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2011 Independent Party Platform Create an open and transparent government where decisions are made in a public forum. ~Decisions will be made in public meetings, not secret party caucuses. ~Elected officials will not be told how to vote. Each elected official is expected to vote based on what they believe is in the best interest of Watertown. Build trust with the Board of Education’s fiscal management to enable us to focus on advancing the education of children. ~Support a citizen’s review of the Board of Education’s finances. ~Give the Town Finance Director oversight responsibility for the Board of Education’s finances. ~Move responsibility for maintenance of school buildings to the Town. Reform the process for making appointments to and overseeing boards and commissions. ~All eligible voters should be considered, regardless of party affiliation. ~The best qualified people, without personal, financial, or hidden agendas, should be appointed to serve. ~The Town Council should exercise its oversight responsibility over boards and commissions. ~Elected officials should not be eligible to serve on any appointed board or commission. Strengthen our tax base by supporting “smart” development. ~Build a supportive environment for the present business population. ~Support development efforts to attract businesses that will have a positive impact on our tax base. Expand the disclosure of Town and Board of Ed finances and propose a responsible budget by reining in unnecessary costs. ~Support accountability and transparency in town government by exploring the use of the internet to post Town and Board of Education budgets and expenditures. ~The Town budget will not be balanced by raiding the General Fund or selling Town properties. ~Total cost estimates will be obtained for capital projects, like the Town Hall. Projects will not proceed without plans to fund the total cost. ~Proceeds from the sale of properties will be put in a special fund to offset the cost of future capital projects, like the Town Hall. |