2010 Election Section by The Cheshire Herald

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 21, 2010

ELECTION 2010 LO O

K IN SIDE

GET TO K CAN N OW DIDA TH TES FOR RU N E O N ELE CTIO FFICE O ING N N DA Y, N OV. 2

October 21, 2010

the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

Two

Candidates Lay Out Their Campaign Platforms Candidates for all offices were asked to briefly explain their platforms for the upcoming election. The answers from those who responded are below. (*District in which candidate is running placed in parentheses after name.) Al Adinolfi (103) State government has been mismanaged and our state’s finances are in ruin. Unemployment is over nine percent in this state and businesses are leaving in record numbers, moving to other states or closing their doors for good. Your state representatives must use the same financial principles we use in our daily lives. The borrowing of funds to balance the budget must go. The commitments below are required to get Connecticut back on track, creating jobs, reduce taxes; hidden fees as in your electric bill and provide more aid to municipalities. It’s time we took a common sense approach to government summed up in the Common Sense Commitment with Connecticut that I signed at the State Capitol last week: 1. Spend no more than you make. 2. Borrow only what you can afford to pay back. 3. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. If it’s not working, get rid of it. 4. The more government tries to do, the less it does well. 5. Government doesn’t create jobs, people do. 6. All the government we need but only the government we need. 7. Empower local governments to make local decisions. State Representative Elizabeth Esty (103) I believe that we can and we must bring economic prosperity back to Connecticut, restore fiscal discipline to our budget, confront our

long-term liabilities, and streamline government services. Over my time in public service, I have established a strong record of fiscal responsibility, integrity, hard work, and commitment to problem solving. From insisting on using surpluses to pay down debt and fund our Rainy Day account, to supporting education while also helping seniors stay in their homes from competitive bidding for sewers to data-driven road paving, I served Cheshire on the Town Council with dedication, a sharp eye to controlling costs, and a deep commitment to making government work better for people. I have applied those same skills as your representative in Hartford for the last two years. I have fought to control state spending, reduce energy costs, preserve aid to towns, and address long-term deficits. I have been a strong independent voice for you, not beholden to any political party. We all know that the economy is bad, the political climate is divisive, and things are stuck in Hartford. The issue facing you, the voter, is who do you think is best positioned to lead us forward. Kathy Brown (89) I decided to run for State Representative as I watched many of my friends, family, and colleagues lose their livelihoods here in Connecticut. Government has grown out of control, crushing business here in Connecticut and forcing many to leave the state or close down altogether. Choices we have made on election day have left us wanting for some time. I looked closely at our current representation and saw

she had voted for all the policies that brought us this current misfortune. This is when I got involved in the race. If elected I will vote for frugality and, within the limits of the Constitution, minimize taxes and spending; vote to eliminate the punitive unfunded mandates on towns to keep property taxes under control; fight to keep capital punishment available to judges to protect our most vulnerable citizens; and protect private property and individual liberty. I have already demonstrated these principles by not accepting public money for my campaign. State Representative Vickie Nardello (89) I first ran for State Representative because of my interest in improving health care and my strong belief in public service. Over the past eight terms I have had the privilege of working on reforming managed care, addressing medical errors, and improving health care access and quality. As a member and currently co-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, I have developed expertise in energy conservation, alternative energy, and overall energy policy. I am running for re-election to continue to address the ever-changing health care needs of our state and the need for comprehensive energy planning. As I speak to people door to door, I recognize the need to support and develop policies that promote job growth, improve accountability in state government, strengthen our education system, and carefully evaluate spending policies to weed out inefficiencies. Despite our financial challenges, people have told me that there remains a need to protect vulnerable

populations such as seniors and those suffering during difficult economic times. What remains constant is my belief in being responsive and accessible to my constituents by listening and by helping to solve problems. Public service is both noble and a privilege. Richard Abbate (90) The principle focus of my platform is fiscal responsibility in state government. For too long the operational mode in Hartford has been to “try to give something to everyone.” It has largely been driven by a “buying votes” mentality. We must run our state government the way we seek to run our households: spend no more than you make. The days of running to the taxpayer for more money must come to an end. Eventually, you run out of people’s money to take. At a time when so many of our people are facing or experiencing unemployment or underemployment, we cannot continue to expect that our people can afford to support a “business as usual” approach to state spending. In addition, I believe public service in the legislature, or any elected public office, should not be a lifetime career. If elected, I have pledged to serve no more than two terms in that position. Serving for nearly 26 years, as the current office holder has, is time enough. We need new ideas and new approaches to the 21st century government. It is time for real change and not a re-hash of old solutions.

Approved and paid for by the Cheshire Republican Town Committee. Tod Dixon, Treasurer.

State Representative Mary Fritz (90) For me, taking care of the people of Cheshire

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the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

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Race For Probate Judgeship The Republican and Democratic Candidates for the newly-formed Cheshire/Southington Probate District Judgeship were asked to explain their reasons for running for the position, and their plans if elected. Their responses are below.

Matt Jalowiec, Republican

Age: 36 Occupation: Attorney Family: Wife, Colleen, three children Organizations: National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Alzheimer’s Association, National Association of Counsel on Children, U.S. Department of Justice F.B.I., Connecticut State Police, the Department of Children and Families, the Connecticut Commission on Child Protection, and Cheshire Human Services Committee. I am running for Probate Judge because I believe that “people should come before politics.” It is my belief that politics should play no role in any court, especially

probate court. Having practiced probate law for a decade and appearing in numerous probate courts throughout the state, from Norwalk to East Hartford, I know the importance of an experienced and impartial judge. I also know the importance of maintaining the old-world nuances of a 300-year old community court which now faces modernization. With this experience, integrity, and commitment to probate law, I am the logical choice for Probate Judge on November 2. I have resided in Cheshire for almost a decade with my wife Colleen and our three children. I have been a licensed attorney for 10 years. I am a graduate of the University of New Haven and Quinnipiac University School of Law, and have attended Dublin College in Dublin, Ireland. I established the law firm of Jalowiec & Zeck, LLC in 2000 and, together with my law partner, social workers, and junior staff, provide estate and general practice services statewide. I have diligently represented children and disabled adults for years and vigorously advocated for their needs in both Superior Court and Probate Court matters. I have the experience in advanced estate planning, long term health care issues, and contested estate matters.

