Iang Jeon - Candidate for Selectman While Lexington and its residents may be doing better than average in coping
with current economic conditions, nevertheless there are financial struggles and
other hardships. Many in our town are dealing with job losses, pay cuts or
freezes, minimal interest on savings, and no cost of living adjustment (COLA)
for retirees for the first time since Social Security automatic increases began
in 1975 . Lexington is a wonderful community, but storm clouds are gathering.
Over the years, property taxes have consistently risen well in excess of
inflation. And this includes years where there was no override.
For example, next year our taxes will be going up 5.4%.
Isn’t it obvious that tax inflation of this magnitude will eventually
price many out of our community? Yet our town government has been
unable to arrest this trend. Why not? I am declaring my candidacy for selectman because I believe my managerial and
financial experience will help the Board deal with the many issues facing
Lexington. My focus is on: Recent analyses referring to pension and healthcare debates
highlight trends where public sector compensation and benefits are outpacing, on
average, the private sector taxpayers who fund the government. It
is no longer accurate that the public sector’s superior benefits are a necessary
offset to inferior salaries and wages. Prior proactive Board actions have provided progress: the
Stabilization Fund has grown from $27,243 in 2002 to over $6 million, and the
Town has maintained an AAA bond rating, despite voices to the contrary.
Financial pressures are bound to increase, so fiscal discipline is
crucial. Tough decisions lie ahead. Compensation expenses must be looked at in total, with
healthcare a major contributor to rapidly rising costs. The state’s GIC (Group
Insurance Commission) offers potential significant cost savings while
maintaining quality. We must find ways to reach accommodation with our
unions. The town cannot come away empty handed, as in so many
previous negotiations. Lexington’s demographic span includes 6,200 school children
enjoying an excellent educational system, yet there are probably more senior
citizens in total over the age of 65 in town with a widely recognized lack of a
suitable senior center facility. Even in financially precarious times, there are always those
who will push for more spending, with overrides as a funding source. Every
individual household has to budget, manage expenses, spend carefully, and live
within its means. Local government should do the same. Lexington faces significant economic and decision-making challenges.
I believe I have the experience, skills, and interest to make a
contribution.
-- Iang
Jeon