Stratford mayor stresses shared responsibilities in address

Stratford Mayor John Harkins in his State of the Town address recently at the Oronoque Country Club said the last five years have witnessed what he called great strides in “creating an atmosphere where efforts to streamline the method and delivery of municipal government services can flourish.”

Harkins said he favors sharing government responsibilities.

Stratford Mayor John Harkins.

“Regionalization is a concept in which the time has come to embrace the benefits of shared services between municipalities,” Harkins said. “At a time when resources are limited ”“ it only makes sense for local government to be more proactive and resourceful in the delivery of services. My administration will continue to look for ways to reduce costs through regionalization efforts and working with labor for the benefit of all taxpayers.”

The town has already merged its pollution control services with those in the New Haven region.

“By merging our water pollution control authority with the greater New Haven region, we can ensure lower sewer rates, lower taxes and improved services moving forward,” Harkins said.

Other municipal concerns, including pensions, police, emergency services, fire and public health, received an airing as well. The full address is expected to be posted Wednesday on TownofStratford.com.

Sponsors included the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, the Stratford Rotary Club, the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council and the Stratford Chamber of Commerce.