Saturday's Random Political-Economic Thoughts

Maybe the Democratic Party Presidential Debates could be held in a secret location, recorded and then played from 2 am to 4 am on a Wednesday morning?   If I was a registered Democrat I would be both insulted and afraid by the candidates running. 
What happen to leadership in both political parties on a National level?   With the exceptions of Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Jeff Sessions in the Republican Party and Representative Jim Cooper in the Democrat Party both parties in my opinion have been bought off by special interest groups.  The latest budget deal is an atrocious economic quagmire of massive spending on laws that do not work and funds pork, pork and more pork.  The working middle class of America were definitely boxed out in this budget.
The National Debt should break $19 Trillion Dollars in a few months with this new spending.  It has merely doubled under the Obama Administration.  No big deal as each taxpayer could one day be forced to pay a National Debt Tax of $150,000 per person.  It could replicate becoming owned by our government in a forced working situation in a never ending spiral of debt and keep upper mobility of classes limited as the poor would not be able to pay it, thus be exempt from it, the rich would pay it off quickly and work to get loopholes passed to avoid it and thus the burden would be solely bore by the working middle class again.
Needless to say cutting spending and unnecessary programs falls on deaf ears.  It will once again become a major economic issue in the short term as interest rates rise and terrorism increases in our country.

And by the way-Happy Holidays!

The Connecticut Democrat Party New Normal Budget Mess

We have business as usual for the Connecticut Democrat Party and their supposed solution to the state budget crisis.  The Connecticut Democrat Party will in the last minutes of the budget session sequester $40 billion dollars worth of taxpayers monies in spending for a two year budget.  Less than six months later there is now a massive budget deficit that needs to be addressed.  Prior to this over the past four years, two of the largest Connecticut Democrat Party's tax increases in our state's history go into effect to supposedly eliminate all future budget deficits.  A special session is called and money gets thrown around, moved off budget, lock boxes are created, some business taxes get rolled back, some get increased and the Connecticut Democrat Party pats itself on their backs for what a great job they have done in resolving the budget crisis they have created over the many, many years they have been in power.  The Connecticut Democrat Party also condemns the Connecticut Republicans in the House and Senate for not going along with their economically irrational and unsustainable budget fantasies.
Do you see a pattern of lies by the Connecticut Democrat Party?
Do you see the same yearly budget crisis supplied by the Connecticut Democrat Party?
Do you see all structural changes to Connecticut's Government blocked by the Connecticut Democrat Party?
Do you see a legally voted into law Constitutional Spending Cap being declared null and void by the Connecticut Democrat Party?
Over and over again.  We see no changes in Hartford.   The long term budget crisis and long term budget deficits never get addressed.  Connecticut is broke financially. More of the same thanks to the Connecticut Democrat Party.
In 2016 Connecticut really needs a Constitutional amendment for the power of recalling our elected officials at a Federal and State level.  Taxpayers and voters have had enough of the total disrespect shown by the Connecticut Democrat Party in the way they have created their own political kingdom to their advantage at the expense of Connecticut's taxpayers.
And I will predict six months there will be yet budget deficit, another special session and more lies being spewed by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Time for change and a Constitutional amendment for the power of recalling our elected officials at a Federal and State level.

Terrorism Again

Terrorists wish to murder innocent people.  It is has been proven over and over again in our country and around the world since 9/11/2001.  ISIS terrorism is to me pretty much the same as any another terrorist group that has developed since 9/11.  The intent of the terrorist group is to kill and murder anyone that stands in their way of the creation of their so-called perfect society that would plunge the earth back into the dark ages and eliminate anyone who does not believe in their so-called religion.
Terrorism has been on the rise over the past several years for a variety of reasons, two in particular.  The first reason is that they are receiving enough economic funding from sources to finance they elaborate system of weapons and travel to set up terrorist cells and operations to murder their victims.  The second reason is that unchecked liberalism in government has allowed in some cases unchecked movement of terrorists due to political correctness.  Governmental officials want us to say something if we see something-how this becomes a deterrent to terrorism astounds me.  We all may see a great deal and many of us are afraid to say anything due to being politically incorrect.  Government in its political correctness continues to turn its back on what is common sense in defending its citizens for their irrational thoughts on offending someones feelings.
America and the world in my opinion is unsafe due to terrorism.  Terrorism has been allowed to grow unchecked once again.  What will be attacked next?
And the Democrat political movement especially here in Connecticut treasures the photo opportunity and anti gun talk to get their agenda across.  Connecticut's Democrat Senator for life, Chris Murphy astounded many Christian citizens in our country this past week in response to his remarks on the latest terrorism attack in San Bernardino with his tweet: "Your “thoughts” should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your “prayers” should be for forgiveness if you do nothing – again."
What steps should I take as a private citizen to eliminate terrorism when Senator Murphy and the rest of Connecticut's political delegation demand that all guns be taken away from private, law abiding citizens like myself and this somehow will magically eliminate terrorism?  How am I am going defend myself and my family from a possible attack?  Should I gather rocks and stones to throw at terrorists while they aim their automatic weaponry at me?  Should I just be allowed to be shot at will by the terrorist and die so that I did not have in my hands a dreaded weapon to fight back?  How are we better off now not being able to defend ourselves?  Have shootings gone down in Connecticut since our new gun laws in Connecticut been enacted?
Christians do turn to prayer in times of trouble, there is nothing wrong with that and as far as I can see we still have some religious freedom left in our politically correct society.  Senator Murphy's tweet does nothing to eliminate terrorism in our country.  Senator Murphy's tweet does nothing other than shove the same stale Democrat propaganda of gun control as being this Utopian solution to end all violence.
Terrorists do not believe in prayer, they believe in murder.  Christians believe in prayer and not murder.  And we as American citizens need to defend ourselves since elected officials like Senator Murphy sit on their holy than thou chairs and do nothing to clear out the rotted core of terrorism at its roots due to their political correctness.

