House Republican Leader Larry Cafero said in recent conversation with this writer that the “common sense budget proposal” being put forward for the second session in a row by Republicans needs to be considered and acted upon by the Democrat majority. The Republican proposal is based on seven common sense principles.
• Spend no more than you make.
• Borrow only what you can afford to pay back.
• If it is not broken don’t fix it, but if it is not working get rid of it.
• The more government tries to do the less it does well.
• Government doesn’t create jobs, people do.
• We should have all the government that we need but only the government that we need.
• Empower local governments to make local decisions.
Cafero says there has got to be a change in philosophy on the part of state Democrats.
“When you start out with the premise that the money that you (taxpayers) earn is the government’s money and if you are lucky, you’ll be allowed to keep it, when that is truly your philosophy then you feel free to spend anything you want. When your philosophy is that government can solve every problem, therefore all we need is the money, then that is how you get a mindset that has resulted in the fiscal crisis we are in.”
Even though the Common Sense proposal was ignored by the Democrat majority last session, Cafero is confident that this time things may be different.
“I think, not willingly but reluctantly we are going to be listened to because there is a new dynamic at work. Even though for the first time in state history we have an entire federal delegation that is democratic as well as all statewide office holders from governor to attorney general being democrats and both chambers of the legislature being majority democrats, there were a couple of things that sent shockwaves through the Democrat Party this election cycle. One thing being that while Connecticut missed the Republican wave that swept across the rest of the country, House Republicans began the election season with 37 out of 151 members and for the first time in a long time we (Republicans) held all of our seats and picked off 14 Democrats and now we have an opportunity to pick up even more seats in the special elections. We (Republican legislative candidates) had a common platform that we campaigned on, “The Common Sense Commitment to Connecticut.” It paid off because people got it.”
In other words, Democrats may hold the reins right now, but the people are watching.
The Conservative Capitalist
The Conservative Capitalist
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Malloy faces his own “Sputnik Moment”
Governor Dannel Malloy jets back from D.C. after taking in the President’s State of the Union address.
President Obama appealed to Congressmen and Senators to heed their better angels and move forward in unity. He made the obligatory call for the nation to throw off the shackle of foreign oil dependency which every president since Nixon feels the need to make and then apparently, immediately forget. There was a call to freeze domestic spending and offers of dubious savings measures like tax increases on oil and gas companies. By the way, he offered that same thing to a Democrat-led Congress last year and was ignored.
On the other hand, the President talked about redoubling our efforts at putting money into things like roads, research, education, efficient cars, high-speed rail and other initiatives. Hmmm, how do you freeze something and redouble it simultaneously? I’m sure it’s a pretty neat trick to watch if one can pull it off.
And when calling for job-creating investments in biomedical research, information technology, and clean energy technology The President harkened back to the space race touched off by the launch of Sputnik, the Soviet Satellite.
All in all, the President’s speech was like a fluffernutter sandwich, a decent flavor but not much there. But hey, he looked good serving it right?
Connecticut faces an ocean of red deficit ink, a school system that is failing far too many of our children and a jobs outlook that is shaky at best. Our beloved state has to negotiate an economic minefield in order to get back on the right track and this Governor must lead the way.
If Governor Dannel Malloy’s February budget address is as devoid of real substance and real solutions as this SOTU address, I hope that he at least picked up some pointers on delivery style from the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
President Obama appealed to Congressmen and Senators to heed their better angels and move forward in unity. He made the obligatory call for the nation to throw off the shackle of foreign oil dependency which every president since Nixon feels the need to make and then apparently, immediately forget. There was a call to freeze domestic spending and offers of dubious savings measures like tax increases on oil and gas companies. By the way, he offered that same thing to a Democrat-led Congress last year and was ignored.
On the other hand, the President talked about redoubling our efforts at putting money into things like roads, research, education, efficient cars, high-speed rail and other initiatives. Hmmm, how do you freeze something and redouble it simultaneously? I’m sure it’s a pretty neat trick to watch if one can pull it off.
