Election 2014 by Cheshire Herald

ELECTION 2014 October 23, 2014

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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Candidates For State Offices Offer Their Reasons For Running CT House Of Representatives

*Lezlye Zupkus, Republican (89) Listening to people—from seniors to veterans to young families—they are telling me how confident and happy they are with the work I have done over the past two years, bringing common sense to Hartford and standing up for what is right while not standing for “this is how it is done here.” I am committed to making our state a more affordable state to live in, retire in and raise a family in, not a state where people continue to say, “I am only here because of my kids or grandkids.” I want this state to be a place where our children can work and stay if they choose, where people are here because they want to be here and can afford to be here. Vickie Nardello, Democrat (89) I am seeking the office of State Representative because I believe we need legislators who will advocate for citizens and have the courage of their convictions to stand up to people when the District’s interests are at stake. We need people who are not passive but active. A representative should not just find fault with Connecticut but rather acknowledge that there are ways to make the state better and work with others to accomplish that. Focusing solely on blame is an excuse for inaction. If elected, I will focus on jobs and the economy, education policy, reducing energy costs, and helping constituents when they call. *Mary Fritz, Democrat (90) I have never made specific promises about what I will accomplish. However, I do have some ongoing projects I want to see finished for the benefit of my constituents. One is the phosphorus issue. I brought DEEP and the towns of Wallingford, Cheshire, and Southington together over two years ago to deal with the EPA standards on phosphorus in the water. Meetings were heated and it was difficult to make DEEP understand that these towns needed financial help because

All candidates were asked to briefly explain why they want to be elected to certain seats within state government. Here is what they had to say. (Note: * indicates incumbent. District in parentheses.) the cost is in the millions. Wallingford, Cheshire and Southington were the first towns to be identified and, I believe, to be targeted to meet the standards of the EPA. Last session, we suddenly received 30 percent reimbursement from the state for this project. The latest towns to be targeted are receiving 50 percent reimbursement. This playing field must be leveled. As for seeking office, my goal is to continue to help the towns and the people of Cheshire and Wallingford to solve their problems legislatively. Richard Abbate, Republican (90) I am seeking the office of Representative for the 90th Assembly District for the second time. I believe that the representatives position should not be seen as a career choice. I believe that we should have term limits on every elected office in government so that those who represent us must live under the laws they pass, and bring real life experience to the office they seek and/or hold. Claiming that 30 years in the Legislature is something to be proud of only speaks to the ability to successfully run for office. Claiming that your aim is to provide “service to the people” implies that only the incumbent can properly serve. We need to ‘clean house’ periodically, inject new ideas, perspective, and experience into our government functions. “Bringing home the bacon” in the form of a few cents on the dollar, from a government/legislative ‘slush fund’ is nothing to be proud of. It merely says that a legislator has ‘log rolled’ in what is no more than an incumbent protection scheme that attempts to fool the public into believing that they and they alone are looking out for the local residents’ interests. History proves over and over again that such dealings lead to corruption and self dealing, and shortchanges the public of what they really should expect from their elected representatives—honesty, integrity, and the public’s interest before self interest. *Al Adinolfi, Republican (103)

As a resident of Cheshire, a husband, father and veteran, I remain deeply concerned about the direction of our state, and the table we are setting for future generations through state policy. I want to continue the work I have begun as an advocate for seniors and veterans, and for tax and spending polices which promote economic opportunity and growth for the residents of our state. I feel my experience in the legislature positions me well to continue being an effective advocate. I believe this is why I have earned the endorsement from numerous significant diverse groups, including the State Police Union, Connecticut Council of Police, the Connecticut Education Association, the State Firefighters Association, and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. I have set forth some principles I believe in: •Spend no more than we make. •Borrow only what you can afford to pay back. •The more government tries to do, the less it does well. •If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. If it’s not working, get rid of it. •Government doesn’t create jobs, people do. •All the government we need, but only the government we need. •Local governments should be enpowered to make local decisions.

my constituents, bring their voices to Hartford and ﬁght tirelessly for this community.

Kristen Selleck, Democrat (103)

Connecticut families are paying the highest taxes in the country with no end in sight. Spending on boondoggles such as “The Busway” at $1,000 per inch makes no sense whatsoever. For years the Legislature has taken gas taxes that were supposed to be earmarked for road and bridge repair and spent huge amounts on totally unrelated expenses, and now claim we need tolls to pay for road maintenance! This has to stop! It’s not only out-of-control spending and taxes that motivate me, it also is the outrageous “Early Release” program that lets loose thousands of hardened criminals back into our neighborhoods to wreak mayhem on our families. I was pleased to have Dr. William Petit publicly endorse my petition to end this dangerous law. In Hartford I succeeded in capping

I am seeking to be the next State Representative to try to make a difference in the everyday lives of the residents of the 103rd District. I believe that we can both ensure that the state budget is balanced and continue to fund our cities and towns to protect local property taxpayers. I will invest in our children’s education and to expand educational opportunities and job training programs. I will support policies that reduce cost of living and increase the quality of life for the people of Cheshire. By building on my professional record of supporting families, helping crime victims, working for child safety and advocating for systems to improve to better serve the people, I will get results for this District. Finally, I will listen to

CT Senate *Dante´ Bartolomeo, Democrat (13)

