Politics & Government

Meet the Democrat: Kevin Beaudoin

A look at Kevin Beaudoin, Democratic candidate for Southington Board of Finance.

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Southington Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate. 

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 5, 2013.

This week, we are looking at the Board of Finance candidates:

Name: Kevin Beaudoin
Age:
50
Party, Board Seeking:
Democrat, Board of Finance
Family information:
Married with 2 children
Occupation, if applicable:
Financial Auditor
Political Experience:
2007 to 2011 -Member of Board of Finance

Why did you run for office?
I served two terms from 2007 - 2010 on the Southington Board of Finance (BOF).  I am again seeking a seat on the Board of Finance. During my two terms on the BOF, I accomplished my prior goal of being fiscally responsible and maintaining a fair and reasonable tax rate for the citizens of Southington. As a prior member of the BOF, I have proven that I can work effectively with the various Town Departments and Town Council to maintain our fiscal policy. My past record demonstrated that I can work effectively with both parties.

As a former experienced BOF member, I realize that the next few budget years may be challenging. Both the BOF and Town Council may have many difficult decisions to make during budget time. We need individuals that know the needs of the various town departments and what they really need funding for. Having been through that process four times and having extensive knowledge of how the town works, I feel I have the experience to better balance the Town’s budget fairly and equitably. I would like to restore the fair and balanced approach to the Board of Finance and work with the Town Council to improve the finances of Southington. I am committed to continuing my personal philosophy of making financial decisions that are best for the Town of Southington in this difficult economic environment.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
Some of the Board of Finance priorities are to help maintain both a stable fiscal policy and stable tax rate. We need to focus on both the town’s short and long term spending habits to see if there are any redundancies and eliminate wasteful spending. In addition, explore additional revenue streams through economic development, to help lessen the burden on taxpayers. We also need to play a role in monitoring future audit reviews and provide oversight that budgeted funds are being put to use as expected and in a cost-efficient manner. Taxpayers need to know that their tax dollars are not being misused in any way. Finally, the BOF, Town Council, town departments and the school administration need to have better communications in the future. Miscommunication or the lack of communication has hurt this town in the past and needs to be fixed to help our town run more efficiently and effectively. We need to work as a team and put aside political agendas.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
One of the biggest issues facing Southington is the impact of our two largest projects (i.e. Middle Schools and road infrastructure) will have on our future tax rates. I supported the rebuilding of the Middle Schools, however; there is a price to pay. Starting in 2014, payments for our bonding of the Middle School will kick in, adding approximately $5M (includes principle and interest) to our budget. Plus you add in the $11M road project approved by our residents and these two projects alone will have a major impact on our future tax rates. The town’s elected officials will have a delicate balancing act, if they are to maintain our current town services, support education, and improve our infrastructure (roads).

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?
I am currently employed with the State of Connecticut Insurance Department where I am responsible for supervising financial audits of multi-billion dollar Connecticut domiciled insurance companies. I have a strong background in the financial, investment and operational aspects of the Insurance Industry. In addition, I have extensive financial background in auditing and budget reviews, both of which are beneficial in the decision making of the town budget. I also feel my audit experience can be put to use for any future audits. I can be used as a liaison between the CPA Company and the Town of Southington for its yearly financial audits. This could help the audits be more efficient and focus on the areas of higher risk within the town departments.

I feel that both my prior BOF experience and my business career make me a good candidate for the Board of Finance Committee.

(Optional) Anything else you would like to share?
I would like to thank those who have voted for me in the past and I ask for your vote once again.  Please take the time to research the candidates and vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

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