Letters to the Editor 10-27-16

Ohler is the one for the 64th

Brian Ohler has maintained a constant presence here in the Northwest Corner for years. It often seems that everywhere you look or anywhere you go, Brian is there, supporting all of us. But he doesn’t just show up during election years and ask for votes. Brian Ohler has been a sound and effective voice on a number of serious issues that have both hindered and benefited our area. I am a firm believer that every problem has a solution, it just takes initiative and steadfast determination to find the right one.

For far too long now, the Northwest Corner has been dealing with rampant heroin and opioid addictions and overdoses. The public was seemingly at a loss with their questions and we were scared. Brian, who is an EMT in North Canaan and Falls Village and has been on the front lines of this epidemic, stepped up to the plate and brought us all together. He created a vast coalition of law enforcement officers, clinicians, and healthcare providers so that the public could receive the facts and maintain a continuous dialogue. Since these forums were held, over 100 families have reached out to Brian for his help and guidance.

When the announcement was made that the UCONN Torrington campus was closing it was Brian who immediately stepped up and voiced opposition. He stressed the bigger picture and pleaded with school trustees that they consider the bigger picture if the Northwest Corner lost this school. Brian created a petition that garnered over 1,200 signatures and he spoke up for us even when our current elected officials sat idly by.

Most recently and most impressively, was the initiative that Brian took when he met with the leadership staff at Sharon Hospital in order to discuss a number of concerns that he had regarding available care options for veterans and affordable addiction interventions. Brian and hospital leaders ended the meeting with a pledge to start the process in creating a first of its kind VA Primary Care Clinic at Sharon Hospital. This is quite possibly the biggest and most exciting news regarding local veterans’ care in the history of the Northwest Corner. I know it won’t happen overnight, but as an Air Force veteran myself, one who is bogged down in the VA backlog, I can say this will make life a lot easier. 

I can go on and on. But I think I have made my case. We know that Brian’s compassion and understanding of the tough issues is sound and I am confident that he will represent all of us as a whole. He understands the need for constant collaboration, respectable dialogue, and open communication. Please join me in voting for Brian Ohler on Nov. 8.

Derrick Caranci 

North Canaan

I would like to respond to Marshall Miles’ letter to the editor in which he endorses the opponent to Bill Riiska for the 64th District state representative seat.  I am pleased that Mr. Miles was very happy with the representation he enjoyed during Roberta Willis’ and Andrew Roraback’s tenure.  However, Roraback has not been a state senator for four years. That seat has been ineffectually held by Clark Chapin, who is stepping down, thankfully, at the end of this term.

Bill Riiska, just like his opponent, was born and raised right here in the Northwest Corner. His civic mindedness was instilled in him by his father, who was at one time mayor of Winsted, as well as a World War II veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart. But unlike his opponent, Bill has served this community quietly, working tirelessly behind the scenes, not for self-promotion, but for the welfare of the people who live here. 

He has served on and has chaired many boards such as CMHA (Community Mental Health Affiliates), the United Way, and the Government Relations Committee. He has long been a proponent of education, land preservation and issues involving mental health.  And he has fought hard for Northwest Connecticut Community College in Winsted.  But because his opponent has a Facebook page, and exaggerates his own accomplishments, Bill’s efforts go unnoticed.

The Republican nominee for the 64th state rep seat will only continue blowing his own horn if elected.  Anyone who voices an opinion other than his own is bounced off his blog, and Facebook page. How then is he going to represent all of the people? He has been endorsed by the NRA, so I don’t understand how the work that he did for Sandy Hook’s new security system is anything but self-promotion. We can only assume that he will toe the party line on gun control and healthcare. How does this work for a civil servant if he does not listen to all of his constituents and compromise? He talks out of both sides of his mouth, much like the leader on the Republican ticket.

Bill Riiska is the real deal. If this community has flourished with Democratic leadership for the past 14 years, then Bill Riiska is the one and only choice. So, please vote!

