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Letter to the Editor: Asthma is a problem in Hispanic communities

To the Editor: The latest in the American Lung Association’s Disparities in Lung Health series, which takes an in-depth look at a specific problem in a community, is Luchando por el Aire: The Burden of Asthma on Hispanics. The Spanish title translates to “Fighting for Air,” something Hispanics suffering from asthma are all too familiar with. According to the report, Hispanics are less likely to be in the regular care of a physician, but are 165 percent more likely to live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Although Hispanics make up only 16 percent of the United States’ population, they account for almost one-third of those not covered by health insurance, making it difficult to access the special care one diagnosed with asthma requires. With the Hispanic population in Connecticut on a steady increase, the need to address the burden of asthma increases. The ALA suggests steps to help eliminate these disparities: support measures to increase healthcare for all, reimburse asthma education as a critical part of the asthma treatment plan, support efforts to improve air quality indoors and out, and expanding smokefree multi-family housing. The full report is available at www.lung.org/asthma-in- hispanics . Michelle Marichal Director, Health Promotion and Public Policy American Lung Association in Connecticut

Letter to the Editor: Action by Obama Administration will greatly reduce air pollution hazards

To the Editor:

The American Lung Association applauds the Obama Administration for adopting public health safeguards to reduce mercury and toxic air pollution from power plants. The new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants are long overdue and will reduce the harm from air pollution like mercury, lead, arsenic and a host of other pollutants.

Air pollution emitted by coal-fired power plants contains 84 of the 187 hazardous pollutants identified for control by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many of these pollutants, such as, dioxins, arsenic, and lead, can cause cancer and cardiovascular disease; harm the kidneys, lungs, and nervous system; and even kill. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will reduce these pollutants and prevent 130,000 asthma attacks and 11,000 premature deaths each year.

These new proposed standards are especially critical to those of us in New England since we are at the tailpipe of the nation’s air pollution exhaust system. We need a strong Clean Air Act to protect us from secondhand smog. According to our 2011 State of the Air report, thousands of Connecticut people and visitors are put at risk from the health effects from air pollution each year. To view the full report, visit www.stateoftheair.org. 

Michelle Marichal

Manager, Health Promotion and Public Policy

American Lung Association in Connecticut

Mayoral candidate urges strict regulation of adult entertainment businesses

June 6, 2011

 

Members of the Bridgeport City Council

45 Lyon Terrace

Bridgeport, CT 06604

 

Dear Councilmen and Councilwomen:

 

I am writing in strong support of the proposed ordinance that seeks to both limit and regulate sexually oriented businesses in Bridgeport as authored by Councilmen Walsh and Baker.

 

As someone who has spent nearly two decades volunteering as a victims advocate to prevent and reduce violence against women with the Center for Women and Families, I have witnessed first hand the devastating and often overlooked negative impact that these businesses have on the communities in which they exist. Left unregulated, these businesses:

 

·      Are associated with an increase in sex-related crimes against both women and men;

·      Create disruption by causing excessive noise, parking problems, and the potential for the performance of sex acts in public places;

·      Contribute to the deterioration of surrounding property values and the increase of blight;

·      Decrease the quality of life for residents living nearby, especially children, as well as the surrounding businesses, schools, religious institutions, public parks, and libraries; and

·      Present a health hazard to both the workers and clientele who patronize these establishments as well as to the general public through sexually oriented materials that are discarded on streets, in parking lots, and on residential property.

 

I urge the Council to enact the ordinance proposed by Councilmen Walsh and Baker, designed to regulate sexually oriented businesses in Bridgeport and in so doing, preserve and protect the health, safety, well-being, and quality of life in our most vulnerable neighborhoods.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mary-Jane Foster

Bridgeport

Editor's Note: Mary-Jane Foster is a Democratic candidate for Mayor of Bridgeport.

Letter to the Editor: Foster says Finch botched attempt to limit adult entertainment venues

Letter to the Editor:

 

In yet another example of the gang that couldn't shoot straight, Mayor Finch is demonstrating the incompetence of his administration. In an effort to try to restrict adult entertainment establishments, the mayor has potentially opened the door for its expansion. 

