On Election Day, we will again face a choice between Republican and Democratic candidates for tax collector. Two years ago, upon the retirement of the longtime popular incumbent, Lou Caravella, Republican candidate Tod Laudonia was elected over his opponent, Democrat Bill Grad. We now have two years of service as a basis for appraising his performance.
Viewing Mr. Laudonia's tenure, we observe that he was nearly a month late in sending out tax bills last year, something that had never happened before, and then initially insisted that taxpayers meet the now-compressed schedule for payment. Subsequently, after sending in their payments, many taxpayers found that their checks remained outstanding, undeposited. It would seem that this record of performance would merit the rating of "Unsatisfactory."
On the positive side, Mr. Laudonia is a likeable family man.
In the impending rematch, Mr. Laudonia is again opposed by Bill Grad, who is also a likeable family man.
In addition, Mr. Grad has outstanding credentials. He is a graduate of Princeton University with an MBA from Stamford. He is a former entrepreneur and corporate executive, has had senior management positions, executive fiduciary positions, and personnel supervision experience. Moreover, rather than wait upon the possible outcome of the election, he has prepared himself for the position of tax collector by completing two of the four courses offered by the Connecticut Tax Collectors Association.
The performance of the current tax collector has not been such as to merit re-election. This, in itself, is an argument in favor of electing Bill Grad. But in addition to this negative point, there is the positive case, that Bill Grad brings strong qualifications in his bid for office, that his educational, managerial, and supervisory experience makes him an outstanding candidate for the position. The choice in this contest should not be difficult.
Gerald A. Pollack
Old Greenwich
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