Op-Ed: New Canaan Democrat Rob Fryer on ‘Why I Am Running for Town Treasurer’

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I am seeking nomination as Democratic candidate for town treasurer to provide the active, professional oversight of taxpayers’ dollars our community deserves.

Rob Fryer. Contributed

New Canaan needs a treasurer with a finance and accounting background and career – our town has not had one for decades. I have an accounting degree and spent my career as a partner with one of the “Big-4” firms practicing as a CPA, serving in leadership roles and working with large corporate clients. I have been a New Canaan resident for nearly 30 years.

For several years, our auditors have identified “material weaknesses” in New Canaan’s financial controls. Not only is this embarrassing for us as a town, it is a red flag that taxpayers’ dollars lack adequate oversight and protection. The town’s financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2016 were only completed and approved in March 2017.

Residents deserve better.

We deserve an active treasurer who oversees the town’s finances with the utmost professionalism. We deserve a treasurer who will work with officials to improve financial controls, ensure that surplus funds are invested appropriately, and be available as an advisor to our incoming Chief Financial Officer. We deserve a treasurer who takes a collaborative, non-partisan approach, with an eye only to the good of the community. With my decades of public practice as a CPA, strong record of volunteer service to our community, and the time to do the job as it should be done, I believe I can make a difference.

I moved to New Canaan with my wife Margie and two children in 1988. Since retiring a few years ago I have become deeply involved in community activities, including serving on the boards and finance committees of New Canaan Community Foundation and New Canaan Land Trust. I also do a limited amount of private consulting and keep my professional education and skills current. In my spare time I enjoy nature, traveling, gardening and sports. I am also a runner and compete in local road and trail races up to ultra-marathon distance.

Rob Fryer

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