Since learning I needed to advocate for my son’s education more than 16 years ago, public service has been a part of my life. I am proud of all that I have accomplished as your Senator. We passed a unanimously-supported law that completely overhauls children’s mental health in Connecticut, and I look forward to overseeing its implementation in my second term. We need to continue investing in programs that support small businesses, and I will keep working to promote legislation that puts people to work. Returning veterans are now able to use skills they learned in the military to qualify for job training credits, helping them ﬁnd employment in the ﬁelds where they specialize. If reelected, I want to continue working alongside constituents and health professionals to improve mental health services for children, and continue working to strengthen the climate for small business owners. Len Suzio, Republican (13)

the gas tax and led the fight against “Early Release.” I gave my constituents a voice. I want to do that again. *Joe Markley, Republican (16) I believe our state is in desperate trouble. We pay the highest taxes, bear the heaviest per capita debt, and suffer the worst economic growth in the nation. Opportunity has vanished, and our young people are fleeing the state. Yet the problem goes deeper. Depression and despair, addiction, illness and isolation plague our society. Once-great cities are home not to industry but poverty and dreadful crime. Our crisis is not simply economic but social, moral, and spiritual. It can’t be addressed unless we all do our part. Recognizing our grave situation, knowing how government works, and holding principles I think can help, I returned to the political fray. I believe in genuinely limited and Constitutional government, in personal liberty and responsibility, and in true fiscal restraint. I have with age developed the gumption to say what I think and hold my course. The wellbeing of our state and District are my sole concern at the Capitol, and I will do my utmost by the light I am given to move us toward that end. Chris Robertson, Working Families Party (16) My platforms are education, taxes for businesses, and tax breaks for the elderly. As for education, I would like to see each student who attends a state university or college receive a $2,500 credit per year. Not only will it ease the burden of loans incurred by students, it will increase the amount of children staying in the State of Connecticut after graduation. Second, I would like to look at decreasing some of the unnecessary taxes that are put on small businesses and large companies. We need to be a state that is willing to work with both large and small companies and make it attractive for them to move to Connecticut. We have too many nonsense taxes on the books. And last but no less important, we need to assist the elderly homeowners. I strongly feel there needs to be a tax cap on their property and utilities to enable them to stay in their homes.

Candidates Running For The Probate Court Judgeship Judge Matthew Jalowiec, Republican, and Everett Sussman, Democrat, were asked to provide some biographical information and a short explanation of why they are running for ofﬁce.

*Matthew Jalowiec, Republican Relevant experience: Judge of Probate (2010–present)—District 18: Cheshire and Southington: Judge of Probate (2014–present)—Central CT Regional Children’s Probate Court: Licensed Attorney (2000—present)

Age: 40 Family: Wife Colleen, three children Occupation: Judge of Probate

It has been a privilege to serve as your Judge. Over the past four years I have worked hard to expand court services and outreach by conducting hearings at your bedsides during your times of hospitalizations and in your homes. I have constantly strived to bring honor to our district. As a Judge at the Central Connecticut Regional Children’s Probate Court, I have been able to expand services for children and families in our community. In addition to working continued to page 5

Everett Sussman, Democrat Age: 48 Family: Two children and Kesi the mixedbreed rescue hound. Occupation: Attorney (probate administration and estate planning law) in private practice for 20+ years. Relevant experience: Owned and operated a private legal practice emphasizing probate administration and estate planning law, for 20+ years; Chair, Ethics Commission, Town of Stratford; Judge (hearing ofﬁcer), Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities A good probate judge must have a moderate outlook, a listening ear, and a sharp mind. As a political moderate (thus the “Vote Purple” cam-

paign – neither very liberal nor very conservative), I have the capacity to listen, to empathize, continued to page 4

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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Candidates Running For The CT House Of Representatives Each candidate for the Connecticut House of Representatives was asked to answer the following three questions: 1.) What is the one issue facing Cheshire and Connecticut voters that you believe the state must address in the near future and how would you go about dealing with that issue? 2.) Common Core in schools has become a hot-button issue. Where do you stand on the topic and what would you do to address concerns raised by both parents and educators? 3.) In September, New York Magazine ran an article which claimed that Connecticut had become the “richest and worst economy in America” where growth was stagnant and the middle class had “eroded.” What, in your opinion, is the most important factor in putting Connecticut in good ﬁnancial standing in the future? (Note: * indicates incumbent)

89th District *Lezlye Zupkus, Republican

Age: 46 Occupation: Director of Development at Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation Family: Husband Greg, two daughters Relevant Experience: State Legislator (2013-present); elected as Planning and Zoning Commissioner for the town of Prospect: Republican Town Committee member. 1.) I have heard from many people that our state’s economy, jobs performance and affordability when it comes to taxes are the biggest issues they are concerned about. The problems have been multiplying over the last two decades with the continued tax and spend mentality that has put our state on a path that is not sustainable. Bottom line: Spend no more than you make. The effort begins with letting business owners do what they do best—work, thrive and create those needed jobs. I just spoke with a man that has a small forklift business in town. He is ready to close his business and move as soon as his kids get out of school. He says that every time he turns around there is another fee or hoop to jump through. This needs to stop. Another example is the legislation I fought last year, a proposal that would have allowed job applicants who simply believe they had been discriminated against because they’re unemployed to ﬁle complaints with the state’s labor commissioner. Business owners would be forced to defend themselves, pay $500 the ﬁrst time they go before the state’s labor commissioner, and $1,000 each time after that. And just think—there are folks serving in the legislature who say, “Connecticut is open for business.” The legislature needs to get serious about lowering taxes, addressing health care costs and avoid imposing burdensome legislation like those examples. I am proud to say my voting record, views and efforts are endorsed by Connecticut’s largest business advocacy group (CBIA), for a second time, and the National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB). I also do not support tax increases. My opponent voted for the highest tax increase in the history of the state and there are still unfunded liabilities and pensions. People are hurting and over-burdened with taxes. 2.) What needs to happen is having an educational system that works for each individual town. What works for one community might not work for another. More government bureaucracy in education is not the answer. Unfortunately, many of the stake-

