Malloy's Brave New World

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Connecticut’s sometime Governor Dan Malloy manipulates his office well.  In his new re branding as an austerity minded, fiscal conservative Governor in his latest State of the State speech he energized the Republican party and got his Democrat party upset.  Apparently if taxpayers are to believe him they will see a dawn of fiscal conservatism never felt in the state before.  And only he as Governor given full fiscal power can address the massive budget deficits that seem to continue and that he has created since he has taken office.

Taxpayers may wondering some of the following thoughts:

Where were the Republicans during the last four years of budget negotiations-were they not allowed to negotiate by the Democrats?

Hasn’t all budget debate been cut off by the Democrats in both the House and Senate every year?

What happened to roughly $5 billion dollars of tax increases that Malloy has created, the same tax increases that were supposed to balance the budget?

What happened to GE?

Why does Connecticut continue to have a net migration out of the state each year since Malloy has taken office?

For some media members to declare that Malloy has taken changed the political dynamics in state is absurd.  Malloy and Hartford’s Omnipotent One Party Rule continue to care less about state taxpayers.  Their concern is to continue the political patronage system that allows them to reward member of the Democrat party in high paying positions with massive salaries, pensions and benefits.  Was there any mention of cutting Judges pensions of $100,000 a year?  Was there any mention of an across the board pay cut for all state commissioners?  Was there any talks of cutting back the massive amounts of bonding that takes place yearly for political pet projects?  Of course not.  But there will be cuts to those physically and mentally disabled because that can hurt the most and get the most political press.

Thus it is more of the same, I am sure after months of supposed negotiations nothing will happen, taxes will be raised and somehow the Republicans will continue to condemned as obstructionists by all even though they are the minority party who are not allowed to represent the people who voted them into office.

More of the same, Malloy is a political chameleon whose only concern is his political career and reward.  It is too late to change the debacle created by him and his party.

Connecticut's Budget Cuts-Make Them Hurt

Here it comes.  Hartford’s Omnipotent One Party Rule budget cuts.  The cuts are apparently going to hurt.  Hurt probably those that need the help the most.  And that is the way that the Connecticut Democrat Party looks at those budget cuts.

The budget cuts I am sure will protect those upper level salaried Managers/Commissioners and the benefits/pensions they will receive forever after they leave work.

All this after our Governor lied to get reelected and tell us that there was no budget deficit.  But Connecticut is entrapped with massive budget deficits and long-term debt.  Our elected officials can’t even agree upon the debt amount.  It is more of the lies of Hartford’s Omnipotent One Party Rule at work.

Wouldn’t it be helpful if all state Managers/Commissioners take a pay cut to show they have some “skin” in the game they profit from?  Or end the massive amount of political patronage jobs that roll on year in and year out?  Possibly not giving Judges full pensions after three years of work?  The list can be endless in cuts in the never-ending spoils system that our state government operates under.

But we know it will not happen under the Malloy regime. 

Budget cuts-make sure you hurt those that need the help the most.  Make your political point that the Connecticut Democrat Party is in charge and rules with an iron hand.  To me it is what Socialism is all about-Connecticut Democrats Socialism in 2016.

What Does Connecticut Do Now? Welcome To The New Connecticut.

What does Connecticut do now?
Population loss.
Excessive and high local and state taxes.
Budget deficits, low reserves and massive long term debt.
Years of one party rule.
Welcome to the new Connecticut.
Pretty much the same as the old Connecticut for the past twenty six years.
Since the Weicker Administrations State Income Tax,  the state budget, state spending, budget deficits, state taxes of all sorts, long term debt, state employee salaries, state employee benefits/pensions, state management salaries, state management benefits/pensions have grown dramatically with really no end in sight.  State government employment is a tool for political favors and political patronage.  If you are incompetent but are a Democrat you can be a State Commissioner.  If you have no experience in a particular field but are a Democrat you can have a high paying job in state government without any testing or experience.  Thus if you are a Connecticut Democrat and have political connections you are in.  It is simple as that.
It has contributed to the economic turmoil that continues in the state unabated.
It has contributed to the mass migration out of Connecticut.
Thus what does Connecticut do now?
If you are a Connecticut Democrat-nothing your reward is the current corrupted spoils system.
And really nothing can change that in the foreseeable future.
Connecticut Democrats continue to lie to taxpayers.  They can twist any situation to their political advantage with no ethics or morals involved.  The state media is worthless as it just puppets what the Connecticut Democrats want them to say.
What does Connecticut do now?
Welcome to the new Connecticut.