Matt Hall, Democrat Age: 44 Occupation: Principal, Law Offices of Matthew S. Hall, LLC (admitted to practice in Connecticut and Massachusetts) Family: Wife, Lisa, three children (son age 7, twin daughters aged 4) The Probate Court system in Connecticut is undergoing a historic transformation beginning in 2011, and the end result for our two municipalities is a combined Southington-Cheshire court. I feel I am the better qualified candidate for the position, and I am looking forward to the challenge of maintaining the level of accessibility, expertise, and compassion to which the residents of our two towns are accustomed and deserve from their Probate Court. As a 1993 graduate of Boston College Law School and a member of the Connecticut Bar since 1994, and having represented my own clients and serving as court-appointed counsel before the probate courts in my practice, I am confident that I have the intellectual and professional experience to serve this position well. Furthermore, as I hope I have demonstrated during my eight-year tenure on the Cheshire Town Council, I believe I have the temperament not only to dispense justice in a fair and judi-

Al Adinolfi Understands the Needs of Seniors ★

★

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 keep. That is why he will push to strongly enforce a law

CT A l E L E

ADINOLFI

cious manner, but also to manage the disparate constituencies and the large staff in a way that the residents of Southington and Cheshire will have confidence in and accessibility to their Probate Court. The new judge of this court will be subject to much scrutiny going forward, and I believe I am the candidate best suited to meet this challenge. As unique as this new position is, so is the position I find myself having entered this race in the first week in October. I am eager to serve the residents of Southington and Cheshire as your Judge of Probate, and I will conduct my candidacy in the same manner as I will serve as your judge: with dignity, respect, and civility. Thank you for considering me with your vote.

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★★★

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to give seniors property tax relief, and will fight any form of tax increase. He supports freezing property taxes for individuals 65 or older, and protecting our seniors. Al has always worked in favor of legislation that provides eligible seniors with tax relief.

VOTE R E B M E NOV 2nd!

State Representative - DISTRICT 103 Cheshire, Wallingford and Hamden

Paid for by Al Adinolfi 2010, Gil Linder, Treasurer. Approved by Al Adinolfi.

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the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

Race For U.S. Representative

Candidates for U.S. Representative were asked to answer the following three questions: 1.) What is your feeling on the Cap and Trade bill that was presented to Congress last year? 2.) Health care is on everyone’s mind. Do you support the President’s recent health care initiative? 3.) While some have insisted that the recession is over, many people remain out of work. How do you propose getting Americans back to work and lowering the unemployment rate? (* denotes incumbent)

Sam Caligiuri, Republican

Age: 44 Occupation: Partner, Day Pitney LLP Family: Wife, Lori, children, Grace and Owen Organizations: Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, Southington Chamber of Commerce 1. I oppose the federal Cap and Trade bill passed by the House last year because it would amount to a huge tax increase for Connecticut’s families and businesses. Chris Murphy was a proud co-sponsor of the bill, even while President Obama explained that such a measure would cause electricity rates to “necessarily skyrocket” and his own Administration released an internal memo showing that the bill would cost American taxpayers up to $200 billion per year, which would amount to a new tax of approximately $1,761 per household each year. The National Association of Manufacturers also concluded that the bill would be crushing for manufacturers, and has labeled it an “anti-jobs, anti-growth piece of legislation.” We need to protect our environment, but I believe the better way to do that is to use tax

5th District

policy to incentivize companies to use “greener” technologies and to reduce carbon emissions. We simply cannot tax them out of existence, as Cap and Trade seeks to do. We would most certainly see dramatic job losses if this bill were to become law. 2. I oppose Obamacare and would vote to repeal or defund this law. We need to make health care more accessible and affordable, but there is a better way to do it. With a price tag of over $1 trillion, $500 billion in higher taxes, $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, new mandates that are devastating to small businesses, such as the new IRS requirement that mandates businesses to file a 1099 for every purchase over $600, and the 20%+ premium rate increases we were warned would come, it is apparent to me that this bill is hurting more than it is helping. The majority of the uninsured work and the majority of those workers are employed by the smallest businesses in Connecticut and throughout the country. Given that this seems to be the largest barrier to access, I would support giving small businesses a refundable tax credit so that they could more easily afford to offer health care to their employees. I also support high risk insurance pools, underwritten by private insurance companies, to make sure that everyone has access to health care. 3. I have not spoken with a single Cheshire resident who believes that we are out of the woods. To the contrary, they are more worried than ever about the out of control federal spending and the job-killing policies of this Congress.

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*Chris Murphy, Democrat

Age: 37 Occupation: U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 5th District, U.S. House of Representatives Family: Wife, Cathy Holahan, son Owen 1. This is an issue where my opponent, Sam Caligiuri, and I agree, as he was the deciding vote for Connecticut’s cap and trade program, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. We’ve got to stop sending our oil dollars to petro-dictators in the Middle East and start investing in clean energy here for our security and our economy. We have the know-how and the workforce to take advantage of these jobs of the future, but the federal government needs to pass energy reform legislation that will create a domestic demand for renewable energy in order to stimulate the country’s small but growing renewable energy economy. Here in Cheshire, I supported the Town’s application, with 13 other towns, for a federal grant to engage and support 10 percent of households to set distinct, measurable goals of 20 percent energy savings and clean energy usage. I’m working with the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce to bring the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology to the area to grow clean energy job opportunities. And I’ve supported companies like Fuel Cell Energy in Torrington, Apollo Solar in Bethel, and Arbor Fuel in Farmington so that these local companies can prosper here in Connecticut. 2. We have the most expensive health care system in the world, where everyone gets care but the uninsured get the most costly kind – crisis care. Our current health insur-