Vickie Nardello, Democrat

Age: 63 holders—teachers, parents and administraOccupation: Retired former public health dental hytors—felt as though their voices were lost in the Common Core implementation process. I gienist Family: Daughter, two granddaughters fought successfully to have hearings on these Relevant Experience: Previously served as State subjects because I feel it is imperative that their concerns and opinions be heard. All Representative for 18 years; served on Public Health, of us have a vested interest in implement- Energy and Technology, Insurance and Real Estate and Medicaid Managed Care Council. ing educational methods and standards that will keep and produce the best teachers and 1.) The most important issue facing Connecticut votbrightest students. ers is improving the economy and creating jobs. To Of course there should be basic high-level to page standards for graduation, careerAdinolfi readiness, Herald education quart.qxp_Layout 1 10/9/14continued 1:45 PM Page 1 7 and staff performance, but I believe decisions regarding day-to-day instruction and, inparticular, decisions that impact how school districts allocate and spend their money, should be handled at the local level. Teaching in Hartford is different than teaching in Cheshire, teaching in Bethany is different than teaching in Bristol. As a parent of a second grader, I notice my daughter is stressed and tearful when it comes to homework, especially math. I am not able to H CHESHIRE H WA WALLINGFORD H LLINGFORD H SOUTHINGTON H W teach her 10+2=12 because I cannot figure out how it is to be done. If there is a math problem so convoluted I can’t understand what she is suppose to do, how is she expected to explain it in Al Adinolfi SUPPORTED the rights of parents, teachers and administrators class? to have their voices heard on the implementation of the Common Core 3.) I believe the state Curriculum by helping force legislative public hearings that Democrats had needs to get its fiscal house denied them. in order. Spending has to be prioritized and reduced, reduce the tax burden on Al Adinolfi SUPPORTS a long-term commitment from the state to give business and individuschools the funding they need to provide quality education and to keep your als, work on education so property taxes as low as possible. children can go to school and be ready for college or career, and have business Al Adinolfi was ENDORSED by the Connecticut Education Association in thriving in Connecticut so 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2014 for his commitment to education and the people can work and afford teachers that provide it. to live here. State government raised taxes on residents to the tune of $1.8 billion, yet we still have a projected $2.5 billion deficit. What happened to that revenue they took from the people? Our current budget process and funding is unsustainable. We have to become a state where people work their whole life here HH H and retire here. We need to look at programs that are in place every two years and see if they are working or not. If so, review them in another NOV. 4 two years, if not get rid of TH them. H

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Paid for by Adinolfi 2014, Gilbert Linder, Treasurer. Approved by Al Adinolfi.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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Meet The Candidates Candidates Running For The CT House Of Representatives Each candidate for the Connecticut House of Representatives was asked to answer the following three questions: 1.) What is the one issue facing Cheshire and Connecticut voters that you believe the state must address in the near future and how would you go about dealing with that issue? 2.) Common Core in schools has become a hot-button issue. Where do you stand on the topic and what would you do to address concerns raised by both parents and educators? 3.) In September, New York Magazine ran an article which claimed that Connecticut had become the “richest and worst economy in America” where growth was stagnant and the middle class had “eroded.” What, in your opinion, is the most important factor in putting Connecticut in good ﬁnancial standing in the future? (Note: * indicates incumbent)

90th District *Mary Fritz, Democrat Age: N/A Occupation: Legislator Family: Husband Bill, six children, 14 grandchildren Experience: I have served as the State Representative for the 90th District for 30 of the last 32 years. 1.) Besides the issue of jobs—unemployment has dropped from 9 to 6.6 percent—the economy and its growth is an overriding issue for Connecticut. For Cheshire, an unfair and unnecessary ﬁnancial burden on the taxpayers of Cheshire is the Department Adinolfi Herald seniors quart.qxp_Layout 1 10/9/14 2:44 PM Page 1 continued to page 7

Age: 69 Occupation: Business consultant; associate with the Home Depot in Milldale; pilot with the Air Force Auxiliary/Civil Air Patrol; high performance driving instructor at Lime Rock Park. Family: Two children—Adam and Elizabeth—and ﬁve grandchildren Relevant Experience: Several committees of the Connecticut Legislature; President of the Registrars of Voters Association (20022006); Clerk with the Legislature’s Environment Committee

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Richard Abbate, Republican

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Seniors can count on Al Adinolfi... Al Adinolfi knows that we owe it to seniors to keep their neighborhoods safe, give them access to good health care, and that we keep property taxes as low as possible so they can afford to stay in the home they have worked so hard to have. That is why he will push to strongly enforce the law, fighting any form of tax increase, freezing property taxes for individuals 65 or older, and protecting our seniors.

ived Al rece the ARP ticut A c e n n o C tive Legisla Award n eme t Achiev rk standing wo for his enior p u for s . citizens

Adinolfi2014.com

As Ranking Member of the Committee on Aging, Al has always worked in favor of legislation that provides eligible seniors with tax relief.

