Richard Knotek

Environment / Energy Recognize that climate change is an immediate threat to our environment, health and economy. In all deliberations, work to protect our natural resources, the very fabric of our towns. Education Stop the slide of state funding for public education, especially in our small towns. Restore past levels of funding in step with the cost of living. Education Stem the flow of unfunded educational mandates. Monitor the newly-created Education Mandate Review Advisory Council and testify to the burden those mandates place on our towns. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Focus on the challenges facing our towns’ emergency services. Create more opportunities in our high schools and community colleges that make paths for our youth to become the EMTs, firemen and policemen of tomorrow. Taxes / Budget Give our towns the statutory power to create property tax relief programs for our low and moderate income neighbors. Current programs are woefully inadequate in providing meaningful relief.