Connecticut's Constitution-Rotting To The Connecticut Democrat Core

What Constitution?  A Constitution is defined as "a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed."  In Connecticut we in theory have a Constitution.  This acknowledgement to be governed has just been changed by the Connecticut State Attorney General George Jepsen (who was a former Connecticut State Party Chairman) in his ruling against an amendment in Connecticut's Constitution that requires a legal spending cap each fiscal year.  The amendment was voted into law back in 1992.  I was one of the 80% of state voters who voted for it.  Last week Jepsen declared after 23 years of the spending cap that the legislature can vote to exceed the spending cap “by a simple majority vote".  Thus here in Connecticut voters have really no say even in a binding Constitutional Amendment.  Oh well.
The theory of the spending cap was to cap state spending increases to 3% per year after implementation if I am to understand it correctly.  State spending has increased on average of 6 to 8% or more per year since the cap.  Depending on how one interprets state budget numbers the state budget has gone up from $8 billion dollars a year since the implementation of the state income tax to over $20 billion dollars a year or a 250% increase in state spending.  If one were to understand the spending cap at 3% a year increase,  the state budget should only have gone up 69% not 250%.  We also as taxpayers do not know how much has been taken off budget and not included and where/how that is being paid for.  It is a big Connecticut Democrat Party secret since they have controlled the state legislature since this Constitutional amendment as to where this spending is. 
The spending cap has been in my opinion avoided at all costs leading up to Connecticut's monumental budget crisis of 2015 and beyond.  The Connecticut Democrat Party led by Governor Malloy has lied to voters year in and year out.  Connecticut is broke.  We have if I have estimated correctly at least $60 to $80 billion dollars of long term unfunded liabilities.  We have a pension system out-of-control (Judges getting full pensions after three years of work).  Connecticut's budget is rotted to the core.  Connecticut's debt is also rotted to the core.  And Connecticut's Constitution can be ignore at the whim of the Connecticut Democrat Party. 
Connecticut is broke. The Connecticut Democrat Party has led us to financial ruin with massive spending and massive tax increases year in and year out.
And we still do not have a solution.  Year in and year out.  The same lies echoed since 1992.

Vive la France! God Bless America. ISIS, Terrorism and Political Correctness.

Vive la France!   God Bless America.   Political correctness costs lives.  We saw it last night in France.  Terrorism is cold blooded murder.  The murderers such as ISIS have no God, no morals, no ethics, no religion, no feelings.  They are cold blooded murderers.  They is no way to present them in any other manner.  They wish to regress the world into a prehistoric state of ruthless oppression and into a new dark ages.  Being politically correct in trying to deal with them serves no purpose.  They will still murder innocent people in cold blood.
Terrorism engulfed France last night.  Innocent people who were going about their business were murdered in cold blood.  Why?  Does disarming citizens help defend them?  Does politicians seeking another photo op decrying guns help defend the citizens they supposedly represent?  Does a one sided agreement with a nuclear Iran help to eliminate terrorism and help defend the United States and Israel?  Why must we accept this?
Why?
Politically correctness engulfs our society in many different ways.  We must accept political correctness on college campuses.  We must accept political correctness in our Federal Government.  We must accept political correctness in our elected officials.  We must accept political correctness in our State Government.  We must accept political correctness in the way we shop for items.  We must accept political correctness in our media.  We must accept political correctness in our lives.  Why?  So we do not upset some individual whose rights are more important than ours? Why?
It is time to take back America and the world we live in.  We can not politically accommodate terrorism.  We can not politically accommodate those individuals and countries who wish to eliminate free countries of the world like Israel and America.  We can not politically accommodate  those individuals and countries who wish to eliminate personal freedoms, the freedom to go to a concert without being murdered in cold blood.
Vive la France!   God Bless America.   Political correctness costs lives.  We will continue to see it so long as America leads from behind rather than from being the greatest country in our world.  Enough is enough, it is time for real political leadership in America to end terrorism right now before it is too late.

There Was An Election Last Tuesday

There was an election last Tuesday.  There were some winners and some losers.
And there is always analysis, dispute and second guessing.
I have some thoughts on what happened.
Hartford proved that if you are politically connected, do not live in that city, you can become Mayor.  Massive amounts of money was raised by the Connecticut Democrat Party to anoint a candidate with no political experience and not from Hartford.  What he can do to solve the massive problems of Hartford is beyond me with 18.5% of registered voters actually voting in this election.  However he will become the new fund raising tool of the Connecticut Democrat Party and will in my opinion not solve any problems for the city.  He will serve his time, get anointed to another hand picked Connecticut Democrat Party position and receive his pension down the road from the remaining Hartford taxpayers who still live in the city.
Bridgeport is still Bridgeport.  We have been told to deal with an ex con being elected Mayor again.  The same Mayor who raped and pillaged the city for his personal financial gain and power.  In my opinion ex-felons who became ex-felons because of their political positions should not be allowed to hold elected office again.   However the Connecticut Democrat Party must embrace the "new" Joe Gamin which to me seems a great deal like the "old" Joe Gamin.  Bill Finch the current Mayor did a horrific job in running Bridgeport for the past eight years- (remember a $400, 000 paving job for his driveway disguised as an airport project, days of no snow removal blamed on "yahoos", etc.).  Bridgeport's remaining businesses will start the exodus out and Bridgeport will continue to have the same problems as it had under the "old" Gamin and Finch, high taxes, little industry, poor city services, high crime, constant requesting of state aid, etc.  Nothing will change.
Wallingford voters sent back their Mayor with a Republican Council and Board of Education.  Wallingford voters continue to be satisfied with a conservative form of government, efficiently managed with low taxes, low electric rates and good schools.  I find it amazing however that it continues to vote in State Representative Mushinsky each election with her tax and spend policies that have helped ruin our state.  Wallingford residents received her latest brochure right before the election- from her brochure "The budget is balanced, under the spending cap"  is a lie and shows the lack of economic reality of the  Connecticut Democrat Party of which she is a part of.  I will be looking at her brochure more closely in a future blog.
I am glad I live in Wallingford.  I feel sorry for those who live in Hartford and Bridgeport.

Wallingford's Strength. Wallingford Republicans.

