Yet Another Bad Week For Connecticut Taxpayers

It was yet another bad week for Connecticut Taxpayers.
It seems like every week is another bad week for Connecticut Taxpayers.
This week we learn that the state paid a Connecticut Democrat Party donor a mere $5.5 million dollars for his property in 2018 only to sell it for $1.7 million dollars recently.  Connecticut Taxpayers must lose $3.8 million dollars in this unethical deal.  The silence is deafening by the Omnipotent Connecticut Democrat Party on this transaction.
Connecticut Taxpayers are no closer to finding out where the supposed $500 million dollars in savings is supposed to coming from to help balance the already unbalanced state budget.  When are going to get this information?
Connecticut Taxpayers are being force fed daily the greatness of tolls.  Even though we find out this week by the Yankee Institute that the Special Transportation fund has been raided numerous times for hundreds of millions of dollars by the Connecticut Democrat Party.  Money that in my opinion would more than offset the supposed need for tolls in the state.  If Governor Lamont and his "experts" became much more efficient in their spending of Connecticut Taxpayers monies there would be much more cash to fix our roads and bridges.  However all the Connecticut Democrat Party knows how to do is to tax more new items and services and to increase taxes.
Connecticut Taxpayers now get to pay sales tax on parking in municipal parking lots.  Even though these lots are maintained by Connecticut Taxpayers and local taxpayers.
Connecticut Taxpayers continue to see a massive outflow of taxpayers in the state thus lowering tax revenues.  The facts of this constant net migration of population out of the state seems to be constantly ignored by the Connecticut Democrat Party.
Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in an economically irrational manner.  Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in an unethical manner.   Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government responds to its ruling political elite only. And Connecticut Taxpayers continue to be searching for the reasons why Connecticut's state government acts in a way that shows total disrespect for them on a daily basis.
The battle lines are drawn for the upcoming election in November in a state spiraling out of control economically.  I just wonder how many more bad weeks in a row can Connecticut Taxpayers survive.

You Say You Want A Connecticut Tax

You say you want a Connecticut Revolution
Well you know,
We all want to change Connecticut.
You tell me that it is taxation
Well you know,
We all want to change Connecticut.

But when you talk about economic destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out 

I really don't think it's gonna be
All right, all right, you still tax and spend.

You say you got an economic solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan but its always tax and spend.
You ask me to pay more taxes and tolls.
Well, you know
We can't pay any more.

But if you want money for your political nepotism
All I can tell is Governor Lamont you have to wait.

I really don't think it's gonna be
All right, all right, you still tax and spend.

You say you disregard the state constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your blatant disregard for Connecticut Taxpayers.
You tell me it's the taxes and tolls
Well, you know
You better think twice before you vote for tolls

Cause you will lose at the polls.

But if you go carrying signs of Pro Tolls
You ain't going to make it with Connecticut Taxpayers anyhow.

I really don't think it's gonna be
All right, all right, you still tax and spend

All right, all right, you still tax and spend

All right, all right, you still tax and spend

All right, all right, you still tax and spend.

I guess the Beatles were right-history repeats itself.   The Connecticut Democrat Party repeats the same failed economic policies year in and year out since the dawning of the State Income Tax.  Economic failures over and over again.  New and higher taxes over and over again.  The same economic problems over and over again 30 years and counting.
I really don't think it's gonna be all right.

Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!

Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
Now get to work and pay your increased and new taxes of all shapes and sizes in the land of omnipotent one party Democrat rule Connecticut.
2020 is starting off like most of the past thirty years here in Connecticut with budget deficits, massive unfunded liabilities, massive short and long term debt, high taxes, a net migration of population moving out of the state, high business taxes, and one of poorest business climates in the country.
Connecticut continues to lag from the rest of the country in all things economy wise.  And the economic debacle that continues in 2020 is the platform that the Connecticut Democrat Party will be running on for the General Assembly in 2020.  A platform of more and higher taxes, tolls, and move out of the state if you don't like it. 
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
The state has again many economic issues to try to confront in the new decade.
How is the state going to pay for the $100 billion dollars in unfunded liabilities for state pensions and benefits?
How is the state going to pay for the $40 billion dollars in short and long term debt it has created?
Why is the 20% of the state budget going for salaries, benefits and pensions for roughly a half of per cent of the population?
What is the state doing to try to attract new businesses that provide jobs and pay taxes besides failed corporate welfare programs that Connecticut Taxpayers must pay for?
What is the state doing to find the $500 million dollars in savings that it was supposed to have in the current budget?  There has been no discussion on this whatsoever?
What happened to the programs that have been moved off the state budget?  How are they being funded and why were they hidden?
What causes more people to move out of our state every year?  Why does anyone want to move into Connecticut?  High taxes?  Poor job prospects?
Happy New Year Connecticut Taxpayers!
What is the real plan to save Connecticut from economic ruin is the question every legal Connecticut Taxpayer should be asking its State Representatives and State Senators.  Why are they doing to turn the state around if anything?
We have serious economic problems in 2020 here in Connecticut and they really need some answers by our highly paid state officials.  In one of the greatest economic expansions in our nation's history it is pathetic to see how bad our state economy is.  And the remaining legal Connecticut Voters and Taxpayers need their voices to be finally heard on November 3, 2020.  

Connecticut's Newest Gasoline Tax:Coming Soon

Connecticut's Liberal Democrat Party are hoping for yet more destruction of the state economy by imposing a new regional gasoline tax to combat supposed climate change in the state.  The Yankee Institute reported this week that a regional cap and trade system for gasoline distribution initiated by the little known Transportation and Climate Initiative would force gasoline distributors to purchase carbon allowances in an auction type format and that money (less expenses?) would be used to invest more into failed mass transit systems, failed electric vehicles, etc.  All in the name of supposed climate change.  This proposal was developed through the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative who is funded by some of the following groups:the Barr Foundation, Energy Foundation, Hewlett Foundation,  John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, John Merck Fund, New York Community Trust, Town Creek Foundation, and its core funder, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. 
I did not realize that as a Connecticut Taxpayer and legal citizen that I am now subjected to forced mandates by this group and do not have a say whatsoever in this new policy.  I personally thought that Connecticut still had legally elected State Representatives and Senators that voted on bills that were legally signed into law by the Governor as per our state constitution.  I do not remember when we ceded our energy taxes and policies to the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative?  However in 2010 then Governor Dan Malloy agreed in principal to these plans.  Governor Lamont apparently has the ability to decree this as law without a vote. 
And how will this new founded windfall of cash be distributed?  Who gets what?  Who decides the Georgetown Climate Center in conjunction with the Transportation and Climate Initiative? 
I personally have never seen a more ridiculous plan trying to be implemented in Connecticut.  And what is the actual tax?  Reports are estimating 12 to 14 cents a gallon currently.  Is there a limit to this tax?  How does the tax get collected?  Can the tax be diverted in Connecticut like all other gasoline and diesel taxes and lumped into the state's general fund? 
If we look at the state's failure with its "Green Bank" which taxes Connecticut consumers electric bills helping the state have the highest electric rates in the country through a similar carbon tax-why do we now need this new carbon tax?  And this fund has been raided by the Connecticut Democrat Party to pay for budget deficits and not "clean air".
Once again legal Connecticut Taxpayers and consumers are being led down the road to economic oblivion with this new gasoline tax.  By the way Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has rejected the Transportation and Climate Initiative four days ago for his state and will participate in it. 
It is too bad the free markets are not allowed to come up with their own solutions for this supposed liberal problem.  It is too bad the Connecticut Democrat Party continues to ruin Connecticut economically.

Governor Lamont-Connecticut's Can't Governor

Ned Lamont supposedly won the Connecticut Governor's race back in 2018.  He helped the Connecticut Democrat Party by spending a huge amount of his money to help buy his way into office thus preserving the Connecticut Democrat Party's monies to help them buy their way into other state offices and races.
Although Ned Lamont had some political experience being a former Greenwich selectman and losing several races on both a state and federal level, he seems lost as Governor.  He can't really do anything for the betterment of the state and its taxpayers.  He apparently has surrounded himself with ineffective aides and commissioners along with flipping his positions numerous times on issues especially tolls.  A grassroots organization called No Tolls Connecticut has taken down the Governor on the tolls issue showing the public that one can fight and win over Connecticut state government economic stupidity and nepotism.  Lamont has catered to his liberal base while energizing moderate and conservative taxpayers to fight his ridiculous policies and ideas.
The can't Governor also does not realize the folly that Connecticut has become as far its catering to its superior political elite and ruling class.  The recent reports that the state has $125 billion dollars in unfunded pension and pension benefits liabilities earned a collective yawn from the Connecticut Democrat Party and Lamont.  The state now has depending on how one researches it (since it is very secretive information) roughly $160 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities including pensions.  The can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party have not offered one bit of information as to where they are developing the $500 million dollars in budget savings that was included in this past partisan budget for the state.  One could argue clearly that both revenue and savings estimates are no where near where they should be thus the state will once again have a massive budget deficit in January.  Oh well the can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party will once again shrug it off and demand more taxes, tolls, etc. to balance the always unbalanced state budget.
I personally believe Connecticut voters and taxpayers are having the great awakening to the can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party.  They are seeing the folly of their inability to lead and govern.  They are seeing what a grassroots organization like No Tolls Connecticut is having on our elected officials.  They are seeing the daily lies being force fed to them by a biased state media.  And they are seeing people flee the state on a daily basis moving to lower taxed along with more personal freedom states such as Florida and Tennessee.
The can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party is starting to lose their ruthless grip on the state.  The tide has turned.  Years of economic inefficiencies along with a failed state command economy coupled with political corruption and nepotism has brought the state to its knees.
The Connecticut Taxpayer can't really take any more of our can't Governor and the Connecticut Democrat Party.

Connecticut The State That Can't

Connecticut to me does not seem to be the Constitution State any more with years of omnipotent one party rule.
Connecticut has turned into the Can't state.
It can't seem to cut state spending it can only only increase state spending.
It can't seem to cut state taxes it can only increase and create new taxes.
It can't seem to understand and utilize a lock box for transportation projects only lobby for tolls.
It can't seem to understand that the majority of those people who drive in Connecticut do not want tolls.  No tolls must be constantly communicated to the Connecticut Democrat Party on a daily basis.
It can't seem to understand that withholding municipal aid to towns for snow removal because there are no toils in the state is both illegal and violates its own statutory budget it signed into law.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut has still not recovered from the recession of 2007-08. 
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut continues to lose high paying jobs since our taxes are so high.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut continues to lose business and industry since our taxes are so high. 
It can't seem to understand that constitutional amendment to have a balanced budget it what that means not chronic budget deficits. 
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut has in excess of $160 billion dollars in short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities and pension liabilities.  There is no plan whatsoever to address this.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut government has no transparency.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's State Treasurer is violating his office and breaking the law by divesting state investments from gun companies to make a political stand.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's legal system has no transparency any more.  Legal Connecticut citizens have little protection when their rights have been violated and or have been stolen from.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut government works only for a ruling political elite with pay for play in full display from the amount of corporate welfare that is given to certain businesses with ties to the Connecticut Democrat Party. 
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut is last in most economic categories in the country.
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut is in poor economic and fiscal shape. 
It can't seem to understand that Connecticut's supposed leaders have failed miserably in providing any leadership whatsoever in dealing with the massive economic problems the state has.
Connecticut has turned into the Can't state.  It Can't really do anything except protect its political ruling class and nurture the constant failure of its command state economy. 
When will this economic madness end in Connecticut?

Connecticut's Constant Pension Crisis

Connecticut has had a constant crisis when it comes to trying fund its overly generous pensions to state and local management and union workers along with teachers and judges.  A recent report by Pro Bono Public Pensions and written about by the Yankee Institute (https://yankeeinstitute.org/2019/11/21/connecticut-state-and-local-unfunded-retirement-obligations-top-124-billion/ ) that was issued this week stated that Connecticut has a $99.5 billion dollar unfunded pension liability and other post-employment benefits along with $22 billion dollars that is owned by Connecticut's municipalities for the same areas. These pension obligations are for 99,594 active and retired state employees and 87,952 active and retired teachers according to the state while also by law the state  has to maintain pension funds for approximately 17,000 municipal employees and 493 judges, family support magistrates and compensation commissioners.
If you do the math 205,039 past and present state and municipal employees will cost Connecticut Taxpayers approximately $125,000,000,000 in present and future tax dollars since the individuals getting the pensions and retirement benefits contribute very little to their plans.  Thus the massive under funding of the plans.  Connecticut has a total population of roughly 3,573,000 as of 2018.  Thus almost 20% of the state budget now goes for salaries, benefits and pensions for roughly a half of per cent of the population.  This unfunded liability represents almost seven complete state budgets or in other words if the state just spent every dollar from its budget on nothing else but these liabilities it would take roughly 14 years for this obligation to paid off (this also does not take into economic account all of the other state debt and bonds it has which is roughly another $40 billion dollars).
Putting it is even more simpler terms each citizen of the state would owe about $55,000 to the state for their share of this debt plus the other debts and liabilities the state owes.  The Connecticut Democrat Party could easily pass a new unfunded liability tax on each Connecticut Taxpayer based on income while exempting their own political ruling class to help pay for this short fall. 
Connecticut's pension crisis is a real economic crisis.  It has been pushed aside for years.
As a Connecticut Taxpayer I wonder along with many others what is the justification for these high state management, union, judges and teachers salaries, benefits and pensions?  I see many political appointments to these jobs when a Democrat candidate loses an election and or "retires" from public office (think of Ben Barnes).  Are they bettering the state?  I really can't see it since Connecticut is now roughly $140 billion dollars in debt and last or nearly last in the country in most economic and business categories while in the top five states for highest taxes in the country.  I will assume that this is what these 205,039 past and present state and municipal employees have helped to develop and nurture over the years-what amounts to being a toxic economy.
What is the solution?  Obviously the Connecticut Democrat Party along their media cheerleaders believe higher taxes in any and all forms will resolve this problem.  But it hasn't and will not in the future.  The current situation is economically unsustainable while Connecticut still has yet to recover completely from the 2008 recession. 
Something is radically wrong with this system of salaries, benefits and pensions.  It is unfair to the remaining legal Connecticut Taxpayers who are serfs in this Connecticut Democrat Party serfdom. 
We should not have to live and work in these economic conditions.  Fix the system seems always to fall on deaf ears.  How about solving it today? 