 

Under the City's current Master Plan, strip clubs may only operate in areas zoned as "heavy industrial" and these require a special permit. The mayor's new proposal will designate specific areas with no special permit from the City required -- just a site plan review. There are currently eight such businesses in Bridgeport and this new proposal will open the door for another 10. What is the mayor thinking?

 

Before any further expansion occurs, I urge Mayor Finch and the City Council to take the opportunity to review the situation thoroughly to ensure that any actions taken do not inadvertently encourage the expansion of adult entertainment.

 

Likewise, the strength of the Master Plan lies in the fact that the neighborhoods had a strong voice in creating a vision for their communities. Have any of the affected Neighborhood Revitalization Zone community boards been notified about how these changes could affect them? To bypass the residents on such an important quality of life issue is insulting and speaks to how little regard this administration has for the people of this city.

                                                             

 

Mary-Jane Foster

Bridgeport

Editor's note: The writer is a candidate in the Democratic primary for Mayor of Bridgeport.

Letter to the Editor: American Cancer Society applauds volunteers for hard work

To The Editor:

On behalf of the American Cancer Society we wanted to take this opportunity to recognize the many volunteers throughout Connecticut for the work they do on a daily basis to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back against cancer.

The week of April 10th marks Volunteer Recognition Week and with this recognition we are pleased to take the opportunity to publicly thank the many caring and compassionate individuals in our great state. The American Cancer Society applauds their effort and critical role in the fight against cancer.

Thanks to these wonderful people, there is an amazing quality of care being provided to many, many cancer patients. There is no shortage of long, emotional and tireless moments, but yet because of our volunteers more than 60 Relay For Life events will occur this year, thousands of rides will be given to patients receiving treatment, bouquets of daffodils will be delivered, and many steps will be taken to help create a world with more birthdays. 

The contribution volunteers make to save lives is simply remarkable and commendable. We would personally like to thank them for all that they do each day. It is because of their continuous hard work and dedication that we are able to live in a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

And for those who would like to make a difference, the American Cancer Society needs you!  Please call us, anytime.  1.800.ACS.2345.

Sincerely,

Michelle Wolf
State Vice President of Health Initiatives

Sue Ann Maresca
State Vide President of Development

Letter to the Editor: Foster chides Finch over speech to the business community

To the Editor:

It is, unfortunately, predictable that Mayor Finch's response to my remarks after his address to the business community on Wednesday, March 16 would be characterized as politically motivated. While I am actively considering a potential candidacy in the 2011 mayoral race and therefore have a political interest in the outcome of the race, I have invested over 20 years in Bridgeport as a volunteer, lawyer, developer, employee, resident, and taxpayer. 

Unlike Mayor Finch, I have actually created jobs. I cannot believe, that over dessert, the mayor of our city suggested that the business community and citizens of Bridgeport would fall asleep if he addressed the very significant financial issues facing our city. It says so very much. First, Mayor Finch is the one asleep at the switch. Second, it is arrogant and demeaning to the citizens, residents and other investors in this city to say that we can't stay awake long enough to understand the peril in which we exist.  Very disappointing. Also disappointing but also very surprising is the Mayor's notice of the Tiger grant of $11 million for the Steelepointe project--it was great news when it happened but in case he missed the news it looks like it died in Congress weeks ago.

Mary-Jane Foster*

Bridgeport 

Editor's Note: Mary-Jane Foster is a Bridgeport businesswoman and social action advocate who is exploring a run for office, potentially seeking the office of mayor.

Letter to the Editor: Potential candidate rips Finch on Annex sale

To the Editor:

The Finch administration has served up another ill-conceived, ill-timed and thoughtless proposal. Why suddenly throw City Hall and the City Hall Annex on the market with a request for proposals that are unrealistic and make no sense? A sale and lease back only makes sense if the result generates revenue from the sale and increases tax revenues for the city.

Where does this proposal fit in the earlier discussions of consolidating municipal office space and disposing of no longer necessary city-owned buildings? Consolidation would decrease expenses and the sale of unused buildings would drive some economic development opportunities. Here in Year 4 of the Finch administration, there is still no vision, no plan and no execution of these long ago identified opportunities.

What happened to the mayor’s promise to forego one-time revenues to plug the budget holes? That promise must be packed away with the promise to give everyone in Bridgeport a $600 tax refund.

The lack of coherence suggests desperation for revenue. With a budget deficit that moves with each day, unfunded pension liabilities and a Rainy Day Fund that is essentially at zero, perhaps this is a Hail Mary to try to bridge a gap that the administration doesn't have the skill or stomach to deal with realistically. Some transparency or open communication about just how bad the situation is and what the options are would be helpful but are highly unlikely given this administration’s track record of secrecy.

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the RPF revealed that tours for interested developers will be led by Art Harris, a City employee who took a medical leave to have knee replacements. In Harris’ absence, City Councilman Robert Curwen was hired as a ‘temporary’ City employee. Where is Robert Curwen now? Still working for the City? What happened to the hiring freeze? ‘Guess that’s only for individuals who aren’t the mayor’s buddies.

Mary-Jane Foster

Bridgeport

Mary-Jane Foster is a Bridgeport businesswoman and social action advocate who is exploring a run for office, potentially seeking the office of mayor.

Letter to the Editor: Where did the people go?

I need some help: Question: where did the people go who were forclosed on?

I understand not all were honest during the forclosure process that some used it for their benefit I'm not stupid in the business community.

BUT where did the people go who used everything they had to save their house and lost. If they applied for welfare it could be 3-6 months. Jobs? 9.8 m out of work . School for their kids? Divorce rate leaves grandma in 1 br condo in Fl. no room for family.

Can't pay anyone for rent ,no money how do you pay a rental of $850. month if you do get a job paying $8.75 hr. part-time  and your employer does not pay insurance. What about the disruption to the kids leaving in the middle of the night their personal possessions.?

So my question is again: where did the people go ? Is there a government dept that has stats ? Are we so ready to lump everyone in the same bucket.

My 92-year old mother said when things were tight we could always count on family but now she doesn't have an answer.

 

Marge Laufer

Bridgeport

Editor's Note: Marge Laufer is the owner of Laufer Real Estate in Fairfield

 

Letter to the Editor from Jim Himes: How the tax compromise will help us move forward

To the Editor:

Last week, the House of Representatives voted in strong bipartisan fashion for the tax compromise crafted by President Obama.   This bill has now become law.  The compromise contained controversial provisions which provoked anger and concern among both parties.  Nonetheless, the end goals were shared by all parties involved – growing our economy, saving and creating jobs and providing certainty in our tax code.  This package is the result of leaders of both sides coming together to compromise with each other.

The compromise as a whole, by keeping tax rates at current levels and providing money for the unemployed and other vulnerable families, will help to stimulate our economy.  This is important at a moment when our economic recovery is weak at best.  As many of you saw, after a strong report of 159,000 new jobs in October, job creation fell to 39,000 in November.  That is not an acceptable rate of growth.  Since the announcement of the tax compromise, economists have adjusted their U.S. economic growth forecasts upward from 2.7% to 4% in 2011.

After lapsing on November 30, unemployment insurance has now been extended for 13 months.  This is good economic policy, as every $1 in unemployment insurance boosts near-term GDP by $1.64.  And for all its economic benefit, we also must not forget what this means for the almost two million unemployed Americans and their families during what is likely to be a difficult holiday season.

Writers: There were many who helped Orator Jim O'Rourke statue become a reality

Dear Editor:

What better time than now, following Major League Baseball’s postseason, to recognize the key players who made Bridgeport’s James O’Rourke Statue a reality. On August 27, 2010 a life size bronze of Bridgeport's greatest athlete, James O'Rourke, was unveiled at the Ballpark at HarborYard. This beautiful work of art was crafted by renowned sculptor Susan Clinard. However , many hands helped the O’Rourke Statue take shape. Bridgeport citizens and fellow Nutmegers are truly a unique breed. So many generous people contributed financially as well as gave unselfishly of their time, talents and advice. Special thanks must go to the principal donors, Bridgeport Landing Development LLC and the Cristoph family. Major donors include O'Keefe Controls and the Conan family. Many thanks to Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and his thorough staff, including Edward Lavernoich from the Office of Planning and Economic Development who assisted in so many aspects of the project. Development Director of Steelpointe Harbor, Michael Stone, was on hand since the statue’s inception sharing his priceless dedication. The Bridgeport Bluefish and GM Bob Goughan came to bat and hit a grand slam. Mary-Jane Foster and Jack McGregor deserve heartfelt applause. The project successfully moved forward because of the hardworking commitment of the city’s supportive business community, Bridgeport Holiday Inn, Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s Restaurant, Take Time Café and GE. The dedication was made even more memorable with the assistance of United Illuminating, Peoples United Bank and the John Whelan Band. Finally, gratitude must be extended to Fay Vincent, former Commissioner of Major League Baseball, who wholeheartedly supported this project and gave freely of his time.

James Henry O'Rourke, a man who achieved national prominence for his talents on the baseball diamond always returned to Bridgeport. A Yale Law School graduate, O'Rourke raised his family on Pembroke Street and practiced law from his office on Fairfield Avenue. O’Rourke is inspirational as a noble scholar-athlete who proudly called Bridgeport home.
 
Gratefully Yours,
Bernard J. Crowley & Michael J. Bielawa
President & Vice President                                                                                                             The First Hit Inc.

Impeach the Bridgeport Registrar of Voters

The Editor:

 

I see there is the usual hand-wringing from our state legislators over the latest messed up election proceedings in Bridgeport. Even Mayor Bill Finch has expressed faux shock and outrage when told of the irregularities - as if past irregularities never existed to work in his favor. For once, somebody needs to get real about this regular nonsense in Bridgeport?

  

The Connecticut Constitution, Article 9, Section 3 allows for impeachment proceedings and removal of elected officials by the state legislature. The House of Representatives would conduct the impeachment proceedings and forward articles of impeachment to the State Senate. The State Senate would vote on removal after a trial presided over by the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court. The chief state election official, Secretary of State Susan Bysewicz, will be gone before any proceedings might begin, but the two Bridgeport Registrars of Voters - one Democrat and one Republican - will still be in office next year. The state legislature needs to look very hard at the ongoing performance of these two elected registrars and consider moving forward with impeachment proceedings. Impeachment exists to test the fitness of elected officials to remain in office. Based on this recurring theme by the Bridgeport election officials I believe, at the very minimum, that impeachment fitness test is called for and, at the maximum,  removal from office, after a trial, is probably in order. 

 

The state legislature needs to act on this. Otherwise, Mayor Finch and his political cronies will just bury this embarrassment in some committee report issued late in the evening the day before a major holiday weekend. This goes beyond just re-electing the usual political hacks to office in Bridgeport. It goes to the integrity of electing statewide officials. It really is time for the state legislature to get real and shine a light on the problems in Bridgeport to insure the integrity of the outcome of state elections! It is something Susan Bycewicz, unfortuantley, just never found the time to do
 

Jim Brown
Fairfield

GBT rate hikes unfair

To the Editor

 

Greater Bridgeport Transit’s (gbt) Board of Commissioners unanimously approved increasing the price of monthly, weekly, half-fare, and youth passes at their monthly meeting October 13, 2010.

Prices to take effect Sunday, October 31, 2010, are

monthly (31-day) Zip-Trip pass: $70

weekly (7-day) Zip-Trip pass $17.50

Youth fare: $45

Half-fare (senior/disabled) Zip-Trip passes: $8.75/weekly and $35/monthly.

            Bus riders I spoke to were angry and discouraged the increases had been approved. Some said the new prices would strain their incomes; others demanded the fare hike be accompanied by improved service. Many felt the Board of Commissioners, who could have rejected the hikes, had not been responsive to the voices of bus riders and the written and oral testimony presented at two public hearings, on-line, and throughout the public comment period.

Gbt officials argue that the bus-pass fares (originally set in 2006) had to increase because of higher fuel costs, uncertainty regarding the amount of state transportation funds gbt will receive in the coming year, and higher costs for employee health benefits.

However, a co-worker of mine, whose daughter used to ride gbt to/from school, said transit officials should have negotiated a lower fuel cost by seeking out more competitors in the industry.

            While transit officials have focused on the company’s bottom-line budget issues, also deserving attention are the effect of these price changes on current ridership, the urgent need to expand mass transit use, and the integrity of the region’s public bus system.

 

Patricia Ginoni

Bridgeport

Letter to the Editor: Raising city bus fares is unfair

To the editor:
 
It is unfortunate that no print or media reporters were present at the recent Greater Bridgeport Transit (gbt) public hearings on the proposed fare increases that may take effect later this month (OCTOBER), if approved by gbt's Board of Commissioners.
 
All who attended the September 29 and 30 hearings at the Water Street Bus Terminal spoke forcefully and persuasively against increasing the price of weekly, monthly and youth bus passes.
 
Bus riders insisted it was wrong to raise fares during a time of record unemployment, declining personal incomes, and steep increases in the cost of living. Others said the increases would undermine the urgent economic and environmental need to expand the use of mass transit.
 
Some offered ways to raise revenue from sources other than the farebox. GBT's percentage of revenue from the farebox is 40 percent - much higher than the 25 percent ratio in other state transit districts.
 
GBT's Planning and Service Development Officer, Doug Holcomb, will accept written and oral comments on the fare hike through October 6. GBT's Board of Commissioners will vote on the proposed increases on October 13 at their monthly meeting.
 
 
Patricia Ginoni
Bridgeport

Letter to the Editor: Himes saved Bridgeport jobs

 To the Editor:

I recently saw Jim Himes’ new ad and am pleased with it. In Jim’s new ad he examines the stark contrast of the economic situation we are in now, compared to when he took office. He also discusses the work he will do if re-elected to continue to move our economy forward.

 

Jim highlights that when he took office 20 months ago, America was losing over 700,000 jobs per month.  Through hard work, Jim helped pass legislation that saved and created over 38,000 jobs in Connecticut and now we have had over eight straight months of private sector job growth.

 

And Jim has done a lot to retain jobs for Bridgeport, specifically, such as the $11 million Jim secured for Bridgeport’s Public School System to prevent teacher lay offs. We are now experiencing economic growth, although it is painfully slow. Jim will continue to support polices that improve both our short-term and long-term economic prosperity. Jim has done so much in his short time in office and if re-elected I believe he will continue to help Connecticut’s 4^th district.

 

Linda Walker

Bridgeport

Letter to the Editor: Himes supporter chimes in

To the Editor:

I am proud to say that I have never missed voting in an election in my entire adult life. I have volunteered for many election campaigns. This year, however, I was especially inspired to devote a few hours of my time reaching out to voters on behalf of Congressman Jim Himes.  I have been impressed by the Congressman’s work for his constituents, and frightened by the prospect of his opponent representing me in Washington.  Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to knock on voters’ doors and urge them to reelect Congressman Himes. 

I have been struck by the complexity of issues facing my fellow constituents.  While some media outlets may have reduced our concerns to a few neat talking points, it is clear through speaking with voters that things are not so black and white.  Much like the Congressman, I have found that his supporters are thoughtful and unwilling to blindly take stances without considering all sides.  They admire his independent spirit, for example in his fight to bring funding and jobs to the district while refusing to engage in reckless spending - even if this means standing up to his own party.  In an election year where politics can get in the way of policy, it is refreshing to have thoughtful discussions with thoughtful voters.

David Moore

Bridgeport

Michael Murren announces candidacy in 134th; will challenge incumbent Tony Hwang

To the Editor:

I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for state Representative in the 134^th District, and am hopeful to be representing Fairfield and Trumbull after this November’s general election.

Although I am pleased and honored by receiving the nomination, I am choosing to run for elected office because I am both concerned about the future of our community and am particularly unhappy with direction taken by our state government under the current Republican leadership.

As a Fairfield native and Trumbull resident I believe I am attuned to the myriad of problems facing both towns. I have three children attending Trumbull schools and as a product of the Fairfield school system and graduate of Fairfield University, I am extremely interested in education and will work to ensure that our local schools are excellent. There is no excuse for short changing our children by cutting back on the arts, sports and important extracurricular activities.

I am a small businessman and have worked in the insurance field since I graduated from college. For the past 10 years, I have owned Murren Insurance in Fairfield and established Black Rock Insurance three years ago. As a small businessman, I plan to champion the needs of small businesses by addressing taxes, health care and the cost of doing business in Connecticut. I plan to promote the importance of educating the future workforce to make this state a better place to do business.

This is my first run for statewide elected office. I am a past member of the Trumbull Town Council and currently sit on the Trumbull Democratic Town Committee. I believe I have the business experience to make sound financial decisions and the past political experience to get the job done in Hartford. I look forward to receiving your vote Nov. 2.

Michael Murren

Trumbull

 

Relay For Life moves indoors, scores big success

To The Editor:

As Co-Chairs of this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life of the Stratford committee, I would like to thank area residents for their generosity and support. Over 35 teams participated in this year’s event and raised funds to help the Society’s fight for every birthday, threatened by every cancer, here and throughout the world  We decided to have the Relay indoors this year, on June 25^th through the 26^th , due to unruly weather the past 4 years and the Relay was a GIANT SUCCESS bringing in over $67,000 and we are still fundraising to reach our goal of $80,000.   

This outstanding show of support proves that the people of Stratford and Bridgeport stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the American Cancer Society to achieve its mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and fighting back. 

We were honored to be joined by survivors who walked the opening Survivors Lap, officially kicking off this year’s event. These survivors are the reason we continue the fight. Their participation inspires hope in those currently battling cancer.

A special thanks to the many Relay For Life volunteers who worked to make this event a success – celebrating the lives of those who have battled cancer, remembering loved ones lost, and pledging to fight back against the disease. The Relay For Life committee did an outstanding job of putting the event together. Special thanks to: Christine Curley, Carole Gabor, Tricia Jann, Lynne Jann, Rosa Kuroghlian, Doreen Otero, Cheryl Zaffis, Laura Bashar, Jessica Espinel-Merete, Janet West, Gwen Cook, Alexis Wienstein, Samantha Miller, Dave Palumbo, Walter Joseph, Pat and Carl O’Donnell, Julie Stenz, and Kari Candelora.

If you are interested in joining the 2011 planning committee please email 203-563-1500.

We also appreciate the generosity of this year’s corporate sponsors. Relay For Life would not be possible without them. Our corporate sponsors are the Sacred Heart University Alumni Association, Eurest Dining Services, Stratford Police Department, MBI, Inc., Great Cakes, Sikorsky Aircraft, Boothe House of Flowers, Bunnell High School, Bunnell High School Faculty and Staff, Vazzy’s, Sikorsky Band, Town of Stratford, People’s Bank, and Lisa’s Catering.  You may get involved with Relay For Life at any time. Check out www.relayforlife.org/stratfordct or call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.

 

Sincerely,

Your American Cancer Society Staff Partner, Melissa Brochu

AND

Christine Curley and Carole Gabor

2010 Relay For Life Co-Chairs

Letter to the Editor: What You Should Expect from the Census Bureau

The 2010 Census will continue through the summer visiting households across the country to collect their information. However, not everyone knows that Census Bureau representatives visit or call a sample of households to collect information for a variety of important surveys administered throughout the decade. In an effort to avoid confusion, I would like to clarify these operations.

For the 2010 Census, our enumerators are visiting housing units from which we did not receive a form, we did not receive a form in time to update census workers’ assignments, or we received a form that requires verification. Enumerators will ask for your information even if you state that you mailed back a form in order to ensure the accuracy of the count.

In addition to the once-a-decade census, Census Bureau field representatives collect data on a monthly basis for a number of other surveys, such as the American Community Survey and the National Health Interview Survey. These surveys provide invaluable data about a variety of topics including health, education, income, employment, and disability that guide representatives of your community and organizations to make more informed decisions about vital services for our nation. Please call 1-800-562-5721 to learn if you are in a survey.

It is easy to identify a 2010 Census enumerator or field representative. He or she will have a census ID badge that contains a Department of Commerce seal and will provide supervisor and/or office contact information for verification, if asked. Field representatives have photo IDs and use a computer to facilitate the collection of data. Census workers will not contact individuals by e-mail, but may do so by phone. In addition, they will not ask about immigration status or for bank account or credit card numbers. Remember that your responses to either the 2010 Census or any ongoing survey are protected by federal law and cannot be shared with any agency or person.

Please, step up and be counted now in the 2010 Census. If your household is selected for a survey, please participate to help us collect vital information that will help your community receive its fair share of federal funding, representation, and effective planning. I appreciate your cooperation.

Kathleen Ludgate
Regional Director, U.S. Census Bureau

Letter: State government needs economic turnaround specialist

To the Editor:

 Connecticut consistently ranks at the top of the list when it comes to public debt, or bonded indebtedness as some know it, among the states. According to 2007 fiscal year data from the State Legislature's Office of Legislative Research, Connecticut ranked fourth in per-