Wallingford's strength is found in many ways.  Low taxes, low electric rates, AAA bond ratings, a good school system, a safe community to live and prosper in,  an ethical Mayor, Council and Board of Education that govern effectively and an amazing variety of businesses and companies that call Wallingford home.
It is an exceptionally well run town being led by Republicans.  Republicans who want to see the town grow and prosper.  Republicans who are concerned about families, taxes and their physical community.  And it shows by how dynamic Wallingford is in 2015. 
They deserve your vote on Tuesday November 3rd.  They deserve your trust to keep Wallingford moving forward and growing. 

Wallingford's Strong Republican Leadership

As we all know election day is almost here.  On Tuesday,  November 3rd, legitimate registered voters are allowed to cast their ballots for the people of their choice to represent them for the next two years in Connecticut's municipal elections.  It a part of our democracy that many choose to follow and make their voices heard and a path where many could not be bothered to spend 15 minutes of their lives in actually doing.  In my opinion many of those who choose not to vote are the loudest complainers of what is going on in our society and community.  Do not complain if you do not vote.
The time of election here in Wallingford we hear a tale of two cities, one that is horribly run with massive taxes, high costs and path to economic and tree oblivion.  And a tale of economic reality with a prosperous, dynamic, efficiently run, low tax, low electric cost community run by a Republican led Town Council and a Mayor who has been office for many years placing Wallingford's needs above his own and his own political gain.
Wallingford is a unique community because of this.  Because of strong Republican leaders who place Wallingford's interest over their political ego on the Board of Education, Town Council, various Boards and in the Mayor's office.  Wallingford's strong Republican leadership has been able to keep a AAA bond rating for many years now, has been able to keep taxes low (contrary to what others may state), has been able to have the lowest electric rates in the state and provide effective local services and a strong educational system for our youth.  Yes, Wallingford's Republican leadership has been a dynamic force in keeping Wallingford moving forward economically while the rest of state (look at the cities of Bridgeport and Hartford for example) is in an economic decline.
Wallingford's Republican leadership should become a model for our state rather than the current corruption we see on an almost daily basis due to Connecticut's Democrat One Party Rule that has created a never ending economic nightmare for its taxpayers.
Mayor William Dickinson has led Wallingford and continues to lead Wallingford as an elected official should.  He is economically conservative and understands that taxpayers monies is not unlimited.  He is also legally bound by the countless unfunded mandates that Connecticut government places on its cities and towns that costs us money.  Funny that we do not see many complaints by those complainers who do not vote on those unfunded mandates.  Mayor Dickinson has led by example never to be brought up on any ethics charge in all of the years he has been in office.  Can that be said about the ex-felon who is running for Mayor in Bridgeport?
On November 3rd Wallingford voters have the opportunity to extend forceful, economically rational and ethical government in Wallingford by voting for Mayor Dickinson for reelection along with the entire Republican slates for Board of Education and Town Council.  Talk is cheap in politics, we see that daily with the Connecticut Democrat Party.  We see effective actions in Wallingford's Republican leadership.  They deserve to continue to run Wallingford for the next two years.

Vincent Cervoni For Wallingford Town Council

Mr. Cervoni is the Chairman of the Wallingford Town Council.  I am going to use one of my votes to re elect him this November.  He in my opinion runs a very fair and balanced town council meeting in an efficient and effective manner.   He listens to all sides of an issue before making a decision and he does make sure that all sides are heard during a debate.

From his campaign literature and website:

We have maintained low taxes and maintain good services in exchange for the taxpayer's dollar.

We have achieved and maintained an Aaa bond rating!  This gives the Town the ability bond at the lowest available interest rates and to refinance bonds as interest rates have decreased.  

We maintain a bonded debt per capita ratio of less than $1000 per resident.  This also contributes to our Aaa bond rating.

Our schools are continuously improving.  Our talented Board of Education, combined with the school system's professional leader, Superintendent Dr. Sal Menzo have improved our school system while maintaining efficiency.  I am proud to say that I have supported the Board of Education and their leaders in their work.

The Wallingford Electric Division is an excellent enterprise, keeping energy rates low for residents while attracting businesses to Town for the same reason.  More businesses in Town reduce tax the residential tax burden.

Our Electric Division also creates rate incentives for new businesses moving to the downtown district.  It is important that we keep moving toward a revitalized downtown.  This is the face of our Town for a great variety of visitors, whether for business or academic travel.

The introduction of Enterprise Ambulance Service, run by our talented Fire Department, has kept Wallingford Emergency Medical Services among the finest in the State of Connecticut.

Low taxes, economic growth, forward thinking are all parts of Mr. Cervoni's platform and again he puts the needs of our community above personal political gain.  

Mr. Cervoni  is articulate and offers a great deal of insight on many issues that come forward to the Council.   He deserves to be reelected this November.

Vote Tom Laffin For Wallingford Town Council

Wallingford Town Council Vice Chairman Tom Laffin is running for reelection this November.  Tom is an articulate and soft-spoken individual on the council who is concerned with neither ego nor fan fare as he looks at and decides on the issues of our community.  I am impressed with his knowledge on issues and his ability to communicate his thoughts to the public.  He has a desire to serve our town. He and his family are active in our community. 

From his campaign literature and website:

I have met a ton of people over the past couple of years while working on, and working to be on, the Town Council.  I am still knocking on doors, chatting with people at events like Celebrate Wallingford, youth football and soccer games, or bumping into them at the grocery store, seeking very real, personal interactions...and a lot of people say to me, “you’re a young guy, with kids, why are you doing this?”

I’m 35 years old.  I’m told I look younger than that, but with a 9 and 7 year old running around and me chasing after them, I feel much, much older.  I have been involved in some sort of service my entire life, and when I graduated college I wanted to continue doing that, so I got involved.  For over 13 years I have served in various posts - I served on the Inland Wetlands Commission, I was elected to the Board of Education when I was 25, I served multiple terms as PTO Vice President, a Cub Scout Leader, and in my second term as a town councilor I was elected as Vice Chairman.  I love all of these positions because in each one of them, I get to be a part of a team looking to make our town more than just another town, but a community.

I have a record of fiscal responsibility - cutting added lines out of the budget, not being afraid to say ‘no’ to some spending requests, but I also have a record of supporting programs and spending to keep our town healthy and safe through my support of the overall budget.