Connecticut's Constant Tax Crisis-No Tolls

The Connecticut Democrat Party seems to be besides themselves in always trying to raise taxes and to protect their ruling elite in Hartford.
Their new toll tax manufactured crisis is yet another example of a crisis to help create new toll taxes and yet more prevailing wage and excessive cost construction jobs for the state unions.
Some Democrat Senators are truly concerned now for their campaigns and seats next November since a majority of legal Connecticut Taxpayers are against tolls and will vote them out of office.  In my opinion they should be voted out of office anyways since they have done nothing for our state other than create an economic nightmare and constant recession.
We do not need a toll tax.  The monies will not go to repairing bridges and roads.  There will be constant cost overruns to these tolls.  The costs of administering tolls to the state will be enormous.
We do not need tolls.  We need a functional unbiased financial analysis of what roads and bridges need to be repaired and how much will it cost.  We need a competitive bid process for these same projects not a group of Connecticut Democrat Party donors and or lobbyists getting the work.  We need a definitive time table as to when it will be completed.  We need the original transportation funds and gas taxes that were earmarked for these repairs to go back into the DOT budget and be used as such.  We need a full forensic audit of the DOT and its spending.  We need answers as to why our roads and bridges are in such a state of disrepair.
We can compare these possible new tolls taxes with the complete failures of the ten cent a bag plastic bag tax, the $12 per homeowners insurance tax for crumbling foundations, the dry cleaners surcharge tax and the upcoming sales tax on dry cleaning effective 1/1/2020, the $2 tax per tire for tire disposal when buying new tires, the secret roughly 25 cents per gallon gross earnings tax on each gallon of gasoline you buy, the $250 tax on all LLC's in the state to file a three line form with the Secretary of State's office, etc., etc.  The list of these taxes is really endless.  Toll taxes will be no different.  And I am confident they will do little to improve our road and bridge system.  And I am confident Connecticut's $100 billion dollars in long and short term debt along with unfunded liabilities will only grow even more in the near future.
It is time for Connecticut's ruling political elite to come up with a much different plan to provide Connecticut drivers a efficient, functional and safe road system with the monies they already have.  The Connecticut Republican Party's new plan is a start.  Connecticut Taxpayers need to be respected by Connecticut Democrat Party and its cronies.
No Tolls.  No they will not work.  Our ruling elite need to figure out a new plan that does not include new taxes or tolls.  They need to do it today.
No Tolls

Tolls Are Taxes

I wonder what part of No Tolls doesn't Ned Lamont or the Connecticut Democrat Party understand?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean new taxes for Connecticut drivers, taxpayers and businesses?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean new higher transportation costs that will be passed on to all in our state economy thus increasing the cost of living?
I wonder what part of new tolls does not mean more Connecticut bureaucracy and high costs to run the already failed program?
I wonder why there is going to be a toll on a part of Interstate 684 that is not even in Connecticut?
I wonder how many drivers will use non toll roads in order to avoid these tolls?
I wonder how fast will toll revenues decline from their projections?
I wonder how many out-of-state drivers will ignore the toll notifications they will get from the State of Connecticut and not pay the toll?
I wonder how quickly the temporary tolls will increase in costs and become permanent?
I wonder also how quickly the toll money gets diverted to the State's General Fund to pay for state union and management salaries, benefits and pensions?
I wonder how long will it take to actually repair the major road and bridge projects that are being proposed to be fixed by the Governor? 
I wonder how many cost overruns will occur when these projects are being worked on?
I wonder how much more money has to be spent because these repairs can only be done by unions with no competitive bidding and with a forced prevailing wage rate being paid?
I wonder what Democrat political appointee will run this already failing toll program?
I wonder how much he or she will be paid also and why such an excessive amount of salary?
I wonder why Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Democrat Party have such a dislike and disrespect for the Connecticut Taxpayer especially since there is such a great opposition to tolls?
The Connecticut Democrat Party will once again damage the state economy with their new toll tax.
And for those members of the Connecticut Democrat Party who vote for tolls, they will lose at the polls in November.
NO TOLLS.  

Connecticut's New Temporary Tolls Are Just New Taxes

What is a temporary toll?  Here in Connecticut with a majority of drivers and businesses in  opposition to tolls, 14 "temporary" tolls are now being introduced by our leaderless Governor Ned Lamont.  The tolls are supposedly "temporary" in nature if one can understand the new complex program for approximately 20 years or until the time the state can pay back the Federal Transportation Administration for money borrowed to fix our failed highway, road and bridge system while making Metro North 15 minutes faster on some routes for their commuters. The state is going to borrow against future revenue streams claiming that there is no money as usual to pay for road repair.
That is what a "temporary" toll is going to look like in Connecticut.  The tolls will be placed on most bridges making it close to impossible to avoid.  Thus the Connecticut Democrat Party will have the best of all worlds with these new "temporary" tolls.  The Connecticut Democrat Party gets a new tax in the form of a toll, gets to continue to divert road and highway funds to pay for state union and management salaries, benefits and pensions, and again like the state income make a "temporary" tax into a permanent one.  The Connecticut Democrat Party economic reasoning defies any type of economic logic as these new toll taxes will only further the economic decline of the state.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut as drivers must find this money from their personal budgets in order to drive to work daily.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut as all deliveries will cost more and those increased costs of delivery for food, fuel and all essential goods and services get passed on to consumers in higher prices.
New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut while not guaranteeing any roads or highways get repaired in the long run since there will not be enough money in the future since toll revenues will not meet estimates.  Thus tolls will have to go up as usual to meet these inflated estimates.  I am also confident that most of the repair work will have no bids involved and thus the costs to repair will be astronomical.
Governor Lamont took the easy way out and has offered an unrealistic solution to fix our state's road and highway problems.  New toll taxes will increase the cost of living in Connecticut.  The Connecticut Democrat Party gets what they want in new taxes so they can continue to tax and spend Connecticut into economic oblivion.
And once again legal Connecticut Taxpayers are ignored and shunned by our inept one party rule state government.
No Tolls.

Wallingford's Vote On Tuesday November 5th

Wallingford is a well run and strong town and community.  It has low taxes, low electric rates, AAA bond ratings, a superior school system, a safe community to live and prosper in, an ethical and 
non-egotistical Mayor, a dynamic Town Council and Board of Education that govern effectively, and an incredible 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.  There is no play to pay in our community nor lack of services. To many others and me it shows by how dynamic and strong Wallingford is in 2019.   It continues to be a model community in our poorly run Democrat led state.
The Republican ticket led by Mayor Dickinson deserve your vote on Tuesday November 5th.   Your vote will keep Wallingford moving forward and growing for the future.

Wallingford's Strong Republican Leadership-Mayor William Dickinson

As we all know Election Day is almost upon us.  On Tuesday, November 5th, legal 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 vital 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 10 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 again hear a tale of two cities, one that is horribly run with massive taxes, high costs,  a lack of technology and a path to economic oblivion.  And then the economic reality of 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.  I see a familiar pattern each election here in town.  The Democrat contender paints the town as a backwards and illiterate community with pay to play schemes, etc., with only his new tax and spend policies bring the town into the 21st century.  I do not know what town he lives in but it can not be Wallingford.

We have strong Republican leaders who place Wallingford's interest over their political ego on the Board of Education, Town Council, 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, 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.  Wallingford's Republican leadership has been a dynamic force in keeping Wallingford moving forward economically and growing.

Wallingford's Republican leadership should become a model for our state.  It is not however the template that our state government uses. It is far from it.

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 increases our spending.  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. 

On November 5th 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.  We see a well-run town due to Wallingford's Republican leadership.  They deserve to continue to run Wallingford for the next two years.  Vote Republican on November 5th.

Tom Laffin For Wallingford Town Council

Wallingford Town Council Republican 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.  His knowledge on issues and his ability to communicate his thoughts to the public will impress all sides of a problem or discussion. He has a desire to serve our town. He is dedicated to his public service to our town and has done an excellent job in his efforts. He is an active member in our community.  