ance system strains the budgets of Cheshire families and whacks small businesses with premiums that average 18 percent more than other businesses. During the health care debate, I heard passion from both sides at town hall meetings, at listening sessions on town greens, and through calls and e-mails into my office. I even received a petition asking that I support the bill signed by 3,000 5th District residents from a cancer survivor who personally delivered it to my Waterbury office. I got great ideas from the people I represent, including one that was incorporated into the final bill, which forces members of Congress to buy their insurance in the health insurance exchange just like everyone else. While the health care law is far from perfect, I supported it because it included tax cuts for individuals to buy health insurance, a mechanism for small businesses to pool together to buy cheaper insurance, slashed waste in the system, closed the Medicare “donut hole” for seniors, and set rules to stop companies from gouging consumers. 3. I feel the frustration as Connecticut’s economy has been slow to come out of this recession, and people want leaders with a posi-

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the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

Race For State Representative

Five

Candidates for State Representative were asked to answer the following three questions: 1.) What is one problem facing Cheshire that you would try to solve immediately after the election? 2.) Given the recent state of the economy, is it reasonable to expect state grants will continue to be awarded to Cheshire? If not, how could the Town make up that lost revenue? 3.) With state cuts, the Town has come to rely heavily on the real estate conveyance tax, a policy that is set to expire this summer. Do you support the tax? (* denotes incumbent)

Al Adinolfi, Republican

Age: 76 Occupation: Former product engineering manager for Data Products New England for 34 years Family: Wife, Lillian, two daughters, Debbie Dance and Joann Holstein Organizations: American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Masonic Fraternity 33rd Degree, Cheshire Republican Town Committee 1. The most significant problem facing Cheshire is the economy, particularly as it relates to small business closures and job losses. Connecticut has an unemployment rate of over nine percent, while the policies of the current Democratic leadership in Hartford have driven businesses out of the state, costing jobs and forcing young people just entering the job

103rd District

market to leave their home state to find employment elsewhere. 2. Cheshire is one of 169 towns vying for grant funds that the state currently has to borrow to make a reality. The state can’t continue to afford passing out money that places the next generation in debt when obtained. The Democrat-led majority has so badly mismanaged our fiscal house we are now borrowing money to keep the lights on in state government. The best thing a new legislature can do to make up any lost revenue is allow local governments to make local decisions and repeal unfunded mandates from the state on towns that bust their budgets. 3. The Real Estate Conveyance tax of .25 percent on the sale of a home is a harmful tax on homeowners that hurts people who are already hurting. I oppose this tax. Again, the biggest savings that can be realized for Cheshire’s local budget is by eliminating unfunded mandates on our towns and cities. My opponent voted against a comprehensive mandate relief package offered by House Republicans which would have realized such significant savings (HB 52555, House Amendment B). I would support them.

*Elizabeth Esty, Democrat

Age: 51 Occupation: Full-time State Legislator (lawyer by training) Family: Husband, Dan Esty, three children – Sarah (college senior), Thomas (college freshman), Jonathan (CHS sophomore) Organizations: Cheshire Chamber of Commerce (as well as Hamden and Quinnipiac Chambers), First Congregational Church Cheshire, League of Women Voters, Cheshire Land Trust, Cheshire High School PTA, Army Air Force Round Table, United Way (Greater Waterbury and New Haven) 1. Restoring economic prosperity and putting people back to work must be our top priority. I see three major ways to attack this problem. First, we need to restructure the state budget from top to bottom, refocusing priorities, consolidating commissions, streamlining regulations, trimming management, and cutting unnecessary spending. I have stood firm on these issues in Hartford, voting against the budget because it borrowed too much and failed to address spending. We should apply Results Based Accountability to all state government programs, directing our limited dollars to programs that deliver results. We also must address the massive long-term liabilities for the state employee and teachers pension funds, and state retiree benefits. By adopting a sustainable

Al Adinolfi

budget, we will provide the predictability that businesses need to begin creating jobs. Second, we should redirect tax credits to small businesses that create jobs, not large companies that are continually moving jobs out of state and out of country. Third, we should bring trades and manufacturing back in the state by greater support for vocational-technical and trade schools, and expanding apprenticeship programs. Cheshire needs a fiercely independent representative in Hartford who understands what our most important issues really are, and will tirelessly address those challenges. 2. We are facing a $3.4 billion projected deficit next year, out of a $19 billion state budget, so we have to expect that there will be cuts in many areas, including state grants, particularly for non-essential projects (like the $100,000 skateboard park of a number of years ago). However, there will continue to be grants for essential projects, such as the upgrading of the Water Pollution Control Plant, where I am fighting to change the clean water statute to ensure

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has signed the Common Sense Commitment ★ 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 Empowered to These seven simple rules will take Hartford away Make Local Decisions. from its high-tax, high deficit-spending mentality,

Hartford has lost its Common Sense. Al Adinolfi will bring it back.

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and help get our state back on track for prosperity and success for all residents.

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ADINOLFI

Paid for by Al Adinolfi 2010, Gil Linder, Treasurer. Approved by Al Adinolfi.

State Representative - DISTRICT 103 Cheshire, Wallingford and Hamden

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 21, 2010

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LEn SuziO Tom Gaffey wantS to OPPOSES raiSE Suzio’S tax yOur incReaSe State becauSe income it would taxES take a by hugE bitE out of yOur % PaychEck.

58 ! “Len has proposed... eliminating the sales and gas taxes and compensating for the lost revenue with an equal adjustment in the state income tax.”