I have a record of being responsive to neighbors’ needs, by working with other town leaders and staff to get things fixed in town, such as blight in our neighborhoods.

I have a record of keeping things moving and focused on what is best for the town, whether it is voting with the members of the other party to sell the American Legion or with my own party to move the issues along and keep us from getting bogged down in unproductive issues and investigations.

I have a record of sticking to my principles even when it was contrary to getting what we all wanted, such as when I voted against the use of eminent domain.

I have a record of choosing to govern rather than make things political.  I'm not a big talker, because I have learned the fastest way to get someplace is to take the straightest possible route, and I have found the fastest route is usually the quietest route which, unfortunately, is difficult when politics are involved. 

But I don’t like to think of what I do as politics, but rather as service - this is my way to help.  Politics, however, is often a necessary evil, like these campaigns, that unfortunately gets in the way of governing at times.  Governing, just like parenting, is a tricky thing - if you do it right, it will appear to be seamless, people won’t be sure you did anything at all...that is until they reach a point of appreciation or reflection...like every November.

Someone once said, ‘decisions are made by the people that show up’...

In 1670, 126 people got together and settled in what we now know as Wallingford. 126 people picked up their lives and sought something better than what they had and they showed up here and chose to be a part of something bigger. Look where we are today, because a few people showed up.

I believe Tom Laffin should continue to serve as one of our Town Councilors.  He has a professional approach to issues and problems.  His leadership is essential in 2015 and beyond.  Vote Tom Laffin in November.

JP Bolat For Wallingford Board of Education

One of our current Wallingford Board of Education members is running for reelection.  Jean-Pierre Bolat is an articulate, intellectual and focused member of our current Board.  JP has a strong value and belief system that to me is precise with an emphasis on personal self sufficiency along with self responsibility.  He is a product of the same Wallingford School System that he is a Board member on now.
Here is some information from his website and campaign literature:
JP attended Parker Farms Elementary School, Moran Middle School, and Mark T. Sheehan High School, where he was elected President of his Senior Class, President of the National Honor Society, and All-Housatonic League soccer player. In addition, JP earned his Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouting, in 1983. Graduating from Sheehan as salutatorian, JP was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, by then Senator Lowell Weicker, Jr. and went on to graduate with distinction in 1987, beginning his career as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.
Designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1989, he has logged over 2,000 flight hours in the P-3C Orion as a Mission Commander, Tactical Coordinator, and Navigator/Communicator. In addition to earning numerous aviation and shipboard qualifications, JP was nominated three times by the U.S. Navy as a Mission Specialist candidate to the NASA Astronaut selection board. Throughout his naval career, JP visited or lived in over 26 countries, and volunteered many off-duty hours teaching and helping local communities. While at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, JP instituted and taught NASA’s Young Astronauts program to 4th graders and remained active in boy scouting throughout his career. In 1998, JP was inducted to the Mark T. Sheehan Hall of Fame. 
Upon retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2007, JP commenced a career in international business as Senior Director of Business Development, Public Sector, Education & Healthcare for Oracle Corporation Japan. In 2009, he started his own consulting company with offices in Tokyo and Connecticut and in 2010, he relocated back to his hometown.
JP’s academic accomplishments include earning a Bachelor of Science in English with a minor in French from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (1987); a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey,

California (1995); and an Executive MBA from Temple University’s Fox School of Business (2008).
JP has three beautiful children in the Wallingford Public School system who are very active in academics, clubs, music, and athletics. As a proud and vested father, he continues to work and support Wallingford schools through volunteering at events and serving on the Board of Education.

 I feel JP Bolat is a qualified individual whose thoughts, views and opinion should be part of a dynamic Board of Education.  I urge my fellow Wallingford voters to re elect him this November.

Shauna Glidden For Wallingford Board Of Education

Another one of my votes in this November's election will be going to Shauna Glidden for Wallingford Board of Education.  She is an articulate individual who has three children and has been active in many organizations including the PTO, Cub Scouts, the Wallingford Hawks and Wallingford Works Wonders.
Here is some information from her website and campaign literature:

Reasons for Running

I am a parent and a Wallingford resident and tax payer. As such, I have a vested interest in the policies and decisions made by the Board of Education. But what has motivated me to run for this office is who I am as a person. By my very nature I have always been an advocate driven by my desire to make the world a better place. Every step I have taken in my life has been to facilitate this goal. Nelson Mandela stated:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
― Nelson Mandela

One of the most important things we can do as a society is educate our youth. Education is the key to ending all of the worlds problems. Societies in which the majority of the population has received excellent education are less violent, more economically successful and have less disparity.

Core Beliefs

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
― Margaret Mead

Education is about teaching students how to use all of the information available to them to formulate  their own opinions, concepts and ideas. Then teaching them to take the things they have learned and apply them to the world around them.

All students regardless of race, religion, socio-economic standing, age or ability should receive the best education possible. It is our duty as a society to ensure that the students of today become  the best possible people of tomorrow.

I urge my fellow Wallingford voters to vote for Shauna Glidden for Board of Education this November.

Joe Marrone For Wallingford Town Council

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I am using one of my votes in November to elect Joe Marrone to the Town Council.  Mr. Marrone has done an excellent job in my opinion as a member of the Board of Education.  He shows a great deal of leadership qualities and characteristics in his actions and has spent a great deal of time in examining all sides of the issues that come before the Board of Education.  That allows him to make in my opinion valid and effective votes on all topics.  Being a parent with three sons in the school system, Mr. Marrone takes an active role in what is actually going on in our schools with an eye to the future through articulate ideas.  I can see him being a productive voice when he gets elected to the Town Council transferring these same qualities to the debate in that governing board.