From his campaign literature and website: tomlaffin.com
Public safety has always and will always remain a priority for me in town and I am extremely grateful for the dedication and hard work that our safety and emergency authorities provide.
I worked with Councilor Shortell to add additional police officers to the force in 2017. While we were not successful, it was something that CHANGED in the following two budgets.  The mayor and the council requested and approved the addition of 2 officers each budget year since.
I have continuously supported the requests of our of safety services departments, whether it be for special radio and computer upgrades or bid waivers on fire trucks and specifications necessary to get the job done.

Keep the taxes low.  Wallingford’s taxes are the lowest in the area.  Our millrate is lower than any of the area towns.

I will continue to vote only for fiscally responsible budgets.  I’m sorry that sometimes includes a small tax increase, but in order to have the things we as a community need or would like, those are the choices we have to make.  In order to manage our money responsibly, it is necessary. We cannot manage increased costs in staffing, education, and state mandates, while looking to grow areas of our town for recreation and services for nothing.  The town has been incredibly well managed for the past 30+ plus years so we are fortunate to be able to build off a solid foundation. 

To the those looking to score political points with claiming we can have 0% tax increases by spending down our “rainy day fund” (which is political buzz for a savings account that has money allocated for various projects and purposes) - even with our tax increases that account was spent down approximately $3 million dollars over the past two years.  Cleary, as I stated, your plan was not possible without wrecking our strong fiscal standing.

I have been a consistent defender of the Wallingford taxpayer.  I have fought to cut frivolous budget lines, protecting necessary and carefully considered spending priorities and I will continue to do so.

I have been a consistent supporter of environmental priorities in town, including: the procurement and maintenance of open space, and the expansion of the Quinnipiac Linear Trail into Yalesville. These resources help maintain our community's small town feel and charm.

I am proud of Wallingford's partnerships with various venues and programs which enhance the lives of Wallingford residents.  Through both the private and public sectors, including the Oakdale Theatre, SCOW, Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, and the Choate Paul Mellon Arts Center, the community comes together to participate in and enjoy what these organizations have to offer. 

Tom Laffin has a professional approach to being the Vice Chairman of the Wallingford Town Council.  His leadership is critical and essential to the well being of Wallingford in 2019 and beyond.  On November 5th I urge Wallingford Voters to re elect Tom Laffin.

Joe Marrone For Wallingford Town Council

I am using one of my votes on November 5th to reelect Joe Marrone to the Town Council.  Mr. Marrone has done an excellent job in my opinion as a member of the Town Council with logical explanations and analysis of the issues that come before the council.  He shows dynamic leadership qualities in his actions looking at all sides of an issue and not rushing into quick decisions. This allows him in my opinion to make valid and effective votes on all topics.  He is the Chairperson of the Council Merit Review Committee.   
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.  He is very active in the town with his sons and community organizations such as Scouting.  He was born and raised in Wallingford attending public schools graduating from Sheehan High School.  His active role in the town and with his children gives him an exceptional view of the issues and events that impact Wallingford residents lives.  He understands the problems residents face and works to find answers and solutions to keep Wallingford a well run and economically efficient town.
His website is joemarrone.com
I urge my fellow Wallingford Voters to reelect Joe to the Town Council.  Vote for him on Tuesday November 5th.

Wallingford Republicans For Board of Education

Wallingford is a great town and community.  It has a strong sense of fiscal responsibility and of self government.  It has an excellent school system that has been helped over the past with a Republican majority on its Board of Education.  The election in 2019 is no different with six strong Republican candidates running for the Board.  They include: incumbents  Erin Corso, Karen Hlavac, Tammy Raccio and Ray Ross.  This year we also have newcomers Autumn Allison and recent Sheehan High School Graduate Rajan Doering running for seats.  The Republican candidates believe in fiscal responsibility and getting the most out of the Board of Education budget.  Education is crucial for any community and Wallingford's school system is one of the best in the state.  I urge my fellow Wallingford voters to elect a Republican majority for the board by voting for these six excellent candidates on November 5th. 

Vincent Cervoni For Wallingford Town Council

Mr. Cervoni is the Chairman of the Wallingford Town Council. He is now a fifth term councilor serving three terms as Chairman.  In his second term he served as Vice-Chairman.  He in my opinion runs a balanced town council meeting to obtain information on both sides of an issue.  He runs the meetings in an efficient and effective manner.   He again will get my vote for Town Council.  
You can also read about hi and his platform at www.vincentcervoni.com

Through his negotiations for four straight years he has organized enough private donations to fund the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration in town.

He has worked to help maintain low taxes and maintain good services in exchange for the taxpayer's dollar, while achieving and maintaining an Aaa bond rating. This gives the Town the ability bond at the lowest available interest rates and to refinance bonds as interest rates decrease. 

