I'll continue to advocate for strategic, long-term planning that incorporates smaller deposits into capital reserve funds (commonly referred to as CRFs, these funds are much like savings accounts) to avoid massive tax-spikes. Our departments will sometimes need to make more major expenses in order to meet the needs of our residents, but that doesn't (and shouldn't) mean blindsiding our residents with a massive jump in their tax bills.

Zero-based budgeting doesn't mean cutting everything; it's a budgeting process that means starting at zero and critically re-evaluating our own choices, first adding into the budget prior legal obligations, then continued needs, then new needs; then and only then do we explore new wants—instead of starting from our previous budget, adding in wishlist items, and then working backwards to a number that can be "sold" to voters. 

As a Selectman, I'll find and push for alternative funding sources, especially advocating for the pursuit of grants and other funding to alleviate the tax burden on our residents. All opportunities must be considered for their potential value and benefit, making sure that no assistance to the Goffstown taxpayer is left on the table and unexplored. Diversified revenue streams mean better services with more in your wallet.

The Select Board, School Board, and Budget Committee must continue to collaborate on enhanced transparency. The truth is, not every single person in town has the time to scrutinize our budget. That's our job as elected officials. We must ensure that every interested person can learn a plain understanding of how much of their money is being spent and what it's being spent on, without hiding the facts behind jargon.