scenario where the review process costs more than the structures being erected.
4. ENCOURAGE WELCOMING COMMUNITIES, WITH EQUALITY ACROSS ALL ETHNIC AND CULTURAL GROUPS.
a. Ensure full language access in Town offices, Police, and the Courts.
b. Strive for Code Enforcement regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information in accordance with civil rights laws; continue to support anti-bias task force.
c. Immigration enforcement is not our local police force’s job, but rather their job is to build safe and respectful communities and protect all of our residents.
d. Continue to support parks and recreation programs, athletic programs, and cultural programming, all of which build community.