What would Len Suzio’s 58% state income tax increase mean to you? Current Rates 3.0% 5.0% 6.5%

*Suzio’s INCREASE 4.8% 7.9% 10.5%

Source: suzioforsenate.com *Source: Office of Fiscal Analysis

Get out and vote for Tom Gaffey for State Senate on November 2nd! Representing Cheshire, Meriden, Middletown, Middlefield & Rockfall • www.tomgaffey.com Approved by Tom Gaffey. Paid for by Tom Gaffey for State Senate, Katharine Hayes, Treasurer.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 21, 2010

Race For State Representative

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Richard Abbate, Republican 90th District Force, Sports Car Club of America, Registrar of Voters Association of Connecticut, Cheshire Republican Town Committee

Age: 65 Occupation: Have worked as a small business consultant, currently unemployed Family: Son, Adam, daughter, Elizabeth, and two grandchildren Organizations: United States Air Force Auxillary – Civil Air Patrol, Temple Lodge #16, Army Air Force Roundtable, Airmen's Preservation Society, Commemorative Air

1. It is a relatively small issue but one that cuts to the heat of the situation we have to come in our state and local government. They current ofﬁce holder “secured” a stated grant of $525,000 to replace the Cheshire High School football ﬁeld's old grass with turf. This is what is commonly known as “bringing home the bacon.” The rationale used is always the same: “if I don't get it for my town, someone else will get it.” This is the state government version of what is known in Washington, D.C. continued to page 10

*Mary Fritz, Democrat

Age: Occupation: Legislator Family: Six children, 14 grandchildren, and a husband of 47 years. Organizations: Our Lady of Fatima Women's Club, Heritage Quilters, Cheshire Grange 1. I believe that the upgrade to the Sewage Treatment Plant is a very costly project for the people of Cheshire. Because of the prison population in town, the efﬂuent problem had been great. The amount exceeds the limit established in the 1991 contract with Corrections. I have already secured $750,000 to help with this problem. There is still a great deal more to do. I will go to work immediately with the state agencies involved

to secure the most grants possible to help the people of Cheshire with this very expensive problem. 2. There are several categories of grants that come to Cheshire. In the statutory grants — education, P.I.L.O.T. for prisons, town road aid, and more — Cheshire received $14.4 million in 2009-10 and 2010continued to page 9

Kathy Brown, Republican 89th District *Vickie Nardello, Democrat tion, Blue Star Mothers of America

Age: 51 Occupation: IBM SSR (high availability computer systems maintenance) Family: Husband, Les L. Brown Sr., sons Patrick Rubino and wife JoAnna Rubino plus 3 grandchildren, Stephen Rubino, Gregory Rubino and Les L. Brown, Jr. Organizations: National Riﬂe Organiza-

1. I would vote to eliminate unfunded mandates on Cheshire, reform binding arbitration and focus on education funding as required by our state Constitution. 2. Grants, except for education, will have to be reduced: education grants must be increased in accordance with the State Constitution. With the deﬁcits and interest payments we are facing, anyone who states otherwise is being disingenuous. With the reduction in burdensome mandates, Cheshire residents would have more freedom to make choices on how and where funds will be used. 3. No, I do not support the tax as is. With people losing their homes or selling their homes at a loss, this tax is burdensome to people already in a dire situation.

Age: 59 Occupation: Public Health Dental Hygienist Family: Divorced, one daughter Organizations: Prospect Land Trust 1. The greatest problem facing Cheshire from a state perspective is funding to the town from the state. In FY ‘11, Cheshire will receive $15,018,930 in state grants. My goal will be to preserve current funding levels in the upcoming budget. State funding has a direct effect on property tax rates in the towns. Any decrease in state funding will result in the town raising tax rates. Higher taxes would be an unfair burden to taxpayers, especially in these difﬁcult economic times. 2. I believe it is reasonable to believe that the state grants will continue. Cutting aid to cities and towns is recognized as resulting in higher local taxes. Therefore, it is a last resort cut that is least favored by members of the General Assembly. According to the state comptroller’s October 1 report, most

Approved by Matt Jalowiec. (Paid for by Jalowiec for Probate 2010, Matt Schmidt, Treasurer)

state revenues have shown solid growth over the last fiscal year, the state has regained 8,000 jobs since the start of the calendar year, and new home sales are up 30 percent from the June ‘09 quarter compared to the June 2010 quarter. Therefore, cuts to state grants to the towns should not be necessary. Despite the positive news, budget, projections demand that we carefully review the budget in order to find areas of savings that create efficiencies without harming vulnerable populations. Greater accountability on the part of state agencies will be necessary

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the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

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Race For State Senator

Candidates for State Senate were asked to answer the following three questions: 1.) Business has been on residents minds of lately, especially with the announcement that Pratt & Whitney will be transferring jobs and work out of the community. How do you propose making Connecticut a more “business friendly” state. 2.) The state often imposes certain rules and guidelines when it comes to education, all while state and federal funding seems to be stagnant. What are your thoughts on unfunded mandates, and how can the state and communities like Cheshire work together to bridge gaps? 3.) Everyone is tightening their belt and many residents expect the state to do likewise. How would you “trim the fat” from the state budget? (* denotes incumbent)

Len Suzio, Republican

Family: Married to Kathryn Schiffelbian, with 5 children, Katelyn, Krista (deceased), Rachel, Faith and Josh Organizations: Meriden Board of Education from 1995 through 2009, Former Trustee of Cheshire Academy, Kiwanis, High Hopes, University of Pennsylvania New Haven Alumni Club, Connecticut Pro-Family Committee

Age: 62 Occupation: Bank regulatory expert and consultant specializing in the Community Reinvestment Act and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Co-founder and principal in GeoDataVision.

*Tom Gaffey, Democrat

13th District

1. High taxes, oppressive regulation and unstable state finances contribute to an adverse business climate in Connecticut. Overall, until the State adopts a frugal “brown bag budget” approach to spending, the tax burden and instability of the state’s finances will discourage business growth. The emphasis should be on small businesses. Big companies are less personal and more likely to shift jobs overseas.

