As we emerge from quarantines and closures, we must again confront the chronic issues we still face: (i) our state’s fiscal infirmity; (ii) progressive legislators undermining local control of schools and land use; and (iii) the need for a robust voice in Hartford.
Economy/Jobs
Our state’s poor fiscal policies have caused a decade of stagnant job growth, depressed home values, and wealth and opportunity to flee Connecticut. Our repeated multi-billion-dollar state deficits also result in the perpetual underfunding of important education, infrastructure and environmental programs.
The solution is proven and clear. Hartford must stop changing the rates and rules every year, and thereby let our economy, job creators and job seekers regain momentum. A stable tax and regulatory structure will return confidence, investment and prosperity to our state, which in turn will allow us to pursue needed social policies with funding and action instead of empty words.
Local Control Schools and Land Use
A group of legislators want to strip small towns of control over schools and zoning, and send money and authority to Hartford.
I reject such “one size fits all” policies, oppose any forced regionalization of schools and services, and will continue to advocate for greater local control of education and land use. Our communities thrive when we govern at the local level first.
Schools: Parents and teachers should determine how and where our children will be educated, and our communities should decide how and/or whether to work with SROs.
Zoning: I first fought as zoning vice-chair and then as your state representative for local control of land use. I support workable senior/affordable housing plans that both enhance the character of our communities and protect our property values and the natural environment.
Representing Easton First
Small towns have different needs than big cities. My opponent is a spirited activist for all things other than the interests of our district. Her focus on national debates and justice movements may be laudable but does little to help Easton.
From the moment I began serving in 2011, I worked to pass legislation to: establish greater local control over cell tower placement; create the Small Business Express Program; secure mandate relief for high-performing schools; provide tax relief for families of fallen first responders (the “Russ Neary bill”); help unemployed veterans; and expand early childhood education and reading initiatives.
As an environmental lawyer and leader on the Environment Committee, I also helped draft and pass legislation to: secure more open space; create the state’s GMO labeling paradigm; draft fracking waste controls; require micro bead and pesticide phase-outs; launch the Long Island Sound Blue Plan; and create brownfield remediation programs.
I will pick up and build on these efforts to help our community and our State thrive.
