Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy of Connecticut and his Republican challenger, Greenwich businessman Tom Foley, are both pledging not to cut state aid to towns and cities.
The candidates, who are in a close race, spoke at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities convention on Tuesday.
Malloy reminded the municipal leaders that he’s kept a promise he made when he was first elected four years ago and looked out for towns and cities.
“The difference between us and other states is we did not balance our budget on the back of our local communities,” he said.
Other states have shifted the burden of their budget deficits to cities and towns, resulting in cuts in local services or higher local taxes, Malloy said.
Foley promised the municipal leaders that he wouldn't cut aid to towns and cities either.
“We can solve the budget issues at the state level without hurting cities and towns. And l want to help you save money so you don’t need additional revenue,” the GOP candidate said.
The candidates gave competing plans on how to reduce the financial burden on local municipalities.
“Now one of the things that we did do is pass legislation that required an evaluation of our tax structure. And I include in that for my own purposes getting away from our over-reliance on property taxes,” Malloy said, talking about some of what he’s already done.
“I will stop the further mandating of requirements on you, particularly ones that are unfunded,” Foley said, referring to state regulations that require municipalities to spend money to enforce.
Malloy and Foley are in a close race for governor. It’s a rematch of their 2010 contest, which Malloy won by about 6,400 votes.