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Age: 51 Occupation: Director of Recycling & Enforcement at the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority Family: Proud father of two beautiful daughters Organizations: Meriden Lions Club, Meriden Ancient Order of Hibernians, Meriden St. Mary's Men’s Club, Meriden YMCA 1. The most important challenge facing Connecticut is job creation. We need a proactive plan to reduce energy costs, help small businesses access credit, streamline regulatory permit processes, focus state investments on projects that are proven job creators, and build the skills of our workforce by maintaining investments in education. I joined in the fight to keep the Pratt jobs

The Independent Voice We Need in Hartford Fiscally Responsible Leadership Voted against the state budget for spending and borrowing too much Gave back 10% of her state salary and cancelled weekly mailings Worked on alternative budget to refocus priorities and streamline government services Called for bi-partisan approach to addressing long-term unfunded liabilities in state pension funds and retiree benefit commitments Pushed to apply standard accounting rules to state government Held the line on taxes, expanded senior property tax credits, and increased the Rainy Day Fund while on the Town Council

Restoring a Strong Economy and Growing Jobs Supported bi-partisan jobs bill that creates a small business loan fund and provides incentives to hire new employees Worked with local Chambers of Commerce to ensure that state policies work to help small businesses grow Fought for energy reform to lower prices and help develop green jobs Advocated for redirection of tax credits from big businesses that are moving jobs out of state to small businesses in our community

Leadership

Independence Approved by Elizabeth Esty, Paid for by Elizabeth Esty 2010, Robin Hettrick, Treasurer

Results

here in Cheshire and will continue to do so. We need to concentrate on real solutions. Connecticut must find ways to reduce high energy costs that hurt business development and hinder job growth. Energy reform legislation passed last session would have reduced costs had the Governor not vetoed the bill. Passing energy reform that reduces costs and encourages green technologies that will also create jobs remains a top priority. Small businesses are Connecticut’s economic engine providing the majority of jobs. Connecticut’s economic development policy must be aligned with that reality so credit and capital are available through a streamlined process. Economic studies prove that effective options for creating jobs in the short-and long-term are investing in infrastructure projects like mass transit, roads, schools and water treatment projects. These projects put people to work, meet necessary public needs, and spur economic activity. 2. The two costliest mandates in education are the federal special education law and No Child Left Behind. Since enactment of these mandates, the federal government failed to provide promised funding levels for implementation. No other mandate, state or federal, comes close to the cost burden that these two place on state and local governments. In stark contrast, Connecticut has increased education funding considerably. For example, in FY09, Cheshire’s state education grant increased from $8,904,318 to $9,298,837 from the previous year. With the exception of the most recent budget that was impacted by the recession, state education grants to towns have grown steadily. Even during the recession the FY ‘09 amount remained steady in the last fiscal year due to federal dollars that Governor Rell used for education to prevent a 14 percent reduction in town grants. A cut that big would have required considerable teacher layoffs and inevitably caused class sizes to increase significantly. I have consistently fought to maintain state education grants to alleviate property tax burdens. Notably, Connecticut is atypical among states, underwriting large portions of local school construction projects. In so doing, the state absorbs many of these local costs that otherwise would be borne by property taxpayers. 3. These are difficult times and the state budget will need comprehensive reform. However, in stark contrast to my opponent, I absolutely oppose shifting current sales and gas taxes paid by out-of-state residents and businesses to Connecticut wage earners through higher income taxes as he has proposed. Our residents can’t afford another bite from their paychecks. Last year, I voted to reduce state

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the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

Race For State Senator

Nine

Joe Markley, Republican

Age: 53 Occupation: Writer Family: Single Organizations: Southington Republican Town Committee, Southington Public Library Trustee, State Senator 1985-7, Connecticut Commission on Children 1. Government can’t create good private sector jobs, but it certainly can destroy them. That’s what happened when we passed the income tax: Connecticut has been dead-last in job creation since that massive and disastrous tax hike. Rather than target breaks and subsidies to trendy and well-connected ventures, we need to cultivate a climate that helps all businesses. The first step is fiscal stability. The uncertainty caused by the current fiscal crisis, and the threat of new taxes to cover the deficit, discourages businesses from starting up or expanding in Connecticut. We must reduce the size of government, to avoid tax increases in the short term, and to permit tax cuts down the road to encourage job creation. We also must eliminate unnecessary regulations. I never visit a small business without

16th District

hearing horror stories about nonsensical requirements that cost time, money, and jobs. As a State Senator, I sponsored legislation creating a board including representatives of business, government, and labor, designed to examine regulations and make recommendations for simplification or elimination of unnecessary laws. As soon as they had the majority, Democrats eliminated that board; I will strive to revive it, if elected again to the Senate. 2. I will oppose unfunded mandates on municipalities which come before me, and work to repeal such mandates when possible. One step in that direction might be a commission (along the lines outlined above for business regulations) consisting of municipal leaders who could identify onerous mandates and work with state leaders to modify or eliminate them. Each level of government should be confined to its proper sphere. Our nation’s founders feared the concentration of power, and rightly so. The towns have lost authority to the state; state powers have been coopted by Washington. The pendulum is due to swing back: the people want it, and the times demand it. Decision-making should be made as close to the people as possible. Local leaders best understand local circumstances, and respond best to our needs and wishes. As a conservative who saw the damage urban renewal wrought in our neighboring cities, I distrust vast schemes and radical undertakings. I think we should preserve and restore what has worked in the past, and I believe we should keep society to a human scale. The strength of this nation flows not from big government or big business, but from self-reliant individuals and strong

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Fritz... continued from page 7 11. All communities were level-funded. Another category of grants is the Small Town Economic Assistance Grant, which has brought significant dollars to the town to fix up West Main Street. My hope is that we can help the level-funding of statutory grants because it is the Cheshire taxpayers' money coming home. I also strongly believe it is not my job to tell the Town of Cheshire how to raise revenue or how to spend it. 3. The real estate conveyance tax concerning towns and cities has been set to end every year since it went into existence. I have always voted to keep it in place. It represents significant dollars (over $100,000) for the Town of Cheshire.

