I am writing this letter in response to your March 13 editorial, "Milford GOP needs to regroup, rebuild."
The New Haven Register's claim that the Republican Party in Milford is in crisis is misguided and false. The Milford Republican Party continues to be an active and effective political force and remains committed to the principles that guided 22 years of responsible government under the leadership of not only Mayors Fred Lisman and James Richetelli, but also Republican majorities on the boards of aldermen, education and planning and zoning.
In the last municipal elections, the people of Milford chose to elect a Democratic mayor after 22 years of Republican leadership. But as Mayor Ben Blake will attest, the change was not due to a Republican inability to lead: Blake inherited Milford's Double A Bond rating, a pension program for city employees that is the envy of many cities and towns that was the result of prudent fiscal management, and a national recognition of being one of the top 100 Communities in America for youth. These are just a few examples of what Republican leadership accomplished over the years.
Despite electing a Democratic mayor, the people of Milford did elect many Republicans to serve on our city boards, none of whom, as the New Haven Register claims, were "placeholders." All our candidates serve the citizens of Milford to the best of their ability. They work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Milford to ensure that essential city services are delivered and that the hard-earned tax dollars of all of Milford's taxpayers are not wasted.
The Milford Republican Party is also active in the community, working to raise monies for the Boys and Girls Club, participating in the annual clean-up of Milford for Earth Day, and the annual Lisman Golf Tournament that benefits many local charities. We are proud of our record of leadership, proud of our community involvement, and our future is bright, contrary to the Register's "opinion." We are far from being in "crisis." With leadership in place, candidates eager to run, and a proven history of leadership, the Republican Party in Milford is ready to serve and govern.
The editorial notes that if Republicans "don't get it together," then we will be unable to regain control of City Hall. The truth is that in order to stay in power, Democrats must emulate the accomplishments of Republicans over the past 22 years. They must not be seduced into the failed fiscal policies of Democrats in Hartford for the fiscal stability that Republican leadership has left will have been squandered.
This November, the Milford Republican Party will run a full slate of committed candidates willing to serve the people of Milford. We will continue to stand firm on our principles of fiscal responsibility, open and honest government, and always putting the citizens of Milford first.
Paul Beckwith
Milford