Good Bye Connecticut Business

Good bye Connecticut Business.
It was nice working for you.
It was nice that you paid some of the highest state and local taxes in the country while you were here.
It was nice that you employed a great number of Connecticut citizens.
It was nice that you kept your property up and well maintained.
It was nice that you helped support an excessively expensive workers compensation system while you were here.
It was nice that you paid some of the highest fuel taxes in the country trying to ship your goods while you were here.
It was nice that you supported many charitable organizations while you were here.
Good bye Connecticut Business.

Hello to the new Connecticut, a Connecticut clearly defined by class structure.
Hello to the remaining working middle class that pays some of the highest state and local taxes in the country to support the new Connecticut.
Hello to the continuous welfare ruling class now edging into fourth and fifth generation of governmental dependency.
Hello to the  public sector union ruling class with benefits and salaries not seen in the private sector and who dictate what taxpayers can and can not have.
Hello to the political elite ruling class that can dictate irrational policies, may lie to the taxpayers without any fear of reprisal and who dictate what taxpayers can and can not have.
Hello to the new Connecticut, a Connecticut clearly defined by class structure.

I think Connecticut is now clearly defined by class structure. 
The remaining working middle class are the new slaves and serfs to the new Connecticut ruling elite its public sector unions and a corrupt omnipotent one party rule in Hartford.  The borders of Connecticut have yet been sealed off but now will be taxed.  Escape may not be possible any more.
Good bye Connecticut it was nice knowing you.

Connecticut's Inefficient Department of Motor Vehicles-Time For A Change

Bridgeport State Senator Andres Ayala of Latin decent was appointed back in December 2014 as the new Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner.  Commissioner positions here in Connecticut are political appointments giving high paying and massive pension/benefit jobs to those who are part of an elite Democrat circle.  Dan Malloy was smart in this appointment as Ayala helped bring the vote to the Connecticut Democrat Machine so that Malloy was reelected and made Malloy look good by appointing his first "Latin" Commissioner.  Ayala refused an Administrative position in the DMV during Malloy's first term.  Malloy wanted also a "minority" DMV Commissioner as he desires to ram through legal drivers licenses for illegal Connecticut immigrants.  Ayala was a social-studies teacher who was the president of the Bridgeport City Council before winning three terms in the House and two in the Senate before this position.  I see nothing in his resume that shows he has experience in managing a motor vehicles facility of any sort.
In an effort to "modernize" the DMV with taxpayers monies the DMV shut down for a week August 11 to install a new computer system that will allow residents to conduct more business online, however when the department reopened August 15, customers encountered long lines at all 19 DMV locations, including wait times as long as five to seven hours and in some cases even longer.  The private company doing the upgrade messed up the DMV website by registering the wrong domain name which also helped the chaos.  The mess continues today as now cars that have been legally registered were thrown out of the system as their property tax bill was not paid in one installment, thus causing legally Connecticut registered vehicles to have their registrations wrongly revoked.  Also if you changed your auto insurance company, your registration was also invalidated and thus you had to prove to DMV you had insurance (even though you did and this was never an issue in the past except now with this new system).  The mess seems never ending for law abiding Connecticut drivers.
This upgrade cost taxpayers $26 million dollars and was developed by 3M Corporation.  It has been in use in several other states.  However there are massive issues in Kansas.  Major problems that have been apparently overlooked by the DMV.    "Kansas has still not completed its modernization six years after purchasing the 3M software. A state audit says the system was beset with incomplete data, disconnections, and speed issues in the months following the introduction of the new registration system." http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/troubleshooters/Department-of-Motor-Vehicles-DMV-Troubleshooters-3M-Software-Upgrade-322199612.html
Republican Deputy Minority Leader State Senator Toni Boucher summed up the monumental issues of this DMV debacle:
"After 5 months of failures at the CT DMV Governor Malloy has finally acknowledged that there is a problem.
So far as the CT DMV has tried to implement their new $25 million computer system…