John Barry, Democrat

Age: 45 Occupation: Legislative Staff, Office of the House Clerk, State Capitol Family: Wife Karen, children, Caroline and Martha Organizations: Connecticut State Library Board, Southington Open Space Committee, Town of Southington SelfInsurance Committee, Southington Democratic Town Committee, Southington Rail-to-Trail Oversight Board, Connecticut Task Force - Converting Legislative Documents from Paper to Electronic

1. Connecticut needs to dedicate more help to small businesses. The state must make small business loans, tax incentives, and seed money available to help attract new businesses and allow existing ones to grow. Working together, we must reinvent Connecticut's approach to growing jobs. As a State, we need new incentives for the investments in new industries like bio-tech and green jobs. Connecticut's government can help businesses by lowering their costs. We need to allow small businesses and the self-employed to have better affordable health care plans, and Connecticut must immediately lower utility costs, so that businesses are not forced to leave due to high energy prices. 2. Many communities in the district have actually seen a decrease in education funding. It is vital that the State preserve and protect education funding. As a father of young children going to local public schools, I understand the impor-

tance of a strong school system. Although many mandates are necessary to ensure that each child is given education opportunities, I would oppose new, costly mandates onto local property taxpayers. 3. Connecticut's government has become too big. This economic crisis brings great opportunities to make fundamental policy changes in how government works. The challenges ahead are massive, that is why it is important to elect individuals who understand that the problem lies with both Republicans and Democrats. I will bring a common sense approach to Hartford, working with our new Governor to streamline government policies that hinder growth. The time is now to eliminate state agencies and consolidate bureaucratic levels of management. Roll back spending to 2008 levels in many areas, and immediately impose a strict hiring freeze to secure savings. Government cannot solve every problem and the elimination of programs that no longer work today must be curtailed. State government must live within its means.

ELECT

MATT HALL

Nardello... continued from page 7

to keep spending in check. 3. I have supported keeping the real estate conveyance tax and continue to do so. I represent three towns and each of the towns has contacted me asking me not to eliminate this tax. If this tax is eliminated, it will create a hole in town budgets that must be filled. However, periodic review of tax policy should be conducted to determine the effectiveness and the need for various taxes.

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Matt Hall and Family

JUDGE OF PROBATE

Proven Experienced Leadership VOTE MATT HALL, Probate Judge November 2ND Approved by Matt Hall Paid for by Matt Hall for Probate – Lisa Hirai, Treasurer

the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

Ten

Know Your Polling Place Location

District One

District Two

Cheshire High School 525 S. Main Street

Chapman School 38 Country Club Road

District Five Doolittle School 735 Cornwall Avenue

District Three

District Four

Artsplace 1220 Waterbury Road

District Six Highland School 490 Highland Avenue

Norton School 414 N. Brooksvale Road

District Seven Dodd Middle School 100 Park Place

Suzio... continued from page 8

Small companies are loyal to their communities. Moreover, there is a lower risk for the community that depends on numerous small companies as opposed to a concentration of 2-3 major employers who can wreck a local economy when they downsize or move. When I was a banker, I was named the number 1 banker for small businesses by the SBA. I have a plan to provide up to $1.5 billion of financing to small businesses in Connecticut at no cost to tax payers.

Visit SuzioForSenate.com to see my plan to help Connecticut small businesses. 2. I served on the Meriden Board of Education for the last 14 years. My experience made me aware how local Boards are hamstrung by oppressive state mandates that dictate the most complex bureaucratic and expensive rules for every little situation. Mandates prevent local boards from responding to the unique needs of their communities and add tremendous cost to our education system. Furthermore, they

often take money out of our classrooms and put it in a bureaucracy. There are more than 200 mandates imposed on our public schools! The State also imposes more than 1,000 mandates on our cities and towns, most of which are unfunded. The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has estimated that these unfunded mandates constitute more than half the cost of running our towns! Next year, every single mandate imposed on our towns and schools must be reviewed and removed if

the cost outweighs the benefit. 3. I have adopted as my campaign motif the “Brown Bag Budget.” This is a way of saying that we have to return to commonsense budgeting, “Spend no more than you make. Borrow only what you can afford to pay back.” Politicians like my opponent have ruined our state finances. We have record deficits forecast for the next three years. These deficits are so large that if we could lay off every state employee we would still be staring at a

nearly $1 billion deficit! Concomitantly, the State is experiencing record unemployment and a stagnant economy. Imposing an additional tax burden on our citizens is not an option. We must control and reduce spending. Some options would be to freeze enrollment in the Charter Oak Health Plan, impose co-payments under Medicaid, implement Husky B premiums and eliminate non-emergency dental services for adults under Medicaid. The State must provide only the most neces-

taken this turn if the current office holder hadn't “butt in” where she was not invited by the Town. We should only be using state grants for purposes for which the Town government has applied. 2. As a town and state, we must learn to live within our own means. State grants for certain purposes make sense. Payments in lieu of the tax revenue lost to the town, but state exempt property, are appropriate and should be funded. State grants for un-

funded mandates forced upon the town are likewise appropriate and should also be funded. However, state grants for “give-away goodies” and vote buying should never be appropriate and should not factor into the planning on the part of the Town. When a town becomes dependent on such fiscal bait-andswitch, it is no better than a junkie looking for the next fix. We must begin to take responsibility for our own future, the future that be-

longs to our children and grandchildren. Spending them into debt to do “nice things” today is not a recipe for future solvency or prosperity. 3. I do not support the real estate conveyance tax. It was created in a time of growth and abundance, and was primarily a “new” way to increase revenue for more spending. Unless we turn off the tax and spend, borrow and spend, and spend and tax spigot, we will for-

ever be chasing our tails to pay the debt service and robbing Peter to pay Paul. The money to pay taxes does not belong to the government. It is our money, which most of us work, or worked, very hard to receive. It does not belong to the government. It never belonged to the government and, if the programs and entitlements must be reduced to stay within a reasonable budget, then that is what we, as a town and a state, must do.

