To the Editor:
I’m running for Mayor because Stratford keeps coming up short. Year after year, we don’t have enough money to pay our bills. So, taxes go up—or services go down.
I’ve spent months reviewing Stratford’s budgets from the past decade, and what I found is deeply concerning. Stratford already has one of the highest tax rates in the region at 40.2 mills—just below Bridgeport. Compared to Milford (29.14), Fairfield (27.9), and Shelton (19.18), it’s clear that our residents are paying too much and receiving too little in return.
Mayor Hoydick’s proposed $266 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year claims a $7 million revenue increase—approximately 3.5%. However, historically, revenue has only grown at a rate of 1.3% per year. So, where’s the extra money coming from?
It’s not new development or smart growth. The Mayor’s team brought in a new Tax Assessor who suddenly declared $286 million in long-exempt property taxable—an accounting maneuver that creates a one-time revenue boost. This reassignment creates the illusion of $7 million in new revenue. Without it, revenues would remain flat or decline. Many would call that cooking the books. At a time when inflation is at 3%, we need real, sustainable revenue growth—not gimmicks.
Additionally, there’s a plan to raise $500,000 from speed cameras near schools. With an average fine of $65, that would require over 7,500 tickets in a year—more than 20 per day. It’s unrealistic.
On the spending side, the budget assumes healthcare costs will drop from $14 million to $11.5 million—an 18% decrease. However, healthcare costs are rising, not falling. As a healthcare executive with over 40 years of experience, I have never seen a budget slashed like this without a solid plan to support it. Connecticut’s Office of Health Strategy just reported an 7.8% increase for large self-insured employers. Cutting our town’s health budget—when the fund is already in deficit—is simply not credible.
Simultaneously, the Mayor and senior staff granted themselves a 12% raise.
The budget also ignores a $1 million gap in special education costs, despite a one-time $600,000 state grant. This shortfall is likely to recur next year—especially given the deep cuts our schools have faced. The Board of Education describes the current school budget as “foundational,” yet librarians and tutors have been eliminated, and class sizes have ballooned to over 30 students. Homeowners are paying more while receiving less—particularly in comparison to nearby towns.
Worse still, this budget sets up landmines that won’t explode until after Election Day. The property revaluation is coming but won’t take effect until next year. The same goes for potential shortfalls in healthcare and education funding.
Stratford deserves better. I’m running for Mayor because I know how to grow revenue the right way—by attracting investment, building partnerships, and developing long-term strategies. Nearly all of Stratford’s income comes from homeowners and state grants. That’s not sustainable. I have a plan to change that.
It’s time for fresh leadership—and genuine solutions.
David Chess MD is a Local Physician, healthcare entrepreneur running for Mayor in Stratford CT