From his website and campaign literature:

1. Stands up for families -  I have young children and family is very important to me.  I consistently push for greater access to the public schools and more parental involvement.  Just this year, I fought for greater ability for parents to question curricular decisions in schools.  I am involved in Scouting because I believe it helps families to raise responsible children.
2. Here for the long haul -  Ours is a town that attracts families from all over to locate here.  Many of these families will relocate once their children are finished with our excellent pubic schools.  I grew up in town and my family and I are here to stay. 
3. Responsible with your money - In my time on the Board of Education, I voted against a number of proposed budgets because I did not believe that they were sustainable over time.  Responsible government is always thrifty and tax dollars are money that belongs to my friends and neighbors.  Elected officials should take greater care with other people's money than they do with their own.
4. Here to help, not here to make noise -  I am a dad, and as a dad sometimes you need to be there to fix things, and sometimes you need to stand on the sidelines.  If you follow town government, you will note that I am never the one to go out of my way to grab a headline or a soundbite.  This type of grandstanding is all too common, and is frankly a counterproductive waste of your time.
5. Respects the traditions of our town -   We have a well run Electric Division, great police and fire service and great town services.  There is always room to improve every service, but we need to focus on what is really vital and be cautious about expanding services in a time when tax dollars are so tight.
6. Running for the right reasons -  I have enjoyed my nearly 6 years on the Board of Education working to help children and families and I believe I can do more on the Town Council.  If the voters don't choose me, Wallingford will still be a great town.  I think that my background and common sense approach to government will be an asset to the town.  
7. Is not afraid to stand alone - Reasonable adults can disagree about a great many things.  I have stood alone on a number of issues on the Board, including the budget, excessive early dismissals, and school snack policy.  I would be no different on the Council.
8. Not interested in trends and fads -  We have major issues facing our town, including improvements to the water treatment plant, businesses leaving our town and a stagnant grand list.  These are the things we need to focus on.  There are plenty of minor issues that we can talk about, but they are often a distraction to real function of government.
9. Is forward thinking - I am always interested in what will not only serve us today, but will help us tomorrow.  After careful consideration, I supported the cost saving and education enhancing reconfiguration of the elementary schools.  
10. Is open minded -  I am a proud Republican, however, a good idea is a good idea.  We currently have outstanding Democrats on the Council and I would be happy to work with them on any issue for the betterment of the people of Wallingford.

I urge my fellow Wallingford voters to vote for Joe Marrone for Town Council this November.

Chris Shortell For Wallingford Town Council

One of my votes for Wallingford Town Council will be going to Republican candidate Chris Shortell. He is an energetic and established candidate who offers a variety of different and useful ideas.  He has done an excellent job in my opinion as a member of the Wallingford Board of Education.  He is a family man with two wonderful children.   

Some thoughts from his campaign information:

Fiscal restraint

We are stewards of the taxpayer’s money, and with that comes the responsibility to look for creative solutions and make tough decisions. On the BOE, I’m proud that we implemented Early Childhood Education programs--including Full Day Kindergarten and expanded Pre-School--for a fraction of the cost originally proposed a year ago.  We did this thanks to grant money and by shifting resources from other areas where class sizes had become too small. 

However, the harsh reality of municipal budgets is that personnel and benefit expenses make up the vast majority of the cost.  These expenses are contractually locked in for years at time due to collective bargaining agreements.  With the “Cadillac Tax” coming in 2018 thanks to the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”), we are going to need to work closely with the town’s unions to find equitable solutions to the rising costs of employee benefits. 

Preserving our town and its heritage

When I think of Wallingford’s heritage, I think of summer evenings spent on my grandparents’ porch on Hall Avenue, watching the trains and listening to stories about World War II. I think of visiting my mom in her classroom at Lyman Hall in the 70s and 80s, and how so many of her fellow teachers were like extended family for us (and still are).  I think of my dad and all of the great people who worked at Dime Savings Bank, the last “hometown” bank in town, and where I had the privilege to work for several summers.

As a Town Councilor, I can’t turn back the clock and bring the “old days” back!  But I can support initiatives that help preserve the best parts of Wallingford--from the improvements underway at our historic Center Street Cemetery, to the open space, funding the fireworks, to the Wallingford Public Library--we have many organizations and initiatives and events that help make our town special. 

As we look to the future, we know there are many challenges that face us:  growing our tax base, downtown development, and modernizing our employee benefit packages in advance of the Cadillac Tax, to name a few.  Robert Frost once wrote that “It is immodest of a man to think of himself as going down before the worst forces ever mobilized by God.”  He was rejecting society’s tendency to view the current challenges as insurmountable.  So many generations have worked and sacrificed to make our town the great place to live that it is today.  They overcame great challenges.  Now, it’s our turn to carry that work forward, and make it even better for our children, and theirs. 

I feel Chris Shortell would be an excellent candidate for Town Council.  I urge fellow Wallingford voters to vote for him in November.

Amanda Doerr For Wallingford Board Of Education

One of my votes for Wallingford Board of Education will be going to Republican candidate Amanda Doerr.  She is an energetic candidate wise beyond her youth who offers a variety of new ideas and thoughts to the Board of Education here in Wallingford.  I was truly impressed talking with her and giving me her thoughts and opinions on education and our youth today.  Her involvement in our community is wide reaching being on the Board of Directors of SCOW (Spanish Community of Wallingford) along with being a mentor and tutor for SCOW.  In my opinion she is a role model for the young people she is mentoring and is having a strong and positive influence on these young people.  She wishes to foster a creative, supportive atmosphere for our Wallingford youth to lay the foundation for present and future success.  For High School students she sees the need for experiential education to help them for the future.
I feel Amanda Doerr would be an excellent candidate for Board of Education and would contribute a great deal to Wallingford.   I urge fellow Wallingford voters to vote for her in November.

