Pointing to his established record of budget restraint during a period of minimal tax increases, former two-term selectman William F. Butters officially launched his campaign yesterday for the Board of Selectmen in the upcoming October 24 special election.
Fiscal Conservatism and Campaign Platform
Campaigning under the banner of “Proposition 13” fiscal discipline, the 54-year-old political scientist and local merchant promised to bring a “strong sense of leadership” to municipal governance. Butters highlighted his previous service on the board from 1971 to 1977, noting that the local tax rate rose by only $3 during his tenure—moving modestly from $38 in fiscal 1972 to $41 in fiscal 1977—whereas subsequent years saw accelerated hikes, including a $2 increase in the previous fiscal year and a projected $5 surge for the current term.
While disclaiming sole credit for past fiscal stability, Butters argued that current leadership has exhibited a “lack of fiscal responsibility,” citing delays in appointing a permanent fire chief and questionable spending proposals, such as hiring an outside professional consultant to screen firefighter applicants. Butters resides at 354 Nichols St. and operates a family-owned drug and liquor business in town.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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