VOTE NOV. 4th Paid for by Adinolfi 2014, Gilbert Linder, Treasurer. Approved by Al Adinolfi.

1.) Reform our tax system to allow more of our “tax dollars,” actually our hard-earned money to begin with, to remain in Cheshire/ Wallingford and the rest of our towns. The idea that we need to send millions of dollars to Hartford, so that career politicians and bureaucrats can send a few cents on the dollar back to us, is absurd. Our money belongs here, where we can decide what is best to spend it on. 2.) The best decisions regarding our children’s and grandchildren’s educational needs are made at the local level. Being dictated to by Washington, D.C. is not a good or even desir-

able alternative. The very idea of the states as independent entities implies that there are needs and solutions that are best tailored to the needs of the people in the states. Each state and local authority then becomes an incubator for new and better ways of doing things, and also allows local authorities to better manage the development of knowledgeable, and well-informed citizens. I oppose Common Core as an idea in search of a problem. 3.) Creating a better and more supportive business environment through tax reform, regulator reform, and incentivization that addresses the real needs of business, and not government’s ideas of businesses needs. Improvement in our business environment grows our job force, reduces unemployment, rebuilds our middle class, and creates ambitions for personal growth and educational achievement. Government does not create jobs, it simply spreads the tax dollars around more widely and more thinly! We must once again become a business-friendly state and capitalize on our historically-industrious people’s heritage.

Sussman Continued ... continued from page two

and understand the concerns of families from across the spectrum, to assist them in living the life they choose, free of prejudice or bias, and protected by the laws of the land. As an estate planning and probate administration attorney, I have addressed the concerns of countless families, from the simple and traditional, to the complex and unusual. My professional, judicial, and charitable experience have prepared me for excelling as a Judge of Probate. If elected, I hope to aid the families of Cheshire and Southington, using my patience, independence, and experience to guide them through the probate process. Additionally, I plan to educate the community on the role of the Probate Court, helping to make it a place of comfort, not of fear. In the modern era emails and social media can help advise people what the Probate Court can do for them, and how to easily access its services. If elected, I plan to listen, counsel, guide, and educate.

Know Where To Go Come Election Day Do you know where to go on Election Day? The following is a list of District polling places that will be open to voters on Nov. 4: District 1 Cheshire High School, 525 South Main Street District 2 Chapman School, 38 Country Club Road District 3 Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Road District 4 Norton School, 414 North Brooksvale Road District 5 Doolittle School, 735 Cornwall Avenue District 6 Highland School, 490 Highland Avenue District 7 Dodd Middle School, 100 Park Place

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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103rd District *Al Adinolfi, Republican

Age: N/A Occupation: Retired product engineering manager, DNE Technologies Family: Wife Lillian, two daughters, six grandchildren Relevant Experience: State Representative 103rd District (1999-2001, 2003-2009, 2011present); four terms on the Cheshire Town Council: Six years on Cheshire Inland Wetlands Commission. 1.) The economy. Over the past four years, under the leadership of Governor Dannel Malloy and Democrats in the state legislature, we have seen the largest tax increase in state history enacted—roughly $1.8 billion per year. This massive tax increase, which has been aimed directly at the middle class, coupled with an increase in state spending of nearly $1 billion per year, has caused Connecticut to be one of the last states to recover from the Great Recession. I opposed those tax hikes and supported balanced budget proposals which would have put us on more sound economic footing. Governor Malloy’s “shared sacriﬁce” has only been shared by taxpayers. State government sacriﬁced nothing, and government spending has increased heavily. I believe that instead of squeezing taxpayers to the point where, according to a Gallup poll, 49 percent of them say that they would leave Connecticut if they could because of the high taxes, we should give taxpayers a break. I want to roll back these massive Malloy tax hikes, get our state budget under control, cut wasteful spending, and create an atmosphere where those who worked and raised families in Connecticut will actually be able to afford to retire in Connecticut. 2.) As a parent and a grandparent, I believe that our system of public education needs to be supported at the state level while control of our education system remains local. I was greatly disturbed this past year when Democratic leaders of the Education Committee denied parents, teachers and administrators the opportunity to voice their concerns at a public hearing over the controversial Common Core curriculum, which was implemented unilater-

ally by the State Board of Education. They were equally dismissive of efforts for public input on new teacher evaluation standards. That is why I joined with my Republican colleagues to force a public hearing through a procedural petition, which finally allowed these important voices to be heard. I am proud to have once again earned the endorsement of the Connecticut Education Association, and the 49,000 teachers and retired teachers they represent. I have always worked hard to support the efforts of public school teachers and the integrity of their essential profession. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to partner with them on issues of concern to educators in the next session of the legislature. 3.) Governor Malloy has failed to turn our state’s economy around, or to make substantial improvements in the state’s jobs picture. He regularly states with great satisfaction that Connecticut’s unemployment has “dropped” to 6.7 percent (still higher than the national average). What he fails to mention is that the state’s work force has shrunk by 39,700 people since he became governor—those people have either stopped looking for work because they couldn’t find any, or have left the state due to a lack of employment. Adding those people back in, our unemployment rate would be closer to 9 percent—a failure by any accounting. The results are in. The Governor’s policies have hurt families and cost us jobs. He has aimed to preserve and expand government at the expense of taxpayers and employers. That has had real consequences for middle class families in our communities. Our State was ranked the fifth worst state to make a living (Forbes Magazine), fifth worst to do business in (CNBC Poll) and as one of the worst 10 states to retire in (TopRetirements. com). I have consistently supported measures in the legislature that would reduce that tax burden on our families and employers so they can create good-paying jobs. I want to reduce taxes on seniors so they can continue to live here after they have spent a lifetime working here. I want to institute long-term reform that will keep our taxpayers and employers from leaving this great state.