funding so far, but that may come under more pressure this year, as will the Education Cost Sharing that helps fund the schools. The Town’s own very tight fiscal management, including the Rainy Day Fund that I helped double when I was on the Town Council, positions the town to weather the current economic storm better than most communities. 3. I voted to extend the real estate

conveyance tax (RETC) because, as a former member of the Town Council, I know how few options towns have to fund essential services. The towns have, quite frankly, done a much better job of tightening their belts than has the state. Those who call for the immediate elimination of the RETC need to point to which town programs they would cut, or which other taxes they would raise, to fill the gaping

hole in the town’s budget (as high as $640,000 annually). At a time when the state will almost certainly be reducing aid to towns in order to balance the state’s budget, I do not believe that it is fair to Cheshire to also lose its portion of the conveyance tax, which was over $320,000 last year even in a poor real estate market. Because I am concerned about the general trend of “temporary”

taxes becoming permanent, I would support limiting an extension of the conveyance tax tied to an increase in general state revenues. At this time, however, I believe that the towns deserve to retain their small portion of real estate conveyance tax until the economy recovers.

Abbate... continued from page 7 as an earmark. The process is different but the results are the same: trying to buy votes by throwing tax dollars at something. At this time, the Town of Cheshire has not resolved the issue of whether to replace the old surface with artificial grass. Before throwing tax dollars at an issue, let's determine what the best course of action might be. Now, we have a brewing controversy that never would have

Esty...

continued from page 5

that Cheshire gets fair reimbursement for the required changes to address phosphorus. Economic development projects, such as the S.T.E.A.P. grants that are helping us redo the West Main Street, may be reduced, but will still be supported as they play a critical role in helping the local economy and creating jobs. We have been successful in protecting the P.I.L.O.T.

Re-Elect State Representative

VICKIE ORSINI NARDELLO Serving The 89th District Bethany, Cheshire, Prospect Vickie Offers: 

The Experience To Lead



The Energy To Fight



The Integrity We Trust



Service To Constituents

ON NOVEMBER 2nd VOTE

VICKIE ORSINI NARDELLO Approved by Vickie Nardello, Paid for by Nardello 2010, Megen Groski, Treasurer

Murphy...

continued from page 4

tive vision to move the state forward. First, we’ve got to support goodpaying manufacturing jobs. For too long, we’ve allowed loopholes in our federal Buy American laws that send our tax dollars overseas. Based on ideas I got from manufacturers in the 5th District, I’ve passed legislation that will make sure that, when the federal government buys something, it looks to American manufacturers first. My opponent, Sam Caligiuri, opposes this job creation effort. I’ve also been a strong supporter of keeping good-paying jobs at Pratt & Whitney’s Cheshire plant, working with Governor Rell and the Congressional delegation to keep the plant open. I’ve taken on fights that seemed unwinnable, like the effort to keep Alderman Motors in Meriden in business after GM slated it for closure. Working with Meriden’s Chamber of Commerce, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and city leaders, we saved those jobs and kept a local institution in business. And I’ve fought for small business tax cuts, passing $87 billion, as I know that Connecticut’s economy will come back due to small business job creation.

the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010

Eleven

Jobs, Spending Leads List Of Issues In Campaigns continued from page 2

is my platform; both individually and collectively, they are the only special interest I have. I read all legislation to determine what the impact will be on my towns, good or bad. Because of the experience I have acquired in my personal life, such as running a business and managing a family, the biggest plank in my platform is consolidation to save money. In addition to looking out for Cheshire, I advocate to make sure my towns are included in programs that will help them. For example, that is how Cheshire became included in the grant called the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (S.T.E.A.P), from which Cheshire has benefited greatly. Furthermore, this is how I put together the defense plant zone for Cheshire because of the loss of Pratt & Whitney. The town can offer incentives to businesses so they move into the facility to offset the loss of taxes. This means jobs, the catchword of the day. Recognizing the state of the economy, I believe a major job in the next session is consolidation. We have boards and commissions that address the same issues or populations and, as a result, they all get state money but not enough individually to solve problems. This has to change. Serving Cheshire’s 90th District means listening to the people of the district, sharing information on issues that are important to the town, and going to Hartford to do something

about it. Len Suzio (13) This election is about accountability. Connecticut is now in a recession more serious than any since the Great Depression. We face record unemployment and record budget deficits. My opponent, Tom Gaffey, has actively supported the “tax and spend” policies that created Connecticut’s financial crisis. In addition, he signed a consent order in which he admitted filing false expense accounts, improperly claiming personal expenses, and double billing for other expenses. It is time to hold him accountable. I support common sense fiscal policy, what I call “brown bag” budgeting based on the principle “Don’t spend what you can’t afford. Don’t borrow what you can’t pay back.” I served 14 years on the Meriden Board of Education, during which I earned a strong reputation as a fiscal watchdog. I am a small businessman and bank regulation expert. I advise banks how to help their communities. Previously I was a banker and I was recognized as the number one banker for small businesses in Connecticut by the Small Business Administration. My experience and skills are what Connecticut needs in this fiscal crisis. I know how to get banks to support Connecticut and I know how to help small businesses grow and create jobs.

