Steve's Audio Clip

Click Here to listen to the Audio from WMNR's Fine Arts Forum featuring our own Steve Vavrek!

Endorsements

"Steve Vavrek has delivered for Monroe. He is the rare leader that actually accomplished what he said he would-- a budget passed on the first try that balances the needs of taxpayers and students, road repairs and infrastructure improvements, and competent, responsible town government. Steve Vavrek has proven he is a great leader for a great town."

--Dan Debicella, Former CT State Senator

Endorsements

“I am proud to announce my support for Steve Vavrek. He has proven himself to be a capable leader by guiding the Town of Monroe through a time of economic uncertainty,” said State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21). “As First Selectman, Steve showed dedication to making our community a better place by rebuilding roads, encouraging business, and supporting education for our children. Steve Vavrek is the right leader for Monroe, and I look forward to working with him in the future.”

State Sen. Kevin Kelly was elected to the State Senate in 2010 and is currently serving his first term. Sen. Kelly is Ranking Member of the Aging Committee and Insurance and Real Estate Committee and also sits on the Commerce Committee and Regulations Review Committee. He represents the towns of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, and Stratford.

--October 24, 2010 – State Senator Kevin Kelly today announced his endorsement of Steve Vavrek for First Selectman of Monroe

About The Referendum

The Budget Referendum is a long-standing tradition in Monroe.  Elected officials put the budget together and then the voters are given the opportunity to either accept or reject the proposed budget. It is not unusual for a budget to go through 3, 4, 5 or even 6 Referendum votes before being approved by the taxpayers. In March 2008, 80 percent of those who voted (43 percent of the voter population) elected to keep the Referendum process.

Tom Buzi Opposes the Budget Referendum

  • In 2007, Tom Buzi attempted to eliminate the Referendum process. In a Letter To The Editor, Buzi points out that approximately 2,000 voters turn out for most Referendums, which is about "10 percent of the voter population in Monroe and roughly 15 percent of the entire electorate."  Buzi states:  "Our budget process essentially creates rule by a Minority in Monroe....Minority rule in Monroe must end; it jeopardizes Monroe's future."
  • In a follow-up letter to the editor (2007), fellow Democrat Michael Visconti said, "I am in total agreement with the views Tom Buzi expressed in his letter regarding Monroe’s budget. This budget referendum process is a farce. Why is it a farce? Because our elected officials lack the strength or guts to make some tough decisions. When are the First Selectman, Town Council and the Board of Finance going to demonstrate some leadership?"
  • In a letter to the Chairman of the Charter Revision Commission (2006), Mr. Buzi states: "Unfortunately, our Town's budget history is littered with mistakes attributed to the will of the voters where what was really required was strong leadership by principled elected officials who not only take the will of the people into consideration but also understand Monroe's requirements."


Steve Vavrek's Position on the Budget Referendum Process:

  • Monroe’s Voters have spoken loud and clear that they want to keep the Budget Referendum. I respect their decision. However, I also believe that the Voters need to trust their elected officials more than they do when it comes to the budget. As Vice Chairman of the Town Council and a member of the Board of Finance, I have first-hand knowledge and experience with the budget process in Monroe. My conviction is that our elected officials have a fiscal responsibility to carefully create a balanced budget that meets the needs of our entire community.

As First Selectman of Monroe, I will always work hard to gain and maintain the Trust of Monroe's Voters.

-- Steve Vavrek