Finkel: Add An Expense Reduction Expert to Board of Finance

To the Editor:

In August, I joined the race for the Weston Board of Finance — as a 12 year Weston resident and an expert in expense control.

After 20 years managing global advertising agencies, I bought into a franchise called Expense Reduction Analysts in 2005. What we do is analyze our clients’ supplier contracts and negotiate reduced costs, earning a share of the savings as our fee. I love this business, because I only profit when my client does, too.

This past May, I added the Weston Public Schools as a client. Our work – which was completed in August – will save the town $164,000 on office supplies. Same items, same quantities, using the schools’ existing supplier.

Per our contract, our fees are payable in installments over 24 months. However, to eliminate any perception of a conflict, if elected, I will transfer my interest in this project to another franchisee, and not collect any fee balance owed to me.

It’s no coincidence that I chose to run the day we presented our savings recommendation to Jo-Ann Keating, the school system’s Director of Finance & Operations.   realized that as a consultant I had forged a trusted relationship with Dr. Keating, and that on the Board of Finance I could make an even bigger contribution, even though my business relationship with the town would be ending.

Cost control needn’t come at the expense of educational excellence. I’d appreciate your vote. 

David Finkel