Ron Jaffe
Board of Finance

Phone: 203.740.0206
Email: jaffeent@earthlink.net

WHY I'M RUNNING

As the longest current sitting member of the Board of Education, I've seen much change in the town, and have learned a great deal about process, government, and operations. I am committed to public service, and have worked hard over the years to raise expectations and outcomes while at the same time increasing efficiencies. I've also been known to say that I'm determined to beat down 'mis-impressions' with facts. With that said, here are some of the reasons I'm running for a seat on the Board of Finance:

• I believe the Town needs people who will bring a strong and cohesive commitment to planning, management, cooperation, and growth.
• I believe that fiscal responsibility is not simply saying no, but building budgets from the bottom up, planning for the real needs of all members of the community, and managing responsibly.
• I believe that long-term investment in infrastructure and other critical needs is a key function of our government.
• I believe that Brookfield must pursue revenue sources beyond real estate taxes.
• I believe we need to address the growing impression that Brookfield is not business-friendly.
• I believe that maintaining and improving services for both the town and the schools is a priority.
• I believe that presenting budgets that fail to address our shrinking fund balance increases our risk.
• I believe that it is the responsibility of the Boards of Education, Finance, and Selectmen to work collaboratively while respecting boundaries and protocol.

While I've cherished my time as a member of the Board of Education, I look forward to a new challenge where I can serve the town and have a positive impact. I look forward to discussing my ideas — and hearing yours — throughout the campaign.

Ron's acceptance speech at the Brookfield Democratic Caucus

BACKGROUND

Although I hold a degree in Music Composition, have sung with opera choruses, and once played backup for The Drifters, I also have a unique business history — what Jim Henson once called "an eclectic background." From non-profit to for-profit, from working in stores to the corporate office, from nationwide conglomerate (Kmart's purchase of Waldenbooks) to small independent startup, I've seen businesses and operations from many perspectives. Past corporate positions include Senior Director of Marketing for Waldenbooks and Publisher for Longmeadow Press (Walden's $30-million in-house publishing division). In corporate life, I've negotiated, created, and produced exclusive publishing programs with Jim Henson Productions, Warner Bros., DC Comics, Anheuser-Busch/Sea World, Kodak, and Prevention Magazine. I also helped develop and launch the industry's first and most successful retail database marketing program — Waldenbooks Preferred Reader.

For the past 16 years, I've worked independently, focusing on creating product for a variety of vendors and licensors including Major League Baseball and NASCAR. I have also worked with clients as diverse as BBC Audiobooks America, MasterCard International, Earth Satellite Corporation, Lerner Publishing, and Norwood House Press, providing services as varied as financial modeling, marketing support, and web design.

HISTORY

COMMUNITY

• Stamford, CT Public Schools District Technology Steering Committee (1995–1998)
• Parent Teacher Council of Stamford, CT (1995–1998)
• Brookfield Board of Education
• Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition
• Brookfield Education Foundation

EDUCATION

• Berklee College of Music, Bachelor of Music–Composition, Magna Cum Laude (1976)

WORK

• Boston Chorus Pro Musica (1977–1978)
  General Manager
• Walden Book Company (1976–1992)
  Senior Director of Marketing, Publisher–Longmeadow Press, Manager–New Product Development, Manager–Visual Merchandising, Assistant to the President, Store Manager, Bookseller
• Third Story Books (1993–1994)
  Co-Publisher, Director of Marketing
• Jaffe Enterprises (1994–Present)