• Wait times tripled
• It takes 3 months to schedule a driver’s test.
• Cars are getting unregistered due to backlog.
• Cars are getting unregistered due to tax communication errors.
• Vehicles are held hostage for fees due to errors.
• Private insurance agents are being blamed for DMV failures.
• The CT DMV predicts more issues with re-registering vehicles that have been unregistered for a period of time.
• Hours and sometimes days of residents time is being wasted to fix these issues

The majority party has just now agreed that an investigation of the CT DMV should take place and they have joined me and other Republican legislators in calling for an audit of the CT DMV. However, I will continue to work to ensure the audit focuses on the implementation of this software and of the 3M Company that has failed before.
It is inconceivable that the CT DMV did not perform due diligence in vetting this vendor that oversaw a massive failure in overhauling the Kansas DMV. A review of the previous projects this company had performed should have been done prior to selection and implementation of their program, not after they may have caused so many problems for Connecticut residents. Seeing how many issues the State of Kansas faced in contracting with this firm, what had changed that CT DMV felt it prudent to enter into a contract with them."

http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2016/01/slowing-the-descent-down-the-rabbit-hole-at-ct-dmv/#.VpEM-VIoenc

In my opinion the DMV Commissioner needs to resign.  In private industry he would have been fired by now for not developing any type of solutions to these irrational and time consuming problems that have been created by this waste of $26 million of dollars of taxpayers monies for this new and unproven computer system.  Connecticut really needs a change from the same old tired political patronage system that continues to bring the state to its knees economically.  The Connecticut Democrat Party is the economic cancer that has stripped the state of its economic vibrancy.  These issues with the DMV should never have occurred with proper planning and research on new computer systems.  I wonder how much was donated politically for the contract to be accepted and what was the actual bidding process for it?  That information I can not find.
Oh well what is $26 million dollars of taxpayer's monies anyways. when you are a Connecticut Democrat.

What Will 2016 Bring?

I do not know, what will 2016 bring?
We have many economic and political issues that are troubling on both a state and national level.
We have massive amounts of unfunded long term debt in the State of Connecticut-anywhere from $60 to $80 billion dollars.  What is the plan to pay it off?
We have massive amounts of unfunded long term debt at the Federal level-anywhere from $19 to $50 trillion dollars.  What is the plan to pay it off?
We have a crisis in leadership at both in Hartford and Washington.  What are our elected leaders priorities?  In Connecticut, Hartford's Omnipotent One Party Rule seems to be focused on eliminating the working middle class through massive taxes and economic stagnation.  In Washington our current President has embarked on ramming down the throats of Americans a failing socialistic nightmare of ineffective and unwarranted federal laws and mandated programs that eliminate personal freedoms, increase the debt and further slam the working middle class into economic oblivion.  His foreign policy is incoherent and in my opinion has placed us on the verge of World War III due to its eight year apology tour of rhetoric and lies.
Are we better off than in 2008?  Are we better off than in 2010?  Are we better off than in 2012?  Are we better off than in 2014?  This has been a brutal eight years for those citizens of our state and nation who work for a living and pay taxes.  Can we survive in 2016?
I do not know, what will 2016 bring?  Up to this November more of the same - more lies, more taxes, more incoherent and costly federal and state laws, more slamming of the working middle class, more supposedly legal political donations in the hands of the ruling political elite.  More, more, more.
I do not know, what will 2016 bring?
Happy New Year from Swick Speak.

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!