Anita Donahue 

Lakeville

‘Hidden pandemic’ dire

Many thanks for The Lakeville Journal editorial (Oct. 13) calling attention to Teen Driver Safety Week. Our teen novice drivers are our most vulnerable to the simple driving mistakes that can be “catastrophic and irreversible,” often tragic. We at Survive the Drive endeavor to prevent these needless car wrecks; the consequences are too great to allow. We provide enabling information and concepts, evidence, analogies, science and behavior. We acknowledge tragedy without the gruesome. Everyone has seen the squirrel, raccoon or deer by the side of the road; we’re made of the same stuff. Each moment in our lives is gone forever, at any age.

From infancy until the time teens get their licenses, each has spent thousands of hours as passengers in cars, acclimated to the seeming safety of their family routine and ordinary transportation. Relating the realities of mishaps to any audience of licensed drivers is difficult, even to those who passed their test years ago. The common perception is that having passed the driver’s test and obeying and enforcing the laws will keep you and others safe. The gruesome statistics are people, not numbers, and show otherwise. Not pleasant, but true.

The World Health Organization and the United Nations have called it the “Hidden Pandemic” of costs, injuries and fatalities, worldwide … the U.S. Center for Disease Control included. Indeed, car crashes are the leading cause of traumatic injury and fatality on the planet, rivaling biologic disease in scale. Other countries around the world have decreased their crash rates significantly with social programs — training, education, evaluation, changing the culture of driving — along with enforcements. The U.S. eschews this social campaign, pitting its hopes on developing automatic and electronic technologies to keep our roadways safe. When was the last time your computer or electronic device malfunctioned? Were you able to solve your problem within nanoseconds? The moving car has projectile trajectory and nearly immediate proximity to hazard, immediate and violent. Your car can protect you, somewhat.

  Indeed, last year’s uptick of car crashes in the United States shows that we’re still vulnerable now. The U.S. fatality rate has been nearly 100 per day since the 1950s. Each of the millions of nonfatal crashes could have been fatal. Crashes cost the U.S. nearly $300 billion per year (AAA figures).

So, for each of us, this information can’t be denied or ignored as irrelevant or unimportant. Our driving requires the attentive vigilance of a surgeon, airline pilot or chain saw operator. When you spilled your milk as a child, your forgiving parent called it an “accident.” Whether inadvertent or unintentional, car crashes are not “accidents,” and are much less forgiving. The iceberg did not hit the Titanic. We should learn from this.

Survive the Drive offers their presentations to schools, civic organizations … anyone who’ll listen, 130,000 since 1996. We’re providing “Behind the Wheel” driver emergency procedures training several times a year.

Let’s miss what statistics show us is probable but not inevitable.

Bob Green 

Director, Survive the Drive

Lakeville

An idea for Music Mountain

Last week, Nicholas Gordon had an interesting letter about the operation of Music Mountain. I did not know that they do so much.

I stopped going to concerts there years ago when the board unexpectedly dismissed the Berkshire String Quartet who had summered there for over 30 years; I enjoyed that group, especially the cellist Fritz Magg. I believe the cello he played was a rare Stradivarius.

Apparently, the board was concerned that Music Mountain needed a change in order to attract people who might go to Sunday concerts at Tanglewood and/or the Yale Music School in Norfolk. I guess booking different groups has been successful.

I don’t know the answer to the problem with Sunday racing at Lime Rock. Having concerts on Saturdays only may not be possible, but it’s an idea.

Carolyn A. McDonough

North Canaan

No need to debate: Vote for Ohler

You know, it’s time to let the town and our state politics become a young man’s game. It’s clear to see, hands down, that Brian Ohler is the man for the 64th District. When a man in his 60s whines and throws a tantrum like Bill Riiska did at the Candidates’ Debate on Friday, Oct. 21, I can see why he lost out the first four times he ran for office. I don’t know about anyone else, but your picture in some Hall of Fame and a silver letter opener don’t mean spit from Shineola.