The New Face Of The Connecticut Democrats

Each year our political and economic climate changes.  Some years there seems to be more change than in other years.  Here in Connecticut I live in Wallingford, a fiscally conservative community that is efficiently run with low electric rates and low property taxes as compared to other communities in the state.  Wallingford is run by a strong Mayor/Town Council form of government that is governed by a majority of Republicans.
With the local elections coming up in several weeks we see a new face and new dynamic for the Connecticut Democrat Party.  If one is a registered Democrat here in Connecticut I am wondering if they will start to embrace even more this new face of their party.
For example their Governor will be forced over the next few weeks to hand over information/emails as to how they both justified and funded legally their "Pro-Malloy" mailing right before last year's election without any legal ruling by the Federal Election Commission.  The mailing in my opinion clearly violated the states clean-election laws that were passed back in 2004.  The information if it is actually given to the SEEC should be an informative read for taxpayers and voters.
Another example is how their State Legislature controlled by Democrats was able to circumvent the State Constitutional Spending Law and Cap by once again moving at will money off budget so it did not count to the already deficit ridden and bloated state budget.  No explanation was given by these Democrats.
Also we look at the actual Connecticut state budget process whereby $40 billion dollars in state spending passes with no debate on the last day of the legislative session through a sequestered dictate decreed by the Democrat Party in both the House and Senate.  Taxpayers and the Republican legislatures once again are left out of the actual debate of $40 billion dollars of spending.
Bridgeport is also another example of the new face and new dynamic of the Connecticut Democrat Party as I am to assume that the Governor's second chance program for felons and convicts is also embraced for former Mayors who were convicted felons to once again run for office.  The same office that the former Mayor pillaged for his personal gain and spent seven years in prison for.  The state's prisons could be a new area for the Connecticut Democrat Party to recruit new candidates from in the future especially for local and state offices.  I am wondering why many of the state's Connecticut Congressional delegation are not seeking photo opportunities and or embracing their new candidate in Bridgeport?
To me the new face of the Connecticut Democrat Party is a lot like the old face; corrupt, self serving, dictatorial and a total disrespect for rules and laws that govern us.  With Connecticut's local elections coming up I really wonder why we entrust our local governments to this type of political obedience and rule?  Maybe it is time for both the old and new faces of the Connecticut Republican Party to be embraced to lead Connecticut in 2016 and forward in the future to undo the many years of the false promises, lies and economic demise and decay that the many false faces of the Connecticut Democrat Party have enslaved us with for too many years now.

Connecticut Taxes-More, New, Higher-Change?

Connecticut taxes were in the news this past week as the State Tax Panel held an actual hearing on the current issues in the state's horrific and regressive tax structure on Wednesday September 16, 2015.  Testimony can be read at this website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/fin/taskforce.asp?TF=20140929_State%20Tax%20Panel
The testimony is interesting in its overwhelming support to actually reform Connecticut's bloated and progressive/regressive tax structure.  Connecticut is unique in its ways it taxes both its working citizens and businesses.  There are numerous and burdensome taxes that this state implements on so many different areas.  Many seem comical to those who live in other states.  Many businesses refuse to even have a remote location in Connecticut due to its business tax structure.  It is a mess and has been a mess since the Weicker/Cibes State Income Tax that was passed back in 1991 over the many objections of citizens and businesses.  One must remember that this income tax has proven time and time again in the past 24 years to help let Hartford's Omnipotent One Party Rule continue to raise spending and raise taxes on a yearly basis.  Nothing has changed.  The Connecticut Democrat Party has been in control of the House since that time.
The Weicker/Cibes State Income Tax and the Connecticut Democrat Party has continued since 1991 to eliminate any advantages to either relocating to Connecticut as a business or worker.  Random political corporate welfare schemes have come and gone over the past 24 years to help to contribute to Connecticut's $80 billion dollars in both short and long term unfunded liabilities.   This year's $40 billion dollar two year sequestered (no debate) budget is already causing budget deficits and cuts only to programs for those citizens who are most in need-not for example to the $660,000 plus in salaries being paid to two political heads of the State Board of Regents (the newest a true Malloy hack/soldier with no education experience).  It is a pathetic mess for both businesses and taxpayers in Connecticut.
There is a simple solution to this mess-I urge you to read the testimony that was given this week.  Connecticut needs to become a two party state again.  Connecticut needs to cut its bloated budget that allows unlimited highly paid political appointments along with massive benefits and pensions for its ruling elite.
It can also start this November by voting Republican in your local elections.  Just look at the Democrat mess in Bridgeport with a convicted felon leading the local slate.  Why do they want a man who almost ruined their city again? 
By starting the process of change in November 2015 we can bring about a beginning of change in Hartford in November 2016 when many of the long serving elite of the Connecticut Democrat Party can and will down in defeat due to their failed policies.  Then and only then can Connecticut come back to economic life and well being rather than being a sandbox of political nepotism, corruption and excessive taxation dictated by Hartford's Omnipotent One Party Rule, the Connecticut Democrat Party.

Are we not beyond the breaking point for Connecticut?

I am curious as to what the breaking point may be for Connecticut Businesses and Taxpayers? 

We have sat through a laughable five plus years of pure Connecticut Democrat Party rule in so many ways.  These debacles include massive tax increases, massive taxes, massive budget deficits, businesses moving out of state, taxpayers moving out of state, young graduates moving out of state, a poor transportation infrastructure, high workers compensation costs, high local property taxes, unfunded state mandates on cities and towns, one of the highest state employee pension and benefits system in the country, near last in most economic development categories, no debate on a $40 billion dollar spending package and budget, massive long term unfunded liabilities, etc. , etc.

To me the list is endless.  Connecticut has been brought to its knees by the illogical and irrational Connecticut Democrat Party rule.  Will it ever end?

The local elections here in Connecticut should and will be a referendum on the poor Connecticut Democrat Party rule we have had for many years now.  Look at Bridgeport.  Look at Hartford.  Look at New London.  It is comical to think that businesses, voters and taxpayers in these communities continue to accept any type of Democrat Party representation at all.  Why continue to vote for the failed economic policies of the Connecticut Democrat Party rule at a local level?  Why vote Democrat at all?  For higher taxes?  For higher deficits?  For more lawlessness?  Why?

I am curious as to what the breaking point may be for Connecticut Businesses and Taxpayers?  Are we not beyond the breaking point for Connecticut?

