First Selectman Fox Sees Easy Transition


 

BARKHAMSTED — Dec. 31 will be the last day on the job for Michael Fox as first selectman of Barkhamsted after 10 years of serving the community. While he plans to be available should the newly elected first selectman need his assistance, he won’t go kicking and screaming out the door.

"I am not going to be looking back over my shoulder and comparing how they are handling the job," the selectman said. "All of the candidates are fine people... I think it is going to be an easy transition."

Candidates running to replace Fox include Republican Richard Winn, Democrat Don Stein and petitioning candidate George Washington.

The transition should be a relatively easy one, with no major issues facing Barkhamsted. During his five terms in office, Fox maintained a forward-thinking management system and took steps to ensure that capital projects would be funded when they were needed.

The only debt the town has is from a $5 million bonding project approved in 1989 for an addition on the elementary school. With two more payments, totaling $450,000, the bond will be paid off in two years. On the other side, $600,000 has been saved for an addition to the town garage in a capital expenditure fund.

Technically, this leaves Barkhamsted with a budget surplus. Fox hopes the next first selectman will continue to maintain a fiscally responsible budget.

Other accomplishments on Fox’s résumé include completion of the Riverton Streetscape and an addition to the town’s senior center.

The Barkhamsted cookie jar, which provides residents who are having a hard time financially with food and Christmas presents, was also started on Fox’s watch. While the cookie jar cannot support a family indefinitely, it can assist them through emergency situations and short-term problems.

Fox hopes that the next first selectman will continue to bring grant money to the town and keep the budget low. He says all the candidates are talking about financial growth through grants, economic development and conservative spending.

As for Fox, he plans to travel in his free time and to complete a few projects he has had on the back burner.

"I haven’t been to Gettysburg. I haven’t fished in Yosemite," said Fox. "I have a list."

 

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