What We've Done
The DaRos/Walsh leadership style combined outreach with action. Unk & Fran partnered with citizen leaders to launch good ideas, form coalitions and build consensus. They got results. During their Town Hall tenure, they have made economic, environmental and social decisions that laid a solid foundation for the Branford we enjoy today.
For example:
- In August 2011 Standard & Poor's affirmed Branford's AAA rating, citing the Town's "very strong available reserves" and "low debt burden." S&P noted that debt service carrying charges have also been low at 6% of governmental expenditures over the past two audited fiscal years." S&P further rated Branford's outlook as "stable," citing the town's "very strong reserve levels, good financial management practices and policies, and stable tax base with strong economic indicators."
- The Town's Finance Department moved up the date for a planned bond sale in order to avoid the debt-ceiling showdown in Washington, D.C. The sale took place August 2, 2011, before the markets were registering the uncertainty accompanying a possible downgrade of U.S. government debt. Branford sold $13.08 million in bonds and is paying 2.812 percent.
- Unk & Fran worked with Town volunteer groups to create the Volunteer Services Center where our Community Dining Room provides healthy meals, fellowship, clothing and vital services to our neighbors.
The DaRos/Campbell team will continue to build on the values and concepts that make Branford the best town on the Shoreline.
The DaRos/Walsh approach combined collaboration and cost effectiveness with an attention to detail for projects large and small and a commitment to improving the quality of life for Branford citizens from each and every neighborhood. The list of their accomplishments goes on and on.