When Wrong Is Right-The Local Elections Are Here

Wrong is right in Connecticut.  Down is up and up is down.  A lie becomes truth when told over and over again.  From the Constitution State to the Corruption State.  A valueless political system along with a valueless economic system.  Taxpayers mistreated and abused.  Taxpayers lied to. 
Wrong is the new right in Connecticut.  A lie is the new truth in Connecticut.
The local elections are upon us.  In my opinion contrary to the lies of the Connecticut Democrat Party, the Connecticut economy is in horrific shape.  We see now on a daily basis an exodus of taxpayers and young people leaving the state on a daily basis.  We see now on an almost daily basis businesses leaving the state both small and large due to the high costs of taxes, transportation and doing business in Connecticut.  We see a non transparent and fraudulent state government in action, with violations of our constitution and rule of laws rampant.  We see Connecticut last in all so many economic categories.  We see Connecticut as a state that has developed into an economic windfall and personal bank for its elected and appointed state officials with high salaries, high pensions and never ending benefits that Connecticut taxpayers must support willingly and without questioning of our elected officials.
Wrong is right in Connecticut according to the Connecticut Democrat Party. 
The local elections are here. 
What really has the Connecticut Democrat Party done for you lately if you are not part of their well connected network of nepotism?
Are you better off since the Malloy regime began if you are not part of their well connected network of nepotism?
Are you paying less in taxes?
The local elections will be a referendum on the Connecticut Democrat Party.  The Connecticut Democrat Party continues to be out of touch with the economic reality of what is happening in this state.  The middle class who bears the brunt of oppressive and unyielding state taxes is being eliminated on a daily basis by the Connecticut Democrat Party. 
Do you really want to vote Democrat in this location election?  Or is time finally to start to rid our state beginning on a local level of the arrogance of the Connecticut Democrat Party and its lies that it claims is good government?
The choice is yours-continued economic strangulation with oppressive taxes or economic freedom?
Voters must make that critical choice this November.

$335,000 Buys Political Expediency

Political expediency is worth $335,000 for Connecticut Taxpayers.
Political expediency is worth $335,000 for Students who attend Connecticut Universities and Community Colleges.
Political expediency is worth $335,000 so that your Taxpayer funded pension can double overnight.
Political expediency is worth $335,000 so that tuition can increase yet again and make college more unaffordable for legal Connecticut residents who wish to attend.
The Malloy merger and creation of the Connecticut Board of Regents has been a costly and miserable failure for the state's Higher Education System since the state's dozen community colleges, four regional state universities and the Charter Oak online college merged into the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system three years ago.  So far it has had two presidents and two interim leaders that in my opinion have been unfit to lead this unneeded state bureaucracy.
Now former Malloy Chief of Staff Mark Ojakian gets the nod as political payback and has been named the new interim President of the Board of Regents for a mere $335,000 a year.  I wonder if he is going to be teaching any classes for that salary?  Guess how much his Taxpayer funded pension goes up to? 
As an Adjunct Professor in a state community college my first thought is that you have got to be kidding me?  And my second thought is that this mess of a department needs to be unfunded and eliminated immediately as a waste of taxpayers monies and an insult to the students of our system who are forced to pay constant tuition increases for what is beyond me.
But the Malloy machine and Hartford's Omnipotent One Party Rule knows no bounds.  Payback using taxpayers monies is never ending.  And yet again we have another example of horrific and poorly managed government in this Board of Regents.  Thank You once again Connecticut Democrats!

Death In Cuba Then Death In Connecticut

I guess that Americans are supposed to be happy about the new normalization of relations with Cuba.  Mr. Obama and Mr. Kerry conveniently forgot that over 77,000 people have died at sea trying to escape the bloody tyranny of the Castro Brothers.  They also choose to forget that Cuba has no freedoms nor any economy.  They also choose to forget that there is no religious freedom in Cuba.  They also choose to forget that "Up to December 15, 2008, 5,732 cases of execution, extrajudicial killings, and disappearances have been documented. In addition, 515 deaths in prison for medical negligence, suicide, or accident have been recorded." http://www.paulbogdanor.com/left/cuba/dictatorship.html  They also choose to forget that Castro seized American assets when he took over power, Castro should start paying back some of the 6,000 American property claims that have been made that value approximately $7 billion dollars.  https://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2014/04/18/cuba-you-owe-billion/jHAufRfQJ9Bx24TuzQyBNO/story.html   Mr.Obama and Mr. Kerry apparently have issues with their memories.   They also have issues in dealing with the Castro Brothers.  
I guess that Connecticut Taxpayers and Citizens are supposed to be happy that the death penalty does not apply to those on Connecticut's Death Row.  Here in Connecticut murderers never have to really worry about anything as they will be taken care of by Connecticut Taxpayers for the rest of their lives when they murder someone.  It can be a passive murder or a bloody gruesome murder and they will live as long as they want and are able to.  Connecticut Taxpayers must support them because the Liberal Connecticut Supreme Court has decided to rescind a signed piece of legal legislation to suit their liberal desires, interpretations and needs.  The Liberal Connecticut Supreme Court apparently creates their own laws any way they see fit.  Thus all Connecticut residents who abide by our laws need to wonder why they are no longer protected by our state government and legal system.  Victims here in Connecticut no longer have any more rights.  One also can assume that if a high ranking Connecticut Democrat Official family member was murdered in cold blood we would see how fast the death penalty would be embraced.  The Connecticut Democrat Party has issues in dealing with murderers here in our state. 
Death in Cuba.  Death in Connecticut.  Freedom seems fleeing in both Cuba and Connecticut in 2015.

Connecticut's Worsening Economy-Thank You Connecticut Democrats!

Connecticut's socialistic economy continues to worsen.  Taxpayers and residents continue their mass exodus from the state.  More negative economic news out of Hartford this week as the current budget deficit continues to grow looking at now a fast approaching $71 million dollar deficit.  One may wonder how we can have a budget deficit with almost $4 billion dollars in new taxes over the past four years and $80 billion dollars in long term unfunded liabilities? 
And especially when Mr. Malloy campaigned that we had no deficit and he was not going to raise taxes.
And especially when a $40 billion dollar budget was passed in June with no debate and no input from the minority party in the legislature.
And especially when Connecticut now ranks dead last in job formation according to new poll released this week by Gallup.  So much for the Connecticut Democrat lies that the economy had "turned the corner".
And especially when Connecticut is now the most expensive place to die in the country with the highest probate fees in the country along with taxes on your life insurance policies.
And especially when people are leaving Connecticut faster than any other state in the country.
And especially when Connecticut Democrats float a mileage tax for all state drivers only to pull it back when the outcry is massive twisting it that it is the Republicans fault for talking about it.
And especially when Mr. Malloy wants a $100 billion dollar transportation program that can not be rationally funded nor sustainable especially when no other state spends that amount of money for their transportation programs.  Ever drive on I95 in Long Wharf?  How many more years will that take to finish and at what costs?
On and on and on the Connecticut Democrat lie machine does not stop hurtling insults at the Republicans and at Connecticut taxpayers and citizens.  Nothing is their fault, the fault is always somewhere else.
The Connecticut Democrat Party and Hartford's Omnipotent One Party Rule owns the state economy and its implosion.  The hemorrhaging of deficit spending and Democrat political self interest and rule needs to end today if not sooner.

