To the editor,
Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, Republican candidate for the 89th District, is the right person to send back to Hartford on Nov. 4. Since taking office in January 2013, Lezlye has been working hard to reverse the negative trends her predecessor, and current challenger, Vicki Nardello, has inflicted on our state relating to the fiscal and business climate. Thanks to the Democratic leadership, Connecticut ranks among the worst in the United States for business climate, tax burden and cost of living. Residential electricity rates and gas prices consistently rank at or near the highest in the nation.
In her 18 years as our representative, I seldom saw Ms. Nardello around town. However, I do recall one encounter where she described herself as a “fiscal conservative.” Yet in 2011, then Rep. Nardello, along with the democratic majority, enacted the largest tax hike in state history, increasing 77 taxes and fees by $1.9 billion annually. Instead of controlling spending, reducing the tax burden, and eliminating regulatory red tape, Ms. Nardello was hurting small business labor costs by voting for mandated paid sick leave, increases in minimum wage, and forcing the unionization of home based childcare providers.
In a recent editorial comment opposing the proposed rate increase by CL&P, Ms. Nardello expressed concern about the impacts to ratepayers. Yet as a legislator and co-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, she proposed to increase the tax on Millstone nuclear plant in Waterford by $335 million. Knowing that businesses don’t pay taxes; people pay taxes, a tax increase of that magnitude would most certainly result in an increase in ratepayers monthly bills.
Unlike her challenger as a legislator, Lezlye is for common sense policies that will help small business, taxpayers and ratepayers prosper. Her voting record shows how she understands the issues important to small business. She has supported legislation that offers protection for ratepayers who purchase electricity from retail suppliers. She challenges the democratic leadership regarding the Malloy gimmicks used to balance the budget. Considering the concern expressed by parents, educators and administrators, she challenged the democratic leadership on the controversial roll out of the Common Core and teacher evaluation programs, and forced a hearing allowing their inputs. She informs her constituents and listens to their concerns through regular legislator forums in Bethany, Cheshire and Prospect.
We have the right representation in Hartford. The 89th District and Connecticut needs Rep. Lezlye Zupkus to return to Hartford on Nov. 4.
Michael Dreher
Prospect