A man’s integrity, intestinal fortitude, love of home, his town and country, which he proudly defended honorably, make Brian Ohler the man for the 64th District. 

I don’t only believe it, but I know it. He will do the job at hand and make Canaan proud.

P.S. While you’re at it, Brian, kick Malloy to the curb.

Michael C. Parmalee

North Canaan

A different perspective on running the gamut on ‘adorable’

Not long ago, I attended an international conference on human rights convened in Switzerland and held quite literally behind heavy, closed, leather-padded doors. Sensing someone entering the hall behind me, an elegant, well-dressed, purposeful individual (one could almost say “adorable”) carrying papers and a briefcase, I held the door open for her — as we often do here in America. 

It turned out she was an official delegate from a Scandinavian country as well as lead speaker at the conference.

Putting her speech script aside momentarily, she led off with this slightly acidic prologue: “As I entered this hall just now, a man held the door open for me — as if I couldn’t do it for myself!” 

Was this then the demise of chivalry? Immediately, my inner mind shape-shifted from “adorable” to “deplorable.” 

But I didn’t say anything, and the conference got under way as originally intended. The rest of her speech was really quite good.

Tony Piel 

Sharon

We own the land, let’s protect it

I am writing to bring to bring light to an issue that has been left to fall by the wayside in recent months: Connecticut’s Constitution has weak protection for public lands. Under current legislation, state-owned lands can be transferred to municipalities for unspecified use with almost no decision-making involvement by Connecticut residents. In March, there was a push to pass an amendment to the Connecticut Constitution that would require public hearings and two-thrds approval by the public before any land was transferred from state ownership.

This amendment is essential to the future of public lands in Connecticut, not just for the sake of the environment itself, but for our own sake as citizens who pay for use of those public lands with our taxes. The state should not have the power to take away our access to public lands as state residents by transferring ownership to municipalities.

This amendment was proposed as Senate Joint Resolution No. 5 and co-sponsored by Rep. Roberta Willis, but was never passed. Without support from concerned citizens, the amendment will continue to be pushed aside by legislators.

If you want to continue to have access to all of Connecticut’s historic and scenic public lands, call on State Rep. Roberta B. Willis to push for this amendment once again, and advocate for your rights as a Connecticut resident.

Patricia McGuire 

Sharon

Support Riiska for the 64th

I wish I could thank Brian Ohler for making Sharon Hospital a full-service, federally designated Veterans Affairs Primary Care Clinic. He repeated this information at Friday night’s debate in Falls Village and basically took credit for making it happen.

 If I read his press release and listen to him say repeatedly that the hospital will offer area veterans immediate access to medical care I would thank him. However, the discussions that Mr. Ohler had with the hospital were nothing more than the most preliminary of discussions that he has inflated into an absolute fact.

These statements have raised expectations and created confusion as Sharon Hospital has had to let the veterans who have called them know that this program does not yet exist. Sharon Hospital would have sent out a press release about such a program.

Mr. Ohler continues to make up his own version of reality about this very important need for veterans health care and has created false hopes for those who need care now.

My vote for the 64th house seat is for Bill Riiska. Bill does not make false promises. His answers to the questions raised at the debate about gun control, the environment and the state budget were right on.

He will be the best person to step into Roberta Willis’ seat.

Lynn Fowler

North Canaan

Riiska will serve the 64th well

At a time when our national political climate is generating so much uncertainty, it’s reassuring to know that the 64th  District has Bill Riiska, a sensible and reliable choice to succeed Roberta Willis, who recently announced her retirement. Roberta’s shoes are going to be tough to fill, but Bill has the qualifications and broad base of experience to do so, and we are confident that he will readily carry forward Roberta’s political baton, as it were. 

We believe that he will work hard to continue her remarkable legacy of achievement and dedication. In addition, Bill is well acquainted with all of the towns and has a district-wide track record of involvement. There has been considerable focus, on the national stage, on candidates’ temperaments, but having known and interacted with Bill for almost 20 years, we believe that he brings a seasoned maturity that is critical in today’s political scene. We are looking forward to casting our ballots for Bill on Nov. 8, assured that the 64th  District will continue to be well-represented by a dedicated and experienced individual. We urge you to vote for Bill Riiska, too.

John Hoffman 

Sarah Zarbock

Lakeville

Vote for Riiska on Election Day

This week while listening to Bill Riiska speak, I realized what a thoughtful person he is, as he outlined some very doable solutions. We don’t need showmanship in every political candidate: Bill’s calm wisdom and values are refreshing.

Bill is a local lawyer who knows our problems. Over the years, he has been active on a number of local boards, including Norfolk Planning and Zoning. In the past, he has been chair of the Government Relations Committee of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, president of the Northwest Center for Family Service and Mental Health and a member of the Board of the Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation.

Instead of across-the-board budget cutting, for example, Riiska champions smarter spending caps to provide stability and predictability, which is what our businesses need. A cap, not a cut, ensures that our needy schools, roads and social services are not shortchanged. He believes this smarter spending approach would enable Connecticut to provide necessary resources for first-rate education, environmental conservation and mental health services.

For many years, State Rep. Roberta Willis was our fearless leader in the State House. Now she endorses Riiska to follow in her footsteps. That is just one of many reasons to send Bill Riiska to Hartford as our representative in the State Assembly.

Kerry Noble 

Salisbury

Conservation is of utmost importance in the Northwest Corner

It was a shock to read about the voting record of Craig Miner who is running for state Senate in our 30th District. Miner has been elected as state representative for the 66th District for eight terms. So imagine the surprise to learn that he has taken anti-environmental positions on 85 important environmental bills. 

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters chose Miner as a member of the Dirty Dozen in 2016, as one of the most anti-environmental state candidates in the country. But the National Rifle Association gave him a 93 percent rating for his position on gun rights.

Craig Miner voted against the Community Investment Act. This act supports grants for our towns: for affordable housing, historic preservation, open space and farming, including support for milk prices for our farmers. 

The Community Investment Act is valuable for every one of our towns in the Northwest Corner, and it affects our very quality of life. As a former first selectman, I have learned that state grants for construction, housing and the environment are crucial for our towns. 

Mr. Miner appears not to understand this. 

Certainly Craig Miner could not represent the values of the citizens of the Northwest Corner towns. Luckily, we have a candidate who does: David Lawson, a teacher, chair of the Board of Education of New Milford, who is endorsed by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. Conservation means so much to voters up here.

Malcolm Brown

Sharon

A careful reading of Barber’s letter

Mr. Barber’s Lakeville Journal letter of Oct. 13 proposes to make the track’s position clear. It does so, in ways that should make every resident of the Northwest Corner take a deep breath and think, carefully.

First, despite his repeated assertions to the contrary, Mr. Barber does not seek “just” two Sunday afternoons of racing. As his unchanged court filings last September still show, he seeks: (1) two four-day events, all day, of unmufflered racing, from Thursday morning through Saturday and again on Sunday afternoon, (2) 20 Sundays of “mufflered activity” from 9 a.m.to 6 p.m., (3) camping expanded from the infield alone to the entire property, which would mean vastly increased camping day and night, some of it 50 yards from Trinity Church and the adjacent cemetery, (4) enormously increased traffic on our roads, including in and out traffic all night. 

This is not a “rearrangement” of racing hours or a minor tinkering with the track’s operations. It is a plan to convert Lime Rock Park to a national racing venue attracting loud, large-engine race cars, television coverage, crowds in the thousands and the traffic that goes with them. It is a plan which would drown out services at Trinity Church, concerts at Music Mountain and any chance of a peaceful visit to the adjacent cemetery. It would make our lovely towns into “track towns”.

