Trumbull Democrats this week called on Republican Town Committee Chairman Jack Testani to substantiate his claims from an opinion piece posted on Trumbull Patch earlier this week.

Testani said several things that have no basis in reality. Trumbull residents, during this critical election season, need to know that the Republican leaders of the town, starting with First Selectman Tim Herbst and including Testani, are playing fast and loose with facts, and in the process, demonstrating contempt for the political process and for Trumbull residents.

Testani stated that Herbst identified $1 million in operational savings. That is not true, and the actual number is perhaps a bit more than half of that.

Testani stated that the Grand List has grown dramatically in the last two years, as though Herbst had a critical role in that growth. Not true. Most of the increase was due to the efforts of Herbst’s predecessor, and the largest part was due to the revaluation of a building in the Trumbull Corporate Park.

Testani stated that Mary Beth Thornton wanted to bond for a pool last year. Not true. Thornton prudently led an exploration into the town’s options without ever advocating for the construction of a pool.

Testani stated that Mary Beth Thornton “rubberstamped” the tax policies of the last administration. Not true. She voted to reduce budget proposals five out of six times.

Testani stated that Herbst reduced town debt by $9 million, but other than bond terms expiring, what has he done?

Testani said that, “Given the promises Mrs. Thornton has made to various union leaders, and the number of union leaders running on her ticket, there is no way she will be able to hold to her promises while keeping taxes down.”

Put aside for a moment that the statement is an offensive lie—empty rhetoric intended to divide our community. Put aside that the Democrats on the Thornton team are teachers, a retired middle school principal, and a police officer. Put aside that we provide essential services that our neighbors and fellow citizens rely on.

Trumbull Democrats instead call on Jack Testani to spell out the “promises” Mary Beth Thornton has made to “union leaders.” State the substance of those promises. Say specifically what she promised, since Testani seems to know so much about them. Say specifically which union leaders she made the promises to. And say when Mary Beth Thornton made those promises.

Jack Testani might be engaging not in facts but in morally empty political rhetoric, but there is one fact that Trumbull residents should know: This Republican Administration, headed by Tim Herbst, will say anything and do anything to remain in office, even if it includes treating the voters with disrespect.

It’s time to tell Trumbull the truth. And it’s time for a change.