To the editor:

In response to Deb Gardner’s questions in a recent edition of the Star Review regarding the Cicero Fire Department (“Becallo should represent all taxpayers,” July 27), my prior letter (“Open communication needed to resolve fire station issue,” July 20) was intentionally narrowly tailored to the unique issues that the Cicero Fire Department is currently facing, and was not intended to discuss all of the many important issues facing the town of Cicero.      

In answer to Deb Gardner’s comments, being a volunteer firefighter myself, I support all firefighters and fire departments that serve the residents of the town of Cicero. I have also had the honor of being elected by the voters of Cicero as their town councilor, a position and duty that I take very seriously, and I do my best to represent the interests of all Cicero residents and businesses, especially fighting to ensure that their hard earned tax money is properly spent.

Many issues facing Cicero government have a financial component, and it is my goal to reduce town spending and borrowing, reduce town fees and regulations and reduce the taxes of our fellow Cicero residents and businesses. I have fought hard to be the taxpayer’s watchdog, and will continue to fight to lower their tax burden, because I know that tax money is actually the people’s money, and not the government’s, and that therefore, taxpayers should be able to keep as much of their money, and government use as little of their money, as possible.

Mike Becallo

Cicero Town Councilor