Second, Mr. Barber’s lawyers keep threatening us with a faulty reading of a Connecticut statute, 16-164a. This statute does start with a general rule that allows racing on Sunday afternoons. But the very next sentence says, “. . . no such race or exhibition shall take place contrary to the provisions of any city, borough or town ordinances.” Under Connecticut law, the regulations of a Planning and Zoning Commission are treated as ordinances. This limitation is never mentioned.

Third, having lost two recent decisions by the Litchfield court, Mr. Barber now relies on this statute as the basis for a veiled threat: “If no compromise is possible, and if the statute is upheld, a full season of Sunday racing would be possible ....” And he goes on, hinting at what may well be in store for our area, sale of the track: “... a future owner could add virtually an unlimited number of Sundays.” Mr. Barber, and I, are no longer young. Just how far away is that future owner?

Fourth, Mr. Barber claims he is not seeking increased profits. But he has told us elsewhere that he has recently invested millions in the track, and the Salisbury land records show a large mortgage debt on it. There is, then, no need for increased profits? And if, just if, a sale of the track is in the offing, would there be no wish to increase income and thus make a sale at a much larger price?

Yes, if you read Mr. Barber’s letter carefully, the track’s position, and its chosen direction, do become clear.

Stuyvesant Bearns

Lakeville

Environment a key issue in state

Friday’s debate between candidates for the open state senate District 30 seat briefly touched on an issue of deep concern to all residents of both parties in this area of Connecticut:  the protection of natural resources in the Northwest Corner. Voters may assume that anyone from the district would of course care about these issues. But the contrast between the candidates is stark: David Lawson is passionately committed to the environment and would work hard to protect these invaluable assets. 

Craig Miner is out of sync with constituents of his district, voting 85 times since 2001 against a multitude of pro-environment bills, such as protecting state lands, funding for farmland preservation,  incentives for clean energy, improved recycling, tougher clean air standards,  and most recently he opposed  transparency on development applications. Residents should consider the environment when voting on Nov. 8, and support the pro-environment candidate, David Lawson.

Lori Brown

Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

Hartford

In defense of Mr. Nemiroff

Cheers to Mr. Nemiroff and to Mr. Godburn, neither of whom do I know, for defending Mr. Nemiroff’s use of the word “adorable.” I sincerely hope that the prior unpleasant criticism of its use, as well as Mr. Nemiroff’s opinions of the library renovation, were not a result of political affiliation, as hinted at by Mr. Godburn, but rather excessive political correctness.

Carolyn Noble-Morrissey

Lakeville

We should listen to what the candidates are saying

As this campaign season is coming to an end, I think I am losing my sanity. I watch presidential candidates give speeches and then within a couple of days they or their spokesmen are telling us that they never said what I heard with my own ears. Often when a tape is replayed showing what they actually said, they still deny it. 

Friday night I went to the debate at HVRHS sponsored by The Lakeville Journal and the League of Women Voters with candidates for the State Senate and General Assembly, and again I cannot believe what I am hearing.

Brain Ohler, when asked about his A Rating from the NRA, explained with a straight face that he got his A Rating because of his support for open space preservation. I am somewhat familiar with the NRA’s mission. If he told them what he told The Journal in this recent interview and what he stated at the debate about his position on Connecticut’s gun laws, I don’t think he would have gotten that rating or even be considered for NRA endorsement. In The Journal when asked about Connecticut gun laws, he said, “I’m OK with where we are,” meaning that he supports Connecticut’s strong gun control laws. That statement defies logic when that law was vehemently opposed by NRA. If that is the way they rate people, Roberta Willis would have been given an AAA.

The other head scratcher is Craig Miner’s spin on his position on conservation and open space. He is rated by the League of Conservation Voters’ as one of the Dirty Dozen in the United States. Based on his lifetime voting record, they rate his record as one of 12 of the most antienvironment state-level candidates from around the country. At the debate he said that he got this lifetime rating because he voted against bills that the League supported because they didn’t meet his standards for purity. Come on now!

When we vote on Nov. 8, think long and hard and trust your own eyes, ears and common sense.

