Letter to the Editor: Closing Arguments

I am running for state representative in the 57th district (Ellington and East Windsor) because I want to see more bipartisanship and cooperation in government and less fighting for fighting’s sake.  I think there is entirely too much work to do to waste time having one party attack the other, just to turn around and do it all over again.

 We need to work together and solve some problems that are bigger than one party or the other.  We need to put people before politics.

Rather than tear down my opponent, I’d rather tell you what I’d like to do as a state representative.  It is no secret that we need to do a better job of creating jobs in Connecticut. 

I’d like to re-focus tax incentives that are being given to large corporations towards small business that are based in Connecticut that hire Connecticut workers.  Essentially, if a small business is looking to maintain their workforce or expand, and they are willing to invest in Connecticut’s residents, then we ought to help them succeed.  People need jobs, and we need to put people before politics.

I’d like to allow small businesses, non-profits and municipalities to buy into the state healthcare plan.  This would save them a good deal of money in their budgets, expand access to quality healthcare (particularly preventative care) to a lot of people who don’t have it now, and strengthen the state’s buying power when we go to negotiate our own rates by expanding our risk pool.  This would help to create or maintain jobs in Connecticut, and it puts people before politics.

I’d also believe that the state should fully fund the Education Cost Sharing grant, equating to $2 million more per year for Ellington Public Schools, and $1.2 million more for East Windsor.  This would lead to smaller class sizes, restoration of programs, and property tax relief.  And it is money that we are already owed.  This would improve education in Connecticut, and put people before politics. 

I am committed to working with anyone in the General Assembly who has an idea that will be beneficial to Ellington and East Windsor, because I believe that is what a state representative should do.  I’m committed to working in a more bipartisan way than we’ve seen lately, and if you’ll give me your vote on November 6th, I’ll work every day to put people before politics.