Wallingford has maintained 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.  Cervoni has supported the Board of Education and their leaders in their work as Councilor.

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 the residential tax burden.  A great incentive for a business or family to move to Wallingford is our low electric rates.

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.  

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 is dedicated to Wallingford and making it even better than it is today.  He deserves to be reelected this November.  I urge you to vote for him in November.

Christina Tatta for Wallingford Town Council

Another one of my votes for Wallingford Town Council will be going to Republican Christina Tatta in November.  This is the first time she is running for Town Council however she has been very active in Wallingford.  I had the pleasure of serving with Christina on the Wallingford Charter Revision Commission in 2016-17.  She served as Vice Chairperson for that commission and I found her very articulate and prepared in those two years that we served.  She also was an Alternate and then became a Full Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.  The ZBA can sometimes be a difficult commission to serve on due to the nature of the appeals.  In seeing Christina serve on this commission I found her to handle all issues with a great depth of research and without bias.  She has done an excellent job on each.
These commissions does give her great insight and vision in order to serve on our Town Council.  I can envision her being a well qualified and planned member looking at both sides of an issue as they come up onto the Council.
Some of her stances from her website: www.christinatatta.com
"As a steward of your money, I will work to maintain a low mill rate and to continue and improve upon town services."
"Wallingford has a strong school system. I am supportive of the school-business-government relationship that gives students "real world" experiences. I will work to keep our BOE budget affordable."
"I work at my family's business, so I understand local business' needs. I will work with our Economic Development Commission, and I will be an advocate of business."
I feel Christina Tatta would be an excellent addition to the Wallingford Town Council. We need more individuals who understand the struggles of those taxpayers who work in the real economic world as she does to represent them.  I urge my fellow Wallingford voters to cast one of their votes for her on Election Day.  

Chris Shortell For Wallingford Town Council

One of my votes for Wallingford Town Council will be going to Republican candidate Chris Shortell. He is a dynamic and well established candidate who offers a variety of useful ideas.  He has done  superb work in my opinion as a member of the Wallingford Town Council  He is a family man with two wonderful children.  

I recently got a chance to discuss some issues and ideas with Chris.
The first area we discussed were some of his accomplishments with the Town Council. He led the effort to get Community Pool open longer this season working with the Mayor and Councilor Cervoni and the rest of the Council to find the dollars to keep the pool open to Labor Day.  He was able to do it without raising taxes; repurpose some other funding, including the proposed TC raise.
In the area of Public safety we discussed two issues here:  His concern about the staffing of our police force for several years.  In 2017, Chief Wright admitted during the budget sessions that he wanted more officers, but was afraid to ask given the state’s economic climate.  That budget cycle, Shortell motioned (and Councilor Laffin seconded) to give him two more officers.  They couldn’t get the votes, but they are both convinced it helped him pave the way to get more the last two budget cycles. We’ve now added 4 officers and the Chief feels we are in a much better place.  The increased staff gives him flexibility with patrols, especially at night with the car break-ins.  The added cost to taxpayers is around $16 a month vs. two years ago.   We were both in agreement that it is worth it—public safety is our primary job.  Shortell also feels that Councilor Laffin deserves credit on this issue also.

The other public safety issue is the online transactions safe zone.  People use social media to buy/sell stuff…but then you may end up meeting complete strangers in parking lots or other obscure places.  He approached Chief Wright a few years ago and suggested that we use the Police station parking lot as a designated “safe zone” for online transactions.  West Hartford and other towns had done this, and he agreed. 

A big issue that I have been impressed with has been the modernizing of the town and BOE insurance plans. He has been a vocal advocate of the Town and Board shifting to H.S.A. plans.  He has been the most vocal on this one.  We are making progress—he believes all of the collective bargaining units now offer the HSA, at least as an option.  The bad news is that on the BOE side, the HSA plan is very, very rich and still needs some work.  And on the town side, while their version of the plan is more cost effective to tax payers, they don’t structure the payroll contribution to motivate people to choose it.  He has been beating the drum on this for four years (six, actually, counting the BOE), and will continue to do so in the future.

Some future issues include for example Public Safety:  He is concerned about the aging police station.  Nobody is talking about this (yet) but it’s an issue that’s coming.  He is against satellite police offices, as some members of the public and other candidates are advocating for. He does not see the economic value in those and I will agree with him on that issue.

He also favors a new pool and to continue the tradition of the Community Pool that the town has had for 50 years.

A centralized High School has caused great debate this year. Shortell will not support one high school at a cost of $120 million and the proposals are ridiculous.  The goal should be saving money—that’s the only way to make consolidating high schools work.  And unfortunately, that’s not what is being proposed, for the most part.