Carole Dmytryshak

Salisbury

Vote for Brian Ohler on Nov. 8

“Perseverance is a principle that should be commendable in those who have the judgment to govern it.” This is one of my favorite Mark Twain quotes, and by living it, Brian has earned my respect, friendship and approval.

Since his defeat to Roberta Willis in 2014, Brian has given the 64th District a “bonus” representative and advocate. Every day, he’s working with our schools/colleges, our state police, our hospitals, our non-profits, our clubs, our businesses and/or our local government officials to make our communities better and safer places to live.

Perseverance is an essential trait in the individual that represents the 64th House District from this point forward. Litchfield County is considered the “The Hidden or Secret Corner” by the state, and without an advocate as strong as Roberta to replace Roberta, the Northwest Corner is in danger of becoming the “Forgotten Corner.”

As a First Selectman, I have worked closely with Brian Ohler on numerous projects, and with confidence, I tell you, Brian is an outstanding individual with a work ethic second to none, and I encourage you to reach out and speak to him prior to Election Day, regardless of your party affiliation.

Brent M. Colley 

Sharon

Please support Brian Ohler

We’ve had the pleasure of calling the Northwest Corner home since 1975. We’ve raised a wonderful family, and we’ve always been active volunteers within the community. Through our experiences, we have had the opportunity to meet some dedicated and passionate advocates and leaders. Today, we are thankful to be able to enjoy retirement and spend time with our four beautiful grandchildren. We’ve remained optimistic when we think about the future and the world that our grandchildren will grow up in.  

We’ve remained optimistic partly due to the confidence and admiration that we have in Brian Ohler. We all know how passionate and dedicated Brian is when it comes to tough issues and community involvement. This is why we are supporting him as he seeks to be our next state representative. He has given so much over his young adult life, as a veteran, firefighter, EMT and as a safety officer, working hard to protect children throughout Region One. Please consider casting your vote for Brian Ohler on Nov. 8. It’s time for a new voice and passionate advocate.

Jerry and Mary Ellen Baldwin 

Salisbury

Candidates need to be clear on where they stand on the issues

Brian Ohler, the Republican candidate for state representative, was endorsed by the NRA. Yet he stated in his interview with The Lakeville Journal that he was OK with Connecticut’s 2013 gun control law, which includes a ban on military-style assault weapons and a limit on magazine size. His stated position is completely contradictory to the agenda of the NRA.  

In the debate on Friday, Oct. 21, hosted by The Lakeville Journal and the League of Women Voters, Mr. Ohler was firm that he would never oppose a bill that protects victims of domestic violence from gun violence. The NRA adamantly opposed the legislation on this issue, since they viewed it as an unlawful taking of guns that violated gun owners’ due process rights, over the protection of victims of domestic violence. 

According to the NRA, the law threatened both the right to keep and bear arms and the Fifth Amendment right to due process. An NRA endorsement requires complete and absolute support for that belief. On the Conn. Citizens for Defense League, the Conn. NRA organization website, it clearly states that “we simply cannot endorse” or support candidates who support either one of those measures.   

Mr. Ohler claimed that the reason he was endorsed by the NRA was for his support of open space preservation. That is simply not possible or believable. The NRA is not about just supporting the Second Amendment or supporting hunting. That alone does not get you their endorsement. 

The NRA is very clear about where they stand. Mr. Ohler should be, too. There is more work to be done on gun control, especially when young people and innocent victims die from gun violence in our cities every day. 

Voters deserve honest answers on this critical policy issue.

Rep. Roberta Willis

Lakeville

Ohler will lead well in the 64th

Brian Ohler knows what it takes to “walk the walk.” That’s why I’m confident he’ll do the same as soon as get gets to Hartford as our State Representative for the 64th District.

Brian didn’t “talk the talk” about the Northwest Corner’s drug abuse/opioids addition epidemic. He smartly utilized his strong leadership skills by forming the United Coalition of Northwest Connecticut to open the door to discussion, provide support and devise ways to solve our area’s growing problem.

Brian showed his dedication and commitment to his fellow armed services veterans by opening discussions with Sharon Hospital about the formation of a VA clinic for the treatment of the region’s veterans in need of support and medical services.

These are only two examples of the hard work and resourcefulness that Brian will employ while serving all of us in the 64th.

Brian clearly demonstrates that he has the energy and a terrific “can do” attitude to represent us well at the capital.

Now it is up to us. Let’s “walk the walk” by voting for Brian Ohler as our next state representative for the 64th District on Nov. 8.

David Helming 

Sharon

Vote for Miner for the 30th

When it comes to voter registration, my personal default setting tends to be Independent, with the option of switching to one of the major parties when an important primary contest comes along. This year is different, for party affiliation has become more important. Regard the sorry state of our state resulting from the one-party rule of Governor Malloy and his legislative majorities. According to The Mercatus Center, “On the basis of its fiscal solvency in five separate categories, Connecticut ranks 50th among the U.S. states and Puerto Rico.” Per The Tax Foundation, “Tax Freedom Day is the day when Americans have finally earned enough money to pay off their total tax bill for the year. In 2016, Connecticut taxpayers have to work until May 21st (50th earliest nationally) to pay their total tax bill.” Put the other way, Connecticut taxpayers are Number One when it comes to how long they must work before their own earnings become their own earnings. Go Connecticut!

Surely there needs to be significant improvement in our state governance, but Governor Malloy and the majority party are unable to provide it. Rep. Craig Miner can be an effective agent of change. On Nov. 8, I shall enthusiastically vote for Mr. Miner in the 30th state senate district. In his 26 years of elective community service, he has demonstrated intelligence, honesty, and a willingness to work hard on behalf of Northwest Connecticut. It is my hope that Craig Miner’s successor as 66th District representative will be David T. Wilson. For 30 years, Mr. Wilson has been Litchfield’s elected town treasurer. As such, he deals with honest and balanced budgets. He might be able to help the Hartford worthies comprehend the concept.

James Sansing

Goshen

Lawson will serve the 30th well

I am pleased to enthusiastically support the candidacy of David Lawson in his bid to become a state senator from the 30th District in Connecticut. I have known David since 2007 and have been very impressed with the standards that he has set for himself in every venture in which he is involved.

While I was a mathematics teacher at New Milford High School before retiring in 2010, I was impressed each time David, as a Board of Education member, visited the school during after-school hours to talk with teachers about such topics as curriculum, climate, weaknesses and strengths. Any teacher will tell you if you want to learn what works and what doesn’t work in any school, you talk with the teachers instead of talking to the administration. Such visits enabled David to truly make a difference at Board of Education meetings and at school board committee meetings.

After I was elected to a four-year term on the New Milford Board of Education in 2011, I was pleased to be working alongside David as we tried to help to develop and manage school budgets and to give the citizens of New Milford their money’s worth as we tried to bring quality education to the young people of our school district. As you may know, school boards in Connecticut have to balance their budgets each year and have no contingency account to use if expenses are too high. David will bring this same responsibility with our tax money as a state senator in Hartford. David is fully aware of all the unfunded mandates that come to each school district because of actions of the legislature and will become a leader in cutting back on many of these unnecessary requirements. As an experienced teacher, he knows the “one size fits all” Common Core is hurting too many children and having so many standardized tests in not the best route to improve educational results in Connecticut.

Did you know that his opponent in this election is listed by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters as someone who works against good environmental legislation both in public and behind the scenes? Do you own or love a dog or a cat? If so, look up “An Act Concerning Support for Cats and Dogs That Are Neglected or Treated Cruelly” that was passed during the last session.  This act will protect cats and dogs and will not cost the state any money — yet David’s opponent voted against it.

In David Lawson, we will have a state senator who will represent us well and who will make himself available to listen and help the people of the 30th District.

David Shaffer 

Gaylordsville