My combination of professional and community experience makes me well-suited to serve as a financial advisor for the City of Stamford. I have a Masters Degree in Finance from the University of Connecticut. I am experienced in leading market and financial analytics, and in designing and executing creative strategies that increase stakeholder value. I know how to bring disciplined program management to end-to-end operations to maximize output for each dollar spent.

Locally, I’ve led and managed community and non-profit organizations steering them to profitability and growth. I currently serve on the Stamford Board of Appraisal Appeals and see first-hand the ramifications of the tax burden of our neighbors.

I have grown up in Stamford and see real potential and opportunity in Stamford – this is why my wife and I have raised our children here, and we all volunteer to lift the lives of all Stamford people.

Stamford’s biggest long-term fiscal challenge is balancing the rising cost of services—especially schools & infrastructure —while keeping taxes affordable for residents and competitive for businesses. If costs grow faster than revenues, the burden on taxpayers becomes unsustainable.

Stamford needs a disciplined, long-term plan. We must prioritize our spend on what delivers the most value and drives efficiency through better technology and smarter processes. Keeping our tax base competitive will attract businesses and retain our residents. Handled this way, Stamford can stay fiscally strong, invest in its future, and remain both competitive as a city and affordable for families.

Rebuilding Westhill is one of the most important investments Stamford will make because it comes with a steep price tag of hundreds of millions. Given the size of the project, it’s not realistic to rely only on pay-as-you-go transfers — that would crowd out too many other city priorities.

A balanced funding approach is best: using bonding to spread the cost over the life of the school, while also making disciplined transfers into Fund 57 each year to reduce the total amount we borrow.

In addition, we need to maximize the state’s reimbursement and keep flexibility in our planning. And, Stamford should phase in the bonding over multiple years aligning debt services with retirements of current bonds, and maintain strong reserves. We can rebuild Westhill without a sudden spike in taxes, protect Stamford’s excellent credit rating, and ensure our kids get the safe, modern school they deserve.