Tom Beirne was the Republican Chairman of the Milford Board of Aldermen for 4 years. Tom and his entire family were thrown off the RTC because of Tom's opposition to Mayor Richetelli's freewheeling ways. I hear they also banished all the Beirnes heirs, and that "salt was thrown on their fields to make them fallow as for 1,000 years." Just a rumor. - Mike Brown

Letter to the Editor of the Connecticut Post from Tom Beirne, 2/2/2010
The chairman of the Milford Republican town committee was quoted as saying I had “betrayed” the MRTC when in fact it is the MRTC that has betrayed the basic principle of the Republican Party, fiscal responsibility. In the past 10 years during which the mayor’s office was held by a Republican, the taxes we all pay went from $94.7 million in 1999 to $142.9 million in 2009. Our tax burden increased by $48 million, a 51 percent increase. This increase was needed to pay for the spending increase which went from $114.1 million in 1999 to $172.8 million in 2009. Spending increased by $59 million, a 51 percent increase.

What does the future hold for us? Check out the June 30, 2009, financials (www. ci.milford.ct.us).

Net assets for governmental activities decreased by 4.9 percent ($141.3 million to $148.6 million). Governmental funds had a combined deficit fund balance of $19.8 million, which is larger than last year’s deficit of $12.9 million.

What do all these numbers mean? Answer: Milford is spending our money faster than they can take it from us. It is pathetic the MRTC think of themselves as Republicans.

Can we do something about this rush to bankruptcy for us all? Yes. It will take a few good people, FOI law and some time.

Tom Beirne
Milford