UPDATE - Slossberg Formally Investigated by State Elections Commission

UPDATE

Letter to the Editor:

In late June, you may recall receiving a large, foldout colorful magazine from State Senator Gayle Slossberg. This piece was not paid by Senator’s Slossberg’s campaign funds but rather it was entirely financed through taxpayer money. It clearly served as a propaganda promotional piece aimed at prospective voters and constituents, with the intent to bring about her re-election this coming November.

While it is important that elected officials be afforded the privilege to keep their constituents informed of the happenings of government through the mail, Senator Slossberg has abused this privilege, instead of using the mailing to keep her constituents informed, she sent a self-promoting and an entirely self-laudatory promotional piece without any meaningful information. In my opinion, not only has she engaged in poor judgment but her conduct may be illegal and it appears that State Elections Enforcement Commission agrees.

While Senator Slossberg no doubt will argue that she sent her mailing before the three month prohibition in regard to constituent mailing, her mailing is really a thinly disguised magazine or newspaper masquerading as a constituent communication. Connecticut state law “prohibits an official or state employee to authorize the use of public funds for, newspaper or magazine campaign or advertisement which (A) features the name, face…of a candidate for public office, or (B) promotes the nomination or election of a candidate for public office, during the twelve-month period preceding the election…” Her colorful self-laudatory piece violates both the spirit and the clear language of the campaign finance laws.

In July, I filed a formal complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) (File no. 2014-089) asking them to investigate her production and distribution of the expensive, full color magazine. In a letter, dated August 20th, 2014, the SEEC responded to my claim and “voted to authorize an investigation” against Senator Slossberg.

The mass mailing, which has absolutely no redeeming value, was a colorful, self-promoting propaganda piece that the SEEC sought to prevent and, in my opinion, Senator Slossberg has crossed a line and has abused her powers as a public official. I am confident that upon the completion of their investigation the SEEC will see it the same way.

Connecticut citizens have the highest tax burden in America, the highest state debt per capita, and we are dead last in economic growth. Yet career politicians like Senator Slossberg refuse to change their ways.

Hard pressed Connecticut taxpayers are being forced to pay for this abuse of the public trust and Slossberg’s campaign should immediately reimburse the state treasury.

-Matt Gaynor
Candidate for State Senate