Reprinted from The Trumbull Times © Copyright 2009
October 30, 2009

By Donald Eng

A political endorsement is a peculiar thing. After all, it places a newspaper, which the public expects to be a guardian of information and an unbiased source of news, in the position of telling its readers what they should think about a decision that will affect them for years to come.

These are hard times, and the newspaper recognizes the tough decisions elected officials of the voters' choosing

must make in the coming years.

The first selectman race is easily the most anticipated in this year's election. Whichever man is elected will face many pressures, including rising costs, likely tax increases, looking for money to repair roads, and jump-starting much-needed capital projects.

In light of this, he must be able to stay positive, develop creative solutions, and work with department heads as a team.

Furthermore, he must be welcoming and unambiguous with voters, even when there is dissension.

Maintaining cohesiveness and a positive environment in the face of conflict will be a key challenge.

On an individual level, both first selectman candidates bring a distinctive style and vision to the table.

Incumbent Democratic First Selectman Raymond G. Baldwin has stepped up this campaign season, armed with a list of accomplishments his administration has achieved during the past two years, including Grand List growth in a recessionary economy, slashing the use of take-home vehicles by town employees and delivering a budget that raised taxes less than 1% this year.

He has been welcoming to the residents of Trumbull, has listened to criticism and has kept open the lines of communication with other town departments and elected boards and commissions. He has been responsive and steered Trumbull through a national fiscal crisis with calm leadership and purpose.

Republican challenger Timothy M. Herbst, while without the benefit of having occupied Trumbull's top seat, has held his own during his campaign.

From the moment he accepted the endorsement of the Republican Town Committee, Herbst, following through on his campaign promise to contest every vote, has opened his ears to residents, business owners, community groups and school groups in Trumbull. Frequently, Herbst was able to deliver his message one-on-one, as he estimates he has knocked on nearly 7,000 doors.

Despite his relative youth, Herbst has 11 years experience on the Planning & Zoning Commission, including the last four years as its chairman. His campaign has put a focus on reinventing town relations with the business community, revamping economic development, maintaining low taxes and implementing educational initiatives like full-day kindergarten.

Furthermore, he possesses the kind of visionary outlook, energy and cohesive message that has been missing from Trumbull's Republican Party for years.

Both of the candidates bring strengths to the table. Both, in their own right, have proven themselves worthy and would make good town leaders for the next two years.

If there is one thing on which the candidates agree, it is that the voters of Trumbull face an important decision this year, and that they are having trouble making up their minds. They aren't alone.

The Trumbull Times editorial staff, heading into last night's debate, was what a pollster might describe as undecided, but leaning toward Baldwin. However, a strong showing from Herbst pulled him even. And that is why, after literally hours of pondering and discussion, we have decided to leave it up to the voters to decide for themselves what they want in a leader for the next two years.

A vote for Baldwin is a vote for a man who has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the town throughout his long career in public service. Baldwin has committed to aggressive budget control, including regular meetings with department heads to weigh the cost/benefit of proposed and existing programs. A vote for Baldwin is a vote to continue under the leadership of someone who has proven himself to be a very good first selectman.

A vote for Herbst is a vote for a candidate with unlimited potential — someone who may well guide the town for a generation. Herbst has the strength of personality to enact the aggressive blueprint for Trumbull's future on which he has staked his campaign. But he also is known for his intensity, which could make advancing his agenda tricky if he has to navigate Democrat-controlled boards or commissions.

Whichever man is elected, the Times would like to see him aggressively take action to reduce spending. This year the town was able to secure a net decrease on the town side of the budget, a notable accomplishment following years of higher spending.

But more can and must be done. Every taxpayer and elected and appointed official must set aside their differences and come up with creative solutions for the good of Trumbull. It is not the first selectman's budget; it is the town's budget. The Board of Education must work with the first selectman to maintain budget increases that taxpayers can tolerate. It might mean, to borrow a favorite phrase from Herbst, delineating between needs and wants.

Voters have important choices to make, and it all depends on what they're looking for. Read the candidate statements, available at trumbulltimes.com under "Election 2009," and decide for yourself which candidates best fit your vision for Trumbull.

They are your friends, neighbors and community leaders, and only you, the voters, can choose who will lead your great town.