Mr. Spalthoff: Milford is not a business!

I would like to highlight some of the key differences between the candidates in the Milford mayoral election. Mayor Blake has led Milford through the last two years with some amazing accomplishments. He has reduced the city budget, improved the City’s Building Department, and marvelously handled all of the constituent needs for city residents.

However, Mayor Blake’s opponent feels that Milford should be run like a business. This notion is a testament to that candidate’s lack of understanding of municipal government and its role in our society. Government is not a business. The City of Milford is not expected to turn a profit, nor should it. This notion that government should be run like a business is what’s wrong with today’s Republican Party. If this were true, the city would have to abandon all street paving activities, eliminate police and fire protection, and close our schools. These basic functions of government do not – and will not ever – turn a profit. Instead, we need somebody who knows how to operate an effective and efficient city.  We need a mayor who is well versed in responsible municipal budgeting and passionate about good city services. Under the last two years of Ben Blake’s leadership we have seen just that kind of mayor. In just two years, Mayor Blake has saved taxpayers millions of dollars through his common-sense approach to budgeting. 

The role of our government is to serve Milford residents. We need a Mayor who understands the needs and value of each city department. And Mayor Blake is the best person for the job. I am proud to support him in his bid for re-election as the Mayor of Milford.

Justin M. Rosen