A Tale OF Two Cities

What community would you rather live in Wallingford or Bridgeport?
I know this may be an unfair question.
Wallingford is smaller than Bridgeport as Bridgeport has the largest population in Connecticut.
Wallingford has its own electric division providing residents and businesses low cost electricity.
Bridgeport does not.
Wallingford has a low tax rate.
Bridgeport does not.
Wallingford has an AAA Bond rating.
Bridgeport has an A2 Bond rating.
Wallingford has a Republican Mayor who has never been in front of any Board of Ethics hearings in 34 years.
Bridgeport had a Democrat Mayor (who is running again this year in a primary) who was convicted for racketeering, extortion, bribery and mail fraud, among other felonies, for his role in a six-year scheme to shake down city contractors for more than $500,000 in cash, meals, clothing, wine and home renovations in 2003 and served seven years in prison for it.
Wallingford has a strong Republican Mayor and Republican Town Council.
Bridgeport has a Democrat Mayor and Democrat Town Council.
Wallingford has a low crime rate.
Bridgeport  has a high crime rate.
What community would you rather live in Wallingford that is run by Republicans or Bridgeport that is run by Democrats?
I know this may be an unfair question.  But I find it shocking that in the state of Connecticut's largest community that their former convicted Mayor may be their choice for the Democrat nomination for Mayor.  The Bridgeport Republican candidate for Mayor is of Cuban descent, Councilman Enrique Torres who has run before for Mayor.  The Wallingford Democrats have elected not to run a candidate for Mayor in 2015.
One may view Wallingford as a efficiently run, vibrant and dynamic community in Connecticut.  Bridgeport obviously has many issues.  Maybe Connecticut Democrats at all levels of government could pick up a few pointers in how to run efficient, ethical and honest government from Mayor Dickinson and the Wallingford Republicans. 

Two More Long Years In Democrat Connecticut

We have two more long years coming up here in Connecticut under the omnipotent rule of the Connecticut Democrat party and their economically incoherent budget.  After one of most ridiculous legislative sessions in our state's history, that eliminated any minority representation in the budget process, Connecticut's taxpayers on the hook for even more taxes and less economic growth and economic freedom.  And to add insult to injury the omnipotent rule of the Connecticut Democrat party and their economically incoherent budget has still produced a deficit even with the second highest tax increase in the state's history.
It is going to be a long two more years until the state elections for a new General Assembly in November of 2016 under the omnipotent rule of the Connecticut Democrat party and their economically incoherent budget.  Connecticut is pretty much out of any more sources of new tax revenue besides taxing groceries (which I am sure will be considered soon) and continues to lose taxpayers, population and business at a raid rate.
Thus the omnipotent rule of the Connecticut Democrat party and their economically incoherent budget solution in 2015 has been to further erode and tear apart Connecticut's economic foundation by raising taxes and enacting many laws that inhibit economic freedoms in the state.   Taxpayers have been shut out of the budget process and are silenced by the omnipotent rule of the Connecticut Democrat party.  It is a sham of state government.
The omnipotent rule of the Connecticut Democrat party and their economically incoherent budget presents itself as an ultimatum to Connecticut's taxpayers-work for us-give us your tax money or get out.
And Connecticut still has a debt $80 billion dollars.
And Connecticut still has a unfunded pension crisis.
And over the next two years more and more Connecticut residents will be moving out.
And one day in the not to distant future the omnipotent rule of the Connecticut Democrat party will end as Connecticut becomes economically bankrupt.
All due to one party rule.

Saturday's Random Government Debt Thoughts

Government Debt seems to be in the news today.
It mostly negative economic news on government debt.
We could first look at Greece and their debt.  Greece has relied on bailouts for the past five years and is lax in their tax collections.  They also have few people working since many are fully retired at an early age.  They are around $320 Billion Euros in debt.  They are borrowing once again to keep their government operational.  Their banks have been closed for two weeks now.  Depositors do not have access to their money.  Greece has monumental debt problems.
We could then look at Puerto Rico.  Puerto Rico has many economic issues including the costs of shipping goods to the Island is expensive due to the 1920 Jones Act, an outdated obscure economically irrational law that forces all goods shipped to Puerto Rico to be shipped by an American ship.  Foreign ships that pass through the Caribbean can not drop off goods to the island on their way through due to this law.  Thus the costs of all goods is more expensive in Puerto Rico.  They are around $72 Billion Dollars in debt.  Public Corporations have around $25 Billions Dollars in debt also.  Many islanders are moving to the states.  Puerto Rico has monumental debt problems.
We could then look at Connecticut and their debt.  Connecticut according to a recent George Mason University Mercatus Center report ranked Connecticut 47th out of 50 states in fiscal health.  This means that Connecticut has and will have difficulty in paying both their short term and long term debts in the future.  One would not know this by the recent Democrat state budget that passed along with the announcement yesterday of $7 Million Dollars in pay raises for many state government managers.  Many Connecticut businesses and taxpayers are moving out of state.  Connecticut since is does not publish its debt can only be estimated.  I believe with the new budget Connecticut has about $70 to $80 Billion Dollars in both short term and long term debt and unfunded liabilities.  Connecticut has monumental debt problems.
Government Debt seems to be in the news today.
It mostly negative economic news on government debt.
Too bad our elected officials do not understand the economic consequences of its debt.  Too bad they are only worried about the spoils system they have created for the ruling elite.
Too bad for the taxpayers. 

239 Years Of Freedom July 4, 1776 - July 4, 2015

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated  Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton