Miller Will Vote 'No' On Budget Without Comprehensive Property Tax Reform Plan

Essex First Selectman and 36th District State Representative candidate Phil Miller this week responded to Gov. Malloy’s budget address, saying he will not vote for any budget proposal until the legislature has a comprehensive plan for property tax reform.

“I've balanced budgets here in Essex for the past eight years.  I’ve made the painful cuts necessary to fund local programs, and I applaud Governor Malloy for his efforts to cut billions in spending. I know from experience tough decisions aren’t easy.” Miller said, “But we must go further to reduce the tax burden, and the time for real, concrete property tax reform is now.  I will go to Hartford and fight for that change next week.”

Miller’s opponent Janet Peckinpaugh was asked about property tax reform at a recent debate in Essex, telling the audience, “wow. That’s something I really haven’t thought about.”

“All of my opponent’s talk on taxes rings hollow,” Miller said, “If you haven't thought about property taxes, how can you fight to reduce them? I think about property taxes every day as the First Selectman of Essex. This archaic system needs a major overhaul to lift the burden of this regressive tax on our citizens.”

"Our state is facing the worst fiscal mess in decades and it will take very difficult choices to balance the budget. It won’t be pleasant — but the hard choices never are. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to go to Hartford and fight for the interests of the people of this District, and have an honest discussion about the needs of our state, starting with reforming the property tax system,” Miller added.

Phil Miller was elected Essex First Selectman in 2003. His record includes passing balanced budgets and reducing the size of local government.  

The 36th District includes the towns of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam.

Lon Seidman

Essex

Note: Lon Seidman is Phil Miller's campaign manager.