Jalowiec Continued ... continued from page two with you hand-in-hand during a crisis, I have been blessed to share my knowledge at senior centers, public libraries, assisted living facilities, Rotary and Exchange club meetings and more. This personal approach has always been a hallmark of my time and I have worked hard to make your Court a shining example in the state. My legal decisions have been recognized by a National Law Review and I have been asked to speak before the National Probate Assembly. Four years ago you elected me to work for you as Judge. I haven’t rested since day-one of taking ofﬁce and I promise to continue to work hard for you if you re-elect me this Nov. 4. Thank you.

Kristen Selleck, Democrat Age: 34 Occupation: Social Worker/ Adjunct Professor Family: N/A Relevant Experience: Co-chair Human Services Committee (Cheshire) 1.) The primary roles of government should be to enhance public safety, to provide opportunity and safeguards, and to educate our children. However, at this time the biggest challenge our state must address is improving the state’s economy and making Connecticut a state where businesses stay, expand and create jobs. We can address many issues, but our priority right now needs to be our economy so that all of our communities thrive and we have better resources available for public safety, education and opportunity. In order to improve our economic outlook, we must listen to and work with business leaders. I will continue to meet with business leaders to learn about what helps them continue and create jobs. I would ensure we reduce the red tape that systematically has made it burdensome for small businesses to succeed. As a state, we must consider reducing taxes on businesses that hire workers, maintain good practices for workers, and implement regulatory reforms. I would work to improve transportation and infrastructure and continue to invest in the best education and training programs that meet the needs of employers. Our

investments should focus on growth and progress. 2.) Getting education reform right is critically important to our children and it has a serious impact locally, because that’s where key decisions on education belong. I applaud the elements of reforms, including Common Core, that support an emphasis on critical thinking skills that are necessary for students to have both in higher education and in the workforce. However, I am deeply concerned about the level to which we standardize-test our students and I am not in favor of the testing associated with Common Core or its nexus to measurement of teacher performance. One size does not ﬁt all and our educational system should function accordingly. continued to page 7

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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Candidates Running For The Connecticut State Senate Each candidate for the Connecticut State Senate was asked to answer the following three questions: 1.) According to a recent CNBC report, Connecticut ranks 46 among 50 states in “business competitiveness.” What can the state do to better attract and retain business to the area? 2.) Under Gov. Malloy, Connecticut enacted some of the toughest new gun laws in the country following the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Do you believe the laws were appropriate and would you push for any changes in those laws? 3.) Several recent reports have indicated that federal funding for road work and maintenance may be drying up in the near future. Since Connecticut receives a large percentage of its road maintenance funding from Washington, D.C., how would you look to compensate for the loss in revenue? Would you support raising the gas tax, which is already one of the highest in the nation? Would you support the installation of tolls in the state? (Note: * indicates incumbent)

13th District *Dante´ Bartolomeo, Democrat

Age: 45 Occupation: State Senator Family: Husband Doug, two sons Relevant Experience: PTO, Community Organizer for the Healthcare4Every1 Campaign, Deputy Majority Leader of Meriden City Council 1.) Small businesses are the lifeblood of Connecticut’s economic recovery, and we have made great strides to support them so that they will continue to grow and create jobs. We reinvested in the Small Business Express program, to provide grants and loans to businesses with fewer than 100 employees that agree to create new jobs. In Cheshire alone, 17 businesses worked with the Small Business Express program to create 84 jobs and retain 260 more. I will continue to encourage investment in our state’s technical schools so that Connecticut’s manufacturers have access to the highly-trained workforce they need to succeed. I helped establish advanced manufacturing centers at several of our Community Colleges to provide students with the training necessary to ﬁll high-tech, high-skill positions. In addition, we established the Advanced Manufacturing fund to provide loans for equipment and training needed for employees to excel in 21st century high-precision manufacturing. We also need to continue investing in traditional infrastructure like our roads and bridges, as well as modern telecommunications, so businesses can more easily move their people and products throughout Connecticut. This infrastructure is vital to the success of Connecticut’s

