A willingness to work across the aisle, and an openness to all ideas

Patrick Reynolds Op Ed in the Record-Journal:
A willingness to work across the aisle, and an openness to all ideas
The conventional wisdom among political experts is that when campaigning, avoid specifics. By offering specific solutions to particular problems, you run the risk of being criticized by your opponent. I do not subscribe to this strategy. I believe that the voters deserve to see exactly what a candidate wants to accomplish when elected. I have listed several issues/challenges that need to be addressed and my proposals.
Exodus of retirees — Make living in Connecticut more affordable by reducing or eliminating state income tax on social security and pensions.
College affordability — Reduce college financing costs for students with a State of Connecticut direct loan program. Lend money directly to college students at an interest rate sufficient to cover just the State’s administrative costs.
Job creation — Offer tax credits to businesses that create new jobs. Some of you may ask about the cost of this program.
However, the new employees will be paying state income tax and will be spending their earnings locally thus helping other businesses grow and increasing revenue.Partnerships — Create partnerships between colleges and local companies (advanced manufacturing, IT, BioTech etc.). Modify/update the curriculum so students are “work ready” when they leave college. Create meaningful internships. Do the same for our vocational schools. Partner them with local trade organizations.
Create a business friendly environment — Implementation of a dedicated business 1-800 hotline. A number that new and existing businesses can call to find out about possible grants, energy coops and potential investors.
Voters of the 90th, you deserve more than catchy sound bites. You deserve to hear how your candidates will address the problems that are plaguing our state and community. The 90th needs a representative that will work across the aisle. Who will listen to the opinions of everyone. A person that has a diverse work history. A person who has worked as a carpenter, a day laborer and who has worked in corporate America. Who has negotiated contracts from the point-of-view of the employees and managers. A person who has spent the last 28 years educating our young people and preparing them for the rigors of adulthood.
Feel free to comment and via my website: reynolds4staterep.com or call my cellphone: 203-710-3834. My philosophy, when elected, will be: Debate, Negotiate, and Legislate. I will be open to all ideas from my constituents.
By Patrick Reynolds
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Copyright 2016 The Record-Journal Publishing Co. 11/3/2016