LETTER: Vote Michael McDonald for the 2nd Senatorial District

Windsor, Bloomfield and Hartford voters have a very unique opportunity in the Feb. 28th special election. The Connecticut Senate is tied between Republicans and Democrats with Lt. Gov. Wyman being the tie breaker supporting Gov. Malloy. For the first time in decades you have a VERY important choice that can affect you, your family and everyone in Connecticut! Your vote can change the balance of power in the Senate from ‘tax and spend’ to ‘fiscal restraint’.

Rather than address the real problems that face Connecticut, the Democrats, who are now in control, have been unwilling to do so. They now want to shift the tax burden onto the towns by passing along the cost of teachers’ pensions to Windsor (~$3.2MM), Bloomfield (~$2MM) and Hartford (~$17MM)! In addition, the Governor has proposed revising the education funding formula reducing money to Windsor ($6MM or 51%) and Bloomfield ($2MM or 31%).

You can choose to elect another Democrat who works for the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), is a State Representative for Hartford, and supports Malloy and the multiple tax increases that have failed our families. Or you can elect a candidate who will oppose the Governor’s proposal to shift costs onto our towns. The failed policies of the past 6 years have driven people and businesses out of Connecticut. As the tax base is reduced by people leaving CT, those that are left [YOU] are asked to pay MORE, in what can only be termed a death by taxation spiral.

The economic policies the Dems support hurt businesses and reduce job opportunities and career advancement. GE left CT, and now we hear rumors that Aetna might leave. Higher taxes, increased costs and lost opportunities have already driven people out of CT increasing the burden on those of us who remain.

According to the CT Mirror, in the proposed budget Hartford gets (~+$38MM), while Windsor (~-$7MM) and Bloomfield (~-$2MM) lose. (The Democrat candidate has indicated that he supports that budget.) The Windsor cut, was termed “beyond devastating” by Windsor’s Mayor, as reported in the Hartford Courant. My calculation tells me that the ~$7MM reduction is about a 7.5% tax increase, BEFORE other adjustments and the 1.45% proposed BoE increase. Can Windsor residents afford that increase in addition to increased State taxes? Who will the Democratic candidate, a Hartford resident, represent?

You have a choice on February 28th. Vote for Michael McDonald for State Senate. He will oppose Governor Malloy’s failed policies that have hurt CT residents; the poor and elderly the most. As a business owner Mike understands how taxes and policies can hurt businesses, employment and opportunities for our residents. Michael McDonald will work to turn the State around. He will oppose policies that burden our communities. He will work with Republicans to bring some sanity to the Democrat controlled and failed budget process.

The choice is clear! You can vote for a Democrat whose record is more taxes and spending which drives people out of the state, and who supports shifting the burden onto Windsor’s taxpayers, or you can vote for Mike McDonald a Republican who will work to fix what ails Connecticut: Control and reduce spending and taxes, make Connecticut more business friendly, and reduce regulation and costs. These steps will attract business, people and opportunities to Connecticut. These steps will help keep our retirees here, with their families. It is time to make your voice heard. Vote Michael McDonald for the 2nd Senatorial District Tuesday, February 28th.

Ronald Eleveld, Chairman
Windsor Republican Town Committee

Patch welcomes letters to the editor on any topic, and reserves the right to edit letters for brevity or clarity. Email letters, including the writer's name, address and phone, to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Patch file photo