job creators, and we cannot allow it to deteriorate. 2.) Following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Democratic and Republican legislators in Connecticut’s House of Representatives and Senate came together to develop a bipartisan plan that tackled gun violence, mental health, and school safety. We heard over 50 hours of public testimony before passing a bill that was supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle. I do believe the laws passed in response to this tragedy were appropriate, and I will not push to have them changed. I grew up on a farm where we had ﬁrearms, my husband is a hunter and police ofﬁcer, and we keep a gun at home for safety. I am certainly not opposed to a person’s right to own a gun. However, I believe that allowing anyone to purchase military-style weaponry only invites tragedy. We have seen that kind of tragedy all too often in this country, and that is why I will continue to support reasonable gun control legislation. 3.) I am very concerned about the state of federal roadwork funds, and have been following this issue closely. The real tragedy is that this funding is “drying up” solely because partisan gridlock in Washington keeps the funding from being approved. I am thankful that in Connecticut we have a legislature that works in a bipartisan way when confronted with these issues. I do not support an increase in the gas tax, nor do I want to see tolls in Connecticut. We have to continue to scrutinize every expenditure to ensure that Connecticut is not caught unprepared in the event we lose federal support. Expensive projects like adding a lane to I-84 have already been scrapped in favor of more modest projects aimed at accomplishing the same goals. Despite some claiming that the transportation fund has been raided in recent years to cover other expenses, Connecticut’s transportation fund is stronger than it’s been in years. This July, The Hartford Courant detailed how the transportation fund has not been raided, but has instead been kept in good condition, and is replenished by having more of the gas taxes we all pay go toward the fund rather than being put toward other expenses.

16th District Chris Robertson, Working Families for small and large businesses to come to Connecticut. We put taxes on everything, from taxes on X-ray machines in doctors ofﬁces to large taxes on cars and trucks, to gas taxes. 2.) Have a law that no child under the age of 18 is allowed at a shooting range. 3.) Put tolls one way on both I-95 north and south entering the state. We need to lower the gas tax for our residents. Age: 49 Occupation: Regional sales manager Family: Wife Nancy, three children Relevant Experience: Southington Democratic Town Committee member: Water Pollution Board (1989-1991) 1.) Make the state much more attractive

Len Suzio, Republican Age: 66 Occupation: Founder and President of GeoDataVision, a bank consulting company specializing in the federal banking regulations. Family: Wife Kathryn Schiffelbian, ﬁve children Relevant Experience: State Senator (2011 to 2013); Meriden Board of Education (1995 through 2009); former Trustee of Cheshire Academy. 1.) Connecticut has a rich history of entrepreneurship. Eli Whitney and the cotton gin, Samuel Colt and Colt Firearms, and Igor Sikorsky are a few entrepreneurs who made Connecticut an economic powerhouse. Small businesses create more than half the jobs in Connecticut. A healthy small business community supports a healthy job market. Removing regulatory paperwork and reducing taxes on businesses would be very helpful. The permitting process for expanded or new facilities should be streamlined to accelerate the relocation of businesses to Connecticut or the expansion of existing companies within Connecticut. In the senate I proposed a “First Five Thousand” program that would use $1 billion of pension fund money to invest in SBA-guaranteed loans to 5,000 Connecticut small businesses. These loans are “full faith and credit” obligations of the U.S. government and considered the safest investment. This money would make more than $1 billion of capital available for Connecticut small businesses. Banks, not the state, would evaluate business loan applications and take credit risks. This would be a no-cost program for Connecticut. Public hearings on my proposal received unanimous support from the Chamber of Commerce and the small business community. 2.) Governor Malloy has referred to the new gun law as “smart.” I support smart gun laws. But I have reservations about a gun law that may not effectively stop criminals and madmen from getting their hands on guns. Regrettably, criminals like Hayes and Komisarjevsky and madmen like Adam Lanza don’t care about our laws. I think the law should have done more to address mental health issues. The law was a start in that direction but falls short of dealing with mental health issues and guns. For example, everyone acknowledges there was a major omission regarding persons who have been involuntarily committed to institutions for mental

health issues. This must be corrected. Stricter enforcement of existing gun laws and stiffer penalties for illegal use of a ﬁrearm would go a long way toward achieving improved safety. Maximum sentencing with no possibility of parole for crimes committed with guns would be much more effective. Programs such as Connecticut’s infamous “Early Release” law should be repealed for criminals who commit crimes with guns (almost 1,000 such criminals convicted of gun crimes have been released under “Early Release”). Why are we letting criminals guilty of criminal use of guns out of prison early? 3.) Let me answer the easy questions ﬁrst. I will not vote to increase the gas tax and I will not vote to install tolls on Connecticut highways. Connecticut politicians have recklessly shifted gas tax revenues for years (more than $1.3 billion between 2009 and 2013) to the General Fund. Installing tolls would condone this irresponsible behavior. It’s time to stop the shell game and to restrict the use of gas tax revenue to highway maintenance. I would sponsor a bill restricting the use of gas taxes to maintenance of our highways and bridges and require the restoration of the money taken from gas taxes and used for General Fund purposes. In fact, I would support legislation to reduce the gas taxes by $0.20/gallon. There is no indication that federal highway funds will completely dry up. But the misplaced priorities of the Malloy Administration have squandered precious resources for quixotic projects such as the Busway between New Britain and Hartford. Costing about $600 million at $1,000 per inch, this may be the biggest boondoggle in state history. If the $600 million had been invested in bridge and road repairs we would not be staring at a crisis in our transportation infrastructure.

Greenberg, Esty To Debate At CHS On Monday, Oct. 27, Cheshire High School will host a Candidate Forum between Democratic Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-5) and Republican challenger Mark Greenberg. The event will take place in Thorp Auditorium, 525 South Main St., at 9:30 a.m. and it will be attended by all junior and senior students. It will coincide with the CHS annual fall voter registration drive for students who are 17 and older. During the forum, the candidates will present their views on many of the critical issues facing our nation and our youth today. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Florio stated, “Our students realize the value of community involvement. This includes in the realm of politics. Students have actively worked to not only gain a better understanding of the political process, but also understand that they can inﬂuence the decision makers that impact the world that will be entrusted to them. This forum is a tremendous educational opportunity for our students. I thank Congresswoman Esty and Mr. Greenberg for taking time from their busy campaign schedules to provide that opportunity at (CHS).”