It was refreshing for me to speak with Chris and discuss his views.  

His website for more information is www.ckshortell.com

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

Why Is Food Taxed At All In Connecticut?

Correct me if I am wrong but do we need food to live and survive?  Are we not supposed to eat protein, fruits and vegetables to provide nutrients to keep our bodies working?  Apparently food is a luxury now in Connecticut as we have seen with the latest tax scheme by the Connecticut Democrat Party in expanding the "food tax" to an enormous amount of items at a 7.35% rate.  Damage control has been in full gear by the Connecticut Democrat Party in its emails and public statements that it was not their intention to tax spinach in a bag along with other food items.  Tax and spend State Representative Mary Mushinsky 85th District (Wallingford) sent an email out on 9/19/19 stating "Grocery tax? That wasn’t the intent of our state budget!"  These reassuring words by her represent to me how incompetent the Connecticut Democrat Party is in governing.  Didn't the Connecticut Democrat Party vote on their new budget with all of their new taxes not knowing what was going to be taxed?  Are they that stupid?  And in damage control Governor Lamont by decree got the Department of Revenue Services to rescind some of the taxes on the newly taxed foods they deemed taxable.  The process of modifying this new food tax has to come from the state legislature through a vote to modify the tax bill not by the Governor stating to change it.  I suggest that the Connecticut Democrat Party along with its Governor read the State Constitution to see what the actual process is.  
While they are at it the Connecticut Democrat Party needs to explain to the remaining legal Connecticut Taxpayers why food is taxed at all if it is essential to our survival?  Or is food now a luxury according to the Connecticut Democrat Party and therefore must be taxed at one of the highest rates in the country at 7.35%?  State Representative Mary Mushinsky's email did little to clarify to me why food should be taxed at all in Connecticut.  
This new food tax and all of the other taxes Connecticut has on all aspects of our lives and doing business in the state have helped to create the economic downfall and chronic recession our state has been engulfed in for many years now.  It shows the impact and economic damage of years of Democrat Party rule that sadly Connecticut has had to endure.  
And I still do not have an answer to why is food taxed at all in Connecticut?  When will it be answered?  I am waiting and waiting and waiting.

Connecticut's New Secret Food Taxes

The Connecticut Democrat Party loves to tax its remaining legal citizens and businesses.  Striving to have the highest taxes in the country, the Connecticut Democrat Party was able to sneak into legislation a new 1% restaurant tax that increases the taxes you pay in the restaurant from 6.35% to 7.35%.  But this new "1% restaurant tax" is much more than that.
Beginning October 1 most items in the grocery store when you go shopping will be taxed at 7.35%.  Some of the items include the following: 5 or less donuts, muffins, pastries and rolls, ready cooked chicken or turkey, hot dogs in a bun, salad in a salad bar, bagels when individually prepared, warm popcorn or kettle corn and pizza whole or sliced just to name a few items.  In other words all prepared foods and most smaller quantities of food will be charged a sales tax.  Thus for example a senior citizen who may have difficulty in cooking will now be forced to pay a 7.35% sales tax on any ready to eat food they buy from their local grocery store.  Their cost of living will go up dramatically since they will be paying  an average of $30 to $40 a month more in food costs due to now having to pay a sales tax on the food they eat.  Being on a fixed income this will become a major issue for many senior citizens who will now be forced to cut back on food since it has just gone up 7.35% in cost.
The purpose of this new secret food tax is to raise revenue for our never ending Connecticut Democrat Party budget deficits and to increase state spending for political corruption and nepotism (as was seen this past week with the hiring of Ned Lamont's cousins son for a $52000 a year job).
The Connecticut Democrat Party apparently besides despising legal Connecticut citizens and legal taxpayers also want to make Connecticut's senior citizens suffer even more with taxing the food they eat.
This new food tax can only be viewed as a Socialist's dream tax that can cause economic pain on anyone who has to eat in our state.
The Connecticut Democrat Party continues its quest to rid the state of its remaining legal citizens and taxpayers along with now its senior citizens who will suffer the most with these new food taxes.
The solution to the Connecticut Democrat Party omnipotent and ruthless rule in our state is to either move out and or stop paying state taxes to have our state government go broke and then bankrupt.  But wait a minute isn't Connecticut bankrupt already with $100 billion dollars of short and long term debt along with unfunded liabilities?
Not really since the lies the Connecticut Democrat Party has been force feeding its legal citizens is really the truth of the ruling political elite who have no shame, no morals and no ability to govern in our once great state.