Why I Support Veasna Roeun for State Representative of the 109th District

OPINION / LETTER TO THE EDITOR

There was a time when the people controlled government and our Constitution was the one piece of document that protected us from their overreach. It allowed us to keep them out of our homes, our lives and our property. In those times, the common man was often elected and the common folks easily granted an audience with their legislators and even the President himself. On a daily basis, the media reports stories that bring more questions of politicians and controversies rather than policies and answers. As the Presidential race for the 2016 Election has drawn ire and oxygen from the room, we often forget what and who directly affect our lives on a daily basis -- local government.

The Connecticut state budget has seen record breaking deficits and we will continue to see them as the Office of Fiscal Analysis project deficits of $1.3 billion in 2018 and $1.4 billion in 2019. These deficits will most likely result in higher taxes due to uncontrolled spending and an exodus of residents and businesses. People and businesses are leaving Connecticut at an alarming rate, because our incumbent State Representative, David Arconti, Jr. and the Democratic party, a one party government in CT, refused to look at the reality and failed to implement long term structural plans. They’ve been spending whatever they want while cutting funding where it is needed. This negligence, owned by our rubber stamping incumbent, clearly points out the failure of government designed to responsibly represent all. Connecticut’s political establishment has ignored real public servitude.

I am not happy with David Arconti, Jr., our current representative in Danbury’s 109th district because he is the establishment politician who rubber-stamped the Governor’s disastrous budget and business killing policies. However, I am hopeful because we are finally getting a challenger intent on “getting the job done” and worthy of our support and vote -- Veasna Roeun! He is a breath of fresh air and new blood that is badly needed in Hartford where follies have been the norm for far too long. I first heard of Veasna during his nomination at the Danbury Republican primary and was immediately drawn to him after hearing his story. (See photos from the event on Facebook.com/AnnieMDance).

Veasna Roeun is a perfect example of the “American Dream” and a fine definition of public servitude. He has lived an extraordinary life, very different from his opponent, and embodies everything that establishment politics is not. He may be an outsider but he wants to make a difference, and he is just like most of us. Veasna and his family were war refugees who survived the Killing Fields in Cambodia. They lived in poverty and grew up very humble, working very hard for everything they’ve earned. This is a man who came here not knowing one word of English and exposed to unimaginable horror during his childhood and time in the Army. He’s grown up through Danbury’s public school system, and attended Western Connecticut State University. I encourage you to read more about him on Roeun2016.com.

I am very inspired by his community work here and internationally, as Veasna is a big advocate for human rights who traveled throughout the U.S. to promote American democratic ideals among the Asian community. He’s worked with U.S. legislators on both of sides of the aisle successfully in Washington, D.C.
He is also a huge animal advocate. His dog Scout has been adorably and prominently featured on his campaign materials. Veasna has accomplished everything he’s committed time and attention to because he knows how to fight for those who need a voice. I want him to be my voice in Hartford.

Veasna Roeun genuinely cares about Danbury and our state as I came to find that he would rather stay in his community than to start a career with the Department of Justice in a position considered a dream job for law enforcement officers. He also resigned from a state agency where he helped increased the labor force and develop our economy just so he could run for office. He made these sacrifices for us and his new born daughter because this is his home and he wants better for all of us.

Veasna may not have the popular name everyone knows, but his qualifications and character is a rarity that is needed in Hartford. His compromising nature and moral principles is why the Independent party endorsed him and why many Democrats are voting for him. He is the Republican candidate with real working experience on the battlefields of war and halls of government. I am proud to say I wholeheartedly support and will vote for Connecticut’s first native born Cambodian and U.S. combat veteran for State Representative. I ask Danbury to help us make history and Veasna Roeun up to Hartford so we can fix this mess our incumbent made. I will be casting my ballot for our voice in Hartford, voting for Row B, including 5B, Veasna Roeun, and I encourage everyone in Danbury's 109th District to do the same.

Annie Dance, 109th District, Danbury, CT

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This is an opinion piece, which originally appeared on Annie Dance's Linkedin page.