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Seven

Candidates Running For The Connecticut State Senate Each candidate for the Connecticut State Senate was asked to answer the following three questions: 1.) According to a recent CNBC report, Connecticut ranked 46 among 50 states in “business competitiveness.” What can the state do to better attract and retain business to the area? 2.) Under Gov. Malloy, Connecticut enacted some of the toughest new gun laws in the country following the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Do you believe the laws were appropriate and would you push for any changes in those laws? 3.) Several recent reports have indicated that federal funding for road work and maintenance may be drying up in the near future. Since Connecticut receives a large percentage of its road maintenance funding from Washington, D.C., how would you look to compensate for the loss in revenue? Would you support raising the gas tax, which is already one of the highest in the nation? Would you support the installation of tolls in the state? (Note: * indicates incumbent)

16th District *Joe Markley, Republican 1988-90.

Age: 57 Occupation: Legislator and teacher Family: Single Relevant Experience: State Senator, 1985-7, 2011-present; Founding Chairman, Connecticut Commission on Children, 1985-87; Chairman, Southington Republican Town Committee

1.) The first thing legislators must do to create a better business climate is put our state finances in order. The constant threat of massive new tax increases, driven by out-of-control spending, is most discouraging to anyone considering starting or moving a business here. We must also stop imposing burdensome new regulations and mandates on business, no matter how noble our intent. If we want to improve wages and benefits for Connecticut workers, we must increase demand for employment—trying to accomplish it by passing laws will only worsen our situation. The payoffs this administration makes to big corporations to stay in our state is a disservice both to the taxpayers who must foot the bill for crony capitalism and to the thousands of small businesses which will never receive such assistance. We should create a positive atmosphere

for all entrepreneurs, rather than leaving politicians and bureaucrats pick winners and losers— an approach bound to result in grievous error and widespread corruption. 2.) The tragedy in Newtown was used by anti-gun activists to push through restrictions which do nothing to improve public safety. I opposed that bill, which was passed without public input or proper legislative scrutiny, and I will oppose further pointless restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. The notion of defining certain guns as assault weapons based solely on cosmetic features is to my mind nonsensical. Every gun is potentially an assault weapon—it depends on the intent of the person holding it. Nothing in the bill addressed the actual lethal capacity of a gun, its rate of fire or accuracy or velocity. The speech I gave on the Senate floor in opposition to SB 1160 is available at my state website, senatormarkley.com; anyone interest-

ed enough to invest 15 minutes watching that video will have a clear idea of my thinking on the subject. 3.) The essence of conservatism is to care for what we have before creating new obligations. The $600 million we wasted on the Busway, and the hundreds of millions more our state will borrow for high-speed trains to Springfield, would be better spent on rebuilding the overpasses on I-84 in Hartford and Waterbury, and in improving our sensible and successful commuter rail lines in the I-95 corridor. We have money enough to do the work, if we directed our tax dollars where they were meant to go. The take from tolls would be squandered like the rest of our revenue if the current administration were in charge; a more prudent governor would find he had means enough. I am entirely opposed to the imposition of tolls, which to me seems an irritating, inefficient, and even hazardous way for the state to collect funds.

voices are heard. Local input is necessary when making decisions about education policy. Changes need to be made in the testing process, and more professional development is necessary to prepare teachers and allow them to express concerns about the implementation. Changes are especially needed in the K-3 area. I will work with teachers, parents and administrators to hear their concerns so that we can have a system that works for everyone. 3.) To improve Connecticut’s ﬁnancial future, I would review the tax system. Connecticut is too dependent on the capital gains tax, which creates an unstable tax base with vola-

tility based on the stock market. Revenue from capital gains should not be used for normal expenses but should be reserved for special projects. To improve efﬁciency, all programs should be evaluated annually. There is $5 billion in tax credits on the books. A cost beneﬁt analysis needs to be conducted to determine if those tax credits should continue. Bonding should be reserved for brick and mortar projects rather than ongoing expenses, and bonding projects should be prioritized according to need. Workers in all state agencies should be consulted to determine policy changes. It takes everyone, Democrats and Republicans, to make Connecticut a better state.

a soft cushion for unexpected state emergencies. Speciﬁcally, the state must evaluate certain programs in the budget that may be reconﬁgured to be eligible for federal funding, a method

of which many states take advantage. I believe we are on the rebound. With careful planning, we will all prosper from a healthy economy.

Nardello Answers Continued ...

continued from page 3 improve the economy we must begin by bringing business and government leaders together. That means talking to all sectors of the work force and employers to ask them what works and what is failing. Before new policies are adopted, the people who implement them should be consulted for comment. We can ﬁnd solutions, but everyone must work together. Rather than focusing solely on incentives, we need to adopt policies that promote a demand for products and services. We must align student skills with employer needs. Health care and energy costs are two of the biggest business expenses and must be reduced.

