CANDIDATE RESPONSES: Tom Partridge, Board of Finance

Tom Partridge, a Democrat, is running for a two-year seat on the Board of Finance. He is a member of the Board of Finance.

Name and explain two ways to improve the town’s finances.

1) Continue to support the growth of Easton Country Day. Vibrant private schools save taxpayers millions in the long run, and in this case benefit us with lease payments. 2) Special use zoning in Easton currently allows for churches, private schools, art galleries and recreational development. I would like to add to this list bed and breakfast facilities; country inns consistent with our rural character would preserve the land while increasing tax revenue.

Do people want more services or lower taxes?

Unfortunately we want both. We also want to eat whatever we want without gaining weight. We have to realize Easton is unique. We have created a town with three-acre zoning, no business taxes to speak of, and little state reimbursement compared to other towns. All of this requires that we pay a premium to live here. It’s the Board of Finance’s job to distribute the precious resource of our taxes as fairly as possible without increasing its burden beyond residents’ ability to pay.

What makes you qualified for this position?

I have served on the Board of Finance for nearly 17 years, with a consistent record of support for public education, seniors and open space. As chairman for two years, I gained an in-depth knowledge of the town’s finances and the potential for efficiencies. Professionally, I am a retired information systems management consultant who served major corporations for many years; that background in technology has been an asset on the board.