In less than 24 hours, the polls will open in Enfield and Republicans will have the opportunity to vote in our primary. This primary will decide the direction in which Enfield Republicans will proceed. Will Enfield go down the path to continued tax increases and lack of spending restraint? Or will we go in the direction of fiscal discipline and responsibility? This primary is not about personalities. It is not a popularity contest. Republicans need to vote for those who will be attentive to needed improvements in town while being conscientious stewards of our tax money. Republicans need to vote for individuals who are not afraid to tear into the town budget and look for areas where fat can be trimmed and where there is redundancy. Republicans need to vote for people who don’t compromise their principles for political expediency. Republicans need to vote for those who want to give a voice to town residents in important decisions that are made, not to govern by popular consensus but to ensure that all residents have a voice in how their town operates. I decided to run for town council primarily for two reasons. One, as someone with over 33 years of public safety experience, I believe that I have something important to offer to our community. I know where the problems are, I know how things operate and I know many of our emergency responders and consider many friends. I have also worked exclusively in school security and know many of the best practices in making our schools safe, but nurturing environments in which to learn. Secondly, as someone who owns a home, has children in college and spends money on things such as heat, electricity, gasoline, food and a mortgage, I know firsthand the struggles that our residents face on a daily basis. In the past two months, I have talked to people who have to decide if they will spend this month’s income on their mortgage payment or to buy food for their kids. Will they make this month’s car payment or put oil in the tank? Will they buy their children new clothes for school or pay the extra $400-500 tax bill they just received? They also just endured a record tax increase courtesy of the Connecticut State Legislature last year, and are now absorbing skyrocketing healthcare costs. In sum, I have met people who are hurting. Ken Nelson, Mike Ludwick and I are running because we all understand that despite proclamations to the contrary, our economy is in an extremely slow recovery, if not just spinning its wheels. Unemployment remains high, mortgage rates are increasing and food costs are skyrocketing. Voters have told me that the recent tax increase and upcoming sewer fee are more than they are able to bear. They wonder why Enfield cannot seem to attract many new businesses, other than restaurants to town. They speak to a near empty Enfield Square and a myriad of empty businesses along Rte. 5. We have no economic growth. Tomorrow, Republicans have a choice. It is actually a fairly easy decision. If you want unabated government and increased taxes, Row A is not for you. No matter what occurs in November, whether Republicans or Democrats control the Town Council, spending restraint will not be an option. However if you want someone who will truly watch out for you… the taxpayer, parent, homeowner, business, or student getting ready for college, we are the clear choice. Row A…Mike Ludwick, Ken Nelson Jr. and Pat Droney promise that we will be YOUR voice. We will keep taxes reasonable, give you a voice in important decisions such as armed guards, and will be strong advocates for charter review to allow citizen input into the budget process. We ask for your vote tomorrow, September 10 in the Republican primary. You will NOT be disappointed.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 15:41:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015