I am Bonifacio (Oni) Sioson

This coming November 5, we voters will be entrusting an individual (the future mayor) whom we think we know (or may not know) to make decisions that will heavily impact our own personal and family’s life, and that’s an indisputable fact.

What it should mean to each of us as taxpayers, ought to be obvious so as not to lend any doubt with regards the probable outcome from which our community would benefit from if the individual the majority of us elect, is demonstrably competent, insightful and free from the burden even a hint of conduct that borders on immorality would trigger, and the spiteful, belittling label “Staven” is the reason why.

Some of us unquestionably believe that a low mill rate is preferentially better than a good reputation, which intuitively elevated mismanagement to become a virtue instead of vice thus the furtherance of mismanagement.

In other words saving $500 or even a thousand each year (if that’s how much is saved) is good; end of story, which of course is a very serious problem.

Not thinking beyond the obvious, that is.

Our biggest investment is our home, which resale value is predicated upon several basic features that includes our community’s reputation. And there’s no getting away from that.

Similar to buying or establishing a business, its reputation is a substantial part of the selling price and is the reason I have, from the very beginning underscored our need to rehabilitate our community’s image.

Think of it this way, if our home’s value is depreciated by $20K or $50 or a $100 thousand because of how are town’s reputation is perceived; would the low mill rate make up for it? Would that be a fair exchange?

In these troubled times, from the Sperry Lane, the Quarry, Police Officer Ferrara estate lawsuit and more, which culmination and final cost I do not see in the horizon, makes it even more imperative that we try to unite on what we know we have to do, to overcome the challenges that confront us, and our children and that is: Change.

The need for an unadulterated, honest change in outlook for we have punished ourselves and our children enough. And now is the time to act on the lessons we should, by now, have learned from it.

To the degree that my suitability for the office I seek could be evaluated, based on the information I’ve had published online and in the papers, in addition to the letters to the editor and Op-Ed articles I’ve written, which if nothing else paints a picture of my character and personal beliefs, in my view would and should provide sufficient insight as to my qualification to represent and protect our collective interest.

Lastly and no disrespect intended but when we need a car we rightfully go to the dealership not the other way around, unless we are buying the dealership and even then.

Or say someone who will prepare our tax-returns. We go to him or her to find out, that is of course we can afford to hire him or her full time.

I welcome your questions and comments.

Bonifacio (Oni) Sioson