Creating jobs is my top priority, and to kickstart that mission, I am proposing several concrete ideas. As I indicated earlier, I would cap federal spending at 20 percent of GDP, fully extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent, and oppose costly, job-killing mandates

Joe Markley (16) The $3 billion deficit in next year’s budget overshadows all other state issues. The pressure for a tax increase will be tremendous, but we must resist it. Working families and small businesses can’t afford higher taxes; big corporations and the wealthy will simply leave the state if we try to squeeze them harder. The legislature must address its addiction to spending. In good times, the politicians at the Capitol use the surplus to expand government; in bad times, they hand us the bill. It’s time to break that cycle by holding the line on taxes, now. When I first ran for the Senate in the 1980s, I pledged never to support

man on Appropriations in the 1980s, I cut more than $100 million without impairing services. I envision three levels of reduction. Easy targets for elimination include unnecessary bureaucracies, such as the Connecticut State University System, which administers no colleges and educates no students; and projects like the half-billion dollar high-speed rail system, whose riders

the state plans to subsidize at a rate of $15 per trip. Further reductions within departments require conversation and examination familiar to anyone experienced in business. That interaction between legislators, administrators, staff, and advocates is a process I found suited to my abilities and temperament. Finally, agencies can be given sav-

consolidated. Tax credits costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars must be subject to cost/benefit analyses. Any current tax credit that yields little or no economic benefit in terms of net job creation should be repealed. Tax exemptions for anything other than food, medicine and clothing must endure a comparable test.

Connecticut must maintain its investment in education, but we can do so more efficiently. The state and towns can work together to drive down costs for transportation, technology, and textbooks. Higher education must cut administrative costs and map out efficiencies to keep tuition rates down.

State Senator Tom Gaffey (13) There are two overriding priorities that must be addressed: creating jobs

Caligiuri... continued from page 4

Chris Murphy tells us that “all of the anecdotal signs in Connecticut’s economy are good,” but I look at Cheshire, whose unemployment rate has nearly doubled since Murphy was sworn into Congress in January 2007, and see that there is enormous work cut out for the next Congress.

and resolving the difficult budget challenges that confronts our state. My jobs plan calls for a proactive plan to reduce energy costs, help small businesses access credit so they can grow, streamline regulatory permitting processes, focus state investments on projects that are proven job creators, such as infrastructure projects, and build the skills of our workforce by maintaining our commitment to education. These are difficult times and the state budget will need comprehensive reform. However, in stark contrast to my opponent, I absolutely oppose shifting current taxes to workers through higher income taxes. Wage earners can’t afford another bite from their paychecks. We must restructure government so that it is both leaner and smarter in the delivery of services. Every agency must discern effective programs and necessary functions from those that are not. Programs that are no longer needed must end. Agencies with similar missions should be consolidated. Tax credits costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars must be subject to a comprehensive cost/benefit analyses. Any current tax credit that yields little or no economic benefit in terms of net job creation should be repealed and revenue returned.

a tax increase. Instead, I co-sponsored the largest tax cut in state history, and I personally cut the budget by over $100 million. When Lowell Weicker proposed a state income tax, I helped lead the opposition, organizing the “Axe the Tax” rally that drew 65,000 citizens to the state capitol. My promise to fight taxes remains in force, while our dire fiscal crisis demands a further pledge: I will not support an increase in state spending. Once the budget is under control, my work in Hartford will be done. John Barry (16) The challenges ahead are great. The state budget is a mess and citizens are facing big challenges with stagnant wages, loss of employment, and increased property taxes. With a State budget gap of about $3 billion, Connecticut needs political leaders willing to take decisive, swift, and deliberate action. The economic recovery has been very slow and residents are concerned about their future. As the first Democrat ever elected to lead Southington as Council Chairman for four years, I advocated for extensive fiscal reforms and passed sweeping policy changes that resulted in the largest rainy day fund in Southington’s history. Working with Republicans and Democrats, I achieved a fiscal record that proved that results are more important than partisan battles. During my time as leader, open land spaces were purchased, federal funding for the rails-to-trails bike and walking path was secured, record budget surpluses and a higher bond rating were recorded, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars. I enacted a broad hiring freeze, reduced overtime costs, and curtailed all nonessential government purchases, a first for Southington. If elected, I will go to Hartford, keep my head down, and never stop working for you.

creation and the better way to get our economy back on track than the out of control federal spending Chris Murphy and Nancy Pelosi have advanced in Congress. The federal government does not grow jobs. Instead, federal government policies can either make it easier or harder for the private sector to create jobs and, unfortunately, the policies being implemented in this Congress have made it nearly impossible for the private sector to grow jobs. The key to my job growth plan is getting spending under control so that we can keep taxes as low as possible. I would cap federal spending at 20 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), fully extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, and reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 to 25 percent.

Sam Caligiuri (5) My campaign is focused on job

U.S. Congressman Chris Murphy (5) My mother and father brought up my siblings and me with the expectation that we would give back to our communities. Public service is the way I have chosen to give back to my neighbors in Cheshire, where I’m raising my family, and I’m proud to be representing you in Congress. Today, though, people are facing unprecedented challenges. Too many don’t have jobs. Too few have health care and retirement security. And most everyone has a sense that the American dream is a little harder to achieve today than it was a generation ago. I am running for Congress because I believe that these challenges must be met with a positive vision for real change. Some politicians may prey upon this angst with clever sound bites, but no ideas. I confront this economic frustration with solutions. I’m working with Republicans and Democrats on manufacturing policy to keep and create jobs here in Cheshire, not in China. I’m fighting for our community’s small businesses, passing $87 billion in tax cuts, growing jobs, and making us more safe by investing in clean, domestic energy, and giving tax cuts to the middle class.

ings targets by the legislature, much as a corporate board of directors might instruct a department to cut its budget by a certain percentage. Ad-

ministrators are in the best position to find savings: they must be given authority to do so, and held responsible for their performance.

Markley... continued from page 9

families. 3. Years of overspending have created a budget deficit in excess of $3 billion dollars. We can’t afford to raise taxes or continue borrowing. We must reduce spending, carefully but significantly. I have more experience cutting the budget than any legislative candidate in the state. As a subcommittee chair-

Gaffey... continued from page 8

spending and borrowing by more than $3 billion. More work remains. State government must become leaner and smarter in the delivery of services. Every agency must discern effective programs and necessary functions from those that are not. Agencies with similar missions should be

       

Twelve

the cheshire herald, october 21, 2010