Businesses need access to capital with low interest loans to allow for expansion. Interaction with state government should be a one-stop process to match employers with programs already available that may beneﬁt them 2.) I have spoken to many teachers in the district. My daughter is a teacher. It is clear that recent policy around Common Core standards was rushed into place without adequate preparation. Raising educational standards is a laudable goal but must be accomplished in a thoughtful, comprehensive way. Teachers, administrators, and parents need to be consulted when changes are proposed to our education system. Broad input avoids mistakes and ensures that all of our

Fritz Answers Continued ... continued from page 4 of Corrections refusal to pay for its use of the Cheshire sewage treatement plant. I addressed this issue in the 2014 session by filing a bill to allow Cheshire to go to the Claims Commission to receive compensation. It passed both houses unanimously. The next step is for the Claims Commissioner to accept or deny this claim. Whatever decision he makes, it comes back to the Judiciary Committee where I will fight to make sure that, if it is denied, his decision will be overturned. It is totally unacceptable that the people of Cheshire pay for the Department of Corrections’ use of the town system, which amounts to 25 percent of the total usage. 2.) Common Core has become a very controversial subject. Simply said, I do not support it. I do not believe one shoe fits all. National standards are not appropriate for education because they place an unreasonable burden on the state and the student. 3.) I believe that Connecticut’s economy is on the upturn. In 2011, Connecticut faced a deficit of $3.8 billion. It is important to remember that, because we are the richest state in the country, we are limited as to receiving federal funding. With this huge deficit came auxiliary issues at the state level. Our pension funds were in serious trouble, not even close to being fully funded. The “Rainy Day” fund was almost completely depleted.

Since that time, the pensions have become stable—not yet fully funded but no longer in jeopardy. Additionally, the “Rainy Day” fund has reached the level of $519 million providing

Selleck Answers Continued ... continued from page 5 3.) This was an important and interesting article, one which I assigned to my class to read. In response to it, our state needs to ensure that the middle class thrives. It’s an economic and social priority. Creating job opportunities for Cheshire and Connecticut residents is an issue that lawmakers and policy leaders must keep at

the top of their to-do list. There are no simple answers. We need to better collaborate with employers, community colleges and higher education officials to ensure that we educate and train workers. We must commit to job growth in small businesses and in new and emerging fields (green fields, technology, etc.). I believe that by ensuring small businesses have better

opportunities, fewer hoops to jump through and more incentive for growth, we will keep our state from having a stagnant economy moving forward. Finally, this state should have the most skilled and prepared workforce as well as having good jobs available for them. I commit to working for the middle class and for their employers.

Make Sure To Pick Up Your Absentee Ballot Ahead Of The Election Town Clerk Carolyn Z. Soltis would like to remind all registered voters that absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 State election are now available at the Town Clerk’s Ofﬁce. To qualify for an absentee ballot, an elector must be unable to appear at the required polling place during all hours of voting for one of the following reasons: Active service in the armed forces of the United States; absence from the town of voting residence during all of the hours of voting; illness; religious tenets, which forbid secular activity on the day of the election; duties as an election ofﬁcial at a polling place other

than his/her own during all of the hours of voting; physical disability. Applications may be requested by calling the Town Clerk’s Ofﬁce at (203) 271-6601 or by sending a request to: Town Clerk’s Ofﬁce, 84 South Main St., Cheshire, CT 06410. Applications are also available by going to the Town’s website, www.cheshirect.org, then going to “Voting & Elections” and clicking on Absentee Ballots; follow the link to the Secretary of the State’s website. An application for an absentee ballot must be completed, signed and returned to the Town

Clerk before an absentee ballot can be issued. Although anyone may pick up an absentee ballot application, the ballot can only be given to the person named on the application or mailed to that person. In addition, there are restrictions on who may personally return the ballot to the Town Clerk’s Ofﬁce; ballots may also be returned by mail. The Town Clerk’s Ofﬁce will be open on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon for anyone needing an absentee ballot. In order to be counted, the Town Clerk must receive ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

the cheshire herald, october 23, 2014

Eight

State Representative

MARY FRITZ

Always Working For Cheshire Your Tax Dollars Coming Home

* Money for the Cheshire Linear Trail * $250,00 for Renovations at Senior Center * Money for Renovations at Dodd Middle School * Blinking light at Cheshire St. & South Meriden Rd. * 100% P.I.L.O.T. for prison property * Passed a bill to Amend prison contracts * Stopped the prison from bringing a Boot Camp to Cheshire * Saved the Expansion of Beachport * Got S.T.E.E.P. grants for West Main St. * Got an AT&T grant for the computer room at the Senior Center * Got land for parking lot at Linear Trail * Got land for ﬁreﬁghters training school

90th District Democrat

* Made Cheshire the “Bedding Plant Capital of Connecticut” * Established a Sales and Use Tax Program for Growers * Got land for the Cheshire Food Pantry on Sandbank Rd. * Got a water line on South Meriden Rd. * Got a trafﬁc light at the “Notch” * Got a light at Rt. 68/70 and Marion Rd. * Successfully included Horticulture under Agriculture rules * Got land for the school buses on Sandbank Rd. * Got a light at S. Meriden Rd. & Country Club Rd. & Reservoir Rd. * Got money for the Turf Fields at Cheshire High School

My only special interest has always been the people from my towns I am only a phone call away at (203) 269-1169 I am Mary Fritz and I approve this message. Pd. for by the Committee to Elect Mary Fritz, Bill Fritz treasurer.