And when calling for job-creating investments in biomedical research, information technology, and clean energy technology The President harkened back to the space race touched off by the launch of Sputnik, the Soviet Satellite.
All in all, the President’s speech was like a fluffernutter sandwich, a decent flavor but not much there. But hey, he looked good serving it right?
Connecticut faces an ocean of red deficit ink, a school system that is failing far too many of our children and a jobs outlook that is shaky at best. Our beloved state has to negotiate an economic minefield in order to get back on the right track and this Governor must lead the way.
If Governor Dannel Malloy’s February budget address is as devoid of real substance and real solutions as this SOTU address, I hope that he at least picked up some pointers on delivery style from the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Mayor Timothy Stewart says “I got it done in New Britain and I’ll get it done in Harford!”
I recently spoke with New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart, who is seeking the 6th district Senatorial seat vacated by Donald DeFronzo. Stewart’s opponent in the February 22nd special election is Democrat Terry Gerratana. When asked to list the biggest differences between himself and Gerrantana, Mayor Stewart pointed out that while he has been serving the citizens of New Britain in public office and demonstrating the type of leadership skills that are so badly needed in the state at this time his opponent has been sitting on the sidelines.
“She’s been removed from the politics of the state for almost a dozen years now and has been out of touch with pretty much everything that’s been going on in the community as well as the state.”
Stewart also addressed the question of his possibly wanting to serve simultaneously as Mayor and State Senator.
“No, I never said that. What I said was, the city charter does not prohibit a person from serving in both capacities. In fact, I think it would be quite interesting to serve in both because nobody understands the needs and wants of the community more than the mayor and to have him in Harford seeking the funding that he needs to plug the holes in his budget is a good thing, but no I never intended to do both. This is just typical democratic rhetoric because they see an end to my tenure here and can’t wait to get into my seat. Unfortunately the Mayor Pro-Temp who by charter would take over in my absence happens to be a Democrat not of my choice. The council picks (it) and they chose someone whom I would never want to sit in my seat because he doesn’t have the capacity to run the city.” The Mayor Pro Tempore is Democrat Michael Trueworthy.
Stewart says he is confident that he will be able to make headway against the democrat majority in the state legislature, serve as an advocate for taxpayers and an agent for change when it comes to the way things are done in Hartford.
“I’ve been able to get elected and get things done on a council with overwhelming odds against me. My first two terms as mayor, my city council was 15 to zero against me and I still made some major changes in the way we operate around here in the city of New Britain and I think that if we (Republicans) pick up a few more seats we can really be a force to be reckoned with. I’ve always said that it’s not about me and it’s not about political parties. It’s about ideas, doing the right thing and making common-sense decisions. When you put good things in front of people they have no choice but to say yes.”
“She’s been removed from the politics of the state for almost a dozen years now and has been out of touch with pretty much everything that’s been going on in the community as well as the state.”
Stewart also addressed the question of his possibly wanting to serve simultaneously as Mayor and State Senator.
“No, I never said that. What I said was, the city charter does not prohibit a person from serving in both capacities. In fact, I think it would be quite interesting to serve in both because nobody understands the needs and wants of the community more than the mayor and to have him in Harford seeking the funding that he needs to plug the holes in his budget is a good thing, but no I never intended to do both. This is just typical democratic rhetoric because they see an end to my tenure here and can’t wait to get into my seat. Unfortunately the Mayor Pro-Temp who by charter would take over in my absence happens to be a Democrat not of my choice. The council picks (it) and they chose someone whom I would never want to sit in my seat because he doesn’t have the capacity to run the city.” The Mayor Pro Tempore is Democrat Michael Trueworthy.
Stewart says he is confident that he will be able to make headway against the democrat majority in the state legislature, serve as an advocate for taxpayers and an agent for change when it comes to the way things are done in Hartford.
