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Cheshire candidates spar over taxes, budget cuts and referendum priorities at Chamber forum
Summary
Candidates at the Town of Cheshire Chamber of Commerce forum argued over how to close a reported budget shortfall, which capital projects should go to voters and how to limit rising property taxes ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
Cheshire candidates at a Chamber of Commerce forum on Monday debated how to close a reported multi‑million dollar budget gap and which capital projects should be put before voters, with disagreement over priorities from open‑space purchases to school safety upgrades.
The candidates framed the contest around taxes and spending. Former Council Chair Peter Talbot told the audience the town began the current fiscal year “in a $15,000,000 hole” because of reduced federal and state revenues and new debt service, and said the budget that passed was a “compromise between austerity and eliminating critical services.”
That shortfall and a 12.6% tax increase over two years were recurring themes. Several candidates said protecting existing services while limiting additional tax pressure must guide council…
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