Letter: Candidate calls for change

Dear Editor,

I appreciated the letter from town of Hudson chair candidate Gregg White. He promised respectful, responsive and friendly town government — it was refreshing and is needed.

Even greater was his highlighted platform of “fiscal responsibility.” I was shocked recently to find out that our town leadership is fiscally irresponsible. I, like others, had no idea the amount of money being spent on salaries for town employees/officials.

I was amazed to learn that our town chair made more income than the city of Hudson mayor and was seeking a pay increase if reelected. I also was floored to learn that our town clerk has almost doubled her income in six years and is earning $52,530 in annual salary, nine days paid vacation and six comp days. The contract requires her to work in the office three seven-hour days a week, attend the monthly board meeting and any special meetings or hearings when sparingly called.

The deputy clerk has a contract requiring two seven-hour days and the required meeting, earning almost $32,000 and vacation/comp days. The treasurer is paid over $25,000 and vacation/comp days for working two seven-hour days and meeting requirements.

We are paying almost $21,000 and 42 vacation days (yes, I said 42) to an animal control officer and over $41 an hour for his assistant when needed. At a town meeting I was told by our town chair that this was acceptable pay scales and the going rate in the market place. Then the board quickly voted to end discussion from the citizens.

Excuse me? I have been a business manager/owner for over 20 years. Citizens should be outraged. This is not a reflection of the market place.

I don’t know any of the town officers or employees personally but God bless them, and I thank them for their service. But the figures speak for themselves. Some board members have been serving since the 1980s. It is time for change at town hall. It is time for a fresh perspective with new leadership. I am running for town supervisor number 4. I have lived here with my family for 11 years and love our town.

I recently met Gregg White and David Bartizol who are also running for the board and we all see the need for change and fiscal conservancy. Current tax and spend policies are irresponsible. Protect your wallet and vote for us this April.

Todd Mullinax, Town of Hudson

Candidate for town supervisor

Tags: opinion, hudson, letter, town, supervisor, candidate, todd, mullinax