I Get Off on Numbers
Well, not literally, but figuratively for sure.
.jpg)
I joined the Board of Finance in my small town of Union, CT, as an alternate in September 2012. The Board was having difficulty meeting the requirements for a quorum. In other words, it was difficult to get FOUR Board members to attend a meeting.
After serving on the Board of Education in the town in which I previously lived, I wanted to continue public service in the town in which I am now living. I contacted the local town committee and, as it turned out, there was an opening for an alternate on the Board of Finance and I was appointed as such.
During the elections in May 2013, I ran for an open seat and won by a LANDSLIDE. I ran unopposed but I think that's just because the opposing party was too frightened to pit someone against this incredible force.
I was sworn in to my position in July and took my post as an official member of the Board of Finance.
Then there was the discussion about who would take the seat of the Chairman. The position that I filled was vacated by the previous Chairman. There was much discussion. There was much more discussion.
Finally, at a meeting in November, a member motioned that I should be the Chairman. Another member seconded the motion and then ensued a discussion. I remarked that my lack of knowledge of the town was concerning and that I may not yet be suited to fill such an important position. Reluctantly, I agreed and the motion carried.
.jpg)
Five months later, in the midst of the budget season, I find myself going through budget request forms from the town deparments, transferring numbers to the proposed budget form and Chairing town meetings.
And I have to say...I LOVE it. I have been up and down the budget at least two dozen times, analyzing the figures, checking for mistakes and looking for ways to cut expenses. In fact, ahead of a special Board of Finance meeting tonight, I worked on revising the budget and verifying figures nearly all day.
Many might dread that but I really enjoyed it. I have a knack for numbers and now I pretty much know the budget backwards and forwards. I should definitely be able to knock out the budget very quickly next year. And I'm sure that I will enjoy it even more!
Calculator image courtesy of Stuart Miles/freedigitalphotos.net
Chart image courtesy of ddpavumba/freedigitalphotos.net
Comments(7)