“I’ve been able to get elected and get things done on a council with overwhelming odds against me. My first two terms as mayor, my city council was 15 to zero against me and I still made some major changes in the way we operate around here in the city of New Britain and I think that if we (Republicans) pick up a few more seats we can really be a force to be reckoned with. I’ve always said that it’s not about me and it’s not about political parties. It’s about ideas, doing the right thing and making common-sense decisions. When you put good things in front of people they have no choice but to say yes.”
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Healy: “Malloy is going to drop a Stink-Bomb on the state!”
“Winning takes repeated attempts and we will get there.” That was the message Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Christopher Healy had for an enthusiastic crowd of party supporters and officials including yours truly at an event hosted by Our Connecticut Grand Young Party in Fairfield Thursday night. Healy said the party wants to continue the communication process not only with current supporters but to branch out and bring new people in as well saying, “We are the party of Main Street.” Healy expressed confidence in the slate of Republican candidates competing for election on Feb. 22nd as well the outlook for 2012.
The party chairman was somewhat less charitable when it came to commenting on the new Governor. “I think Dannel Malloy on February 16th is going to lay a stink-bomb on this state that is going to curl your hair.” Healy said referring to the date Governor Malloy is scheduled to unveil his first budget.
The ever poised, Linda McMahon also spoke at the event and while she didn’t make any big announcements concerning another Senate run, she graciously thanked her supporters and said that she will continue to be very active in the coming months, seeking the best ways to serve the people of state, saying, “I am not deterred at all, from continuing to work the people of Connecticut.” In addition to making Connecticut “Open for business” Education is another area where McMahon says she will be very active.
The party chairman was somewhat less charitable when it came to commenting on the new Governor. “I think Dannel Malloy on February 16th is going to lay a stink-bomb on this state that is going to curl your hair.” Healy said referring to the date Governor Malloy is scheduled to unveil his first budget.
The ever poised, Linda McMahon also spoke at the event and while she didn’t make any big announcements concerning another Senate run, she graciously thanked her supporters and said that she will continue to be very active in the coming months, seeking the best ways to serve the people of state, saying, “I am not deterred at all, from continuing to work the people of Connecticut.” In addition to making Connecticut “Open for business” Education is another area where McMahon says she will be very active.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Susan Bysiewicz to run for Governor…no wait, Senator... no, make that Attorney General… whoops, ok back to Senator
Former Connecticut Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz filed her paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and the secretary of the Senate to run in 2012 for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by U.S. Sen.Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., her campaign announced today.
At this point Susan Bysiewicz has something in common with millions of Americans across this great country, she just wants to land a job, any job it doesn’t matter what it is…so long as it occupies a lofty place in some branch of government. Ok, maybe she’s not like us after all.
By jumping back into the political arena Bysiewicz is side-stepping the opportunity to pick up some actual law-practice experience with the firm Updike, Kelly, and Spellacy. Although, to be fair I have to say that Bysiewicz says she will split her time between campaigning and working for the firm. It will be interesting to see if both the Democratic Party and the voters of Connecticut are willing to indulge her seemingly limitless sense of entitlement. I’ll give her one thing; Susan Bysiewicz is willing to work really hard to avoid getting a real job.
At this point Susan Bysiewicz has something in common with millions of Americans across this great country, she just wants to land a job, any job it doesn’t matter what it is…so long as it occupies a lofty place in some branch of government. Ok, maybe she’s not like us after all.
By jumping back into the political arena Bysiewicz is side-stepping the opportunity to pick up some actual law-practice experience with the firm Updike, Kelly, and Spellacy. Although, to be fair I have to say that Bysiewicz says she will split her time between campaigning and working for the firm. It will be interesting to see if both the Democratic Party and the voters of Connecticut are willing to indulge her seemingly limitless sense of entitlement. I’ll give her one thing; Susan Bysiewicz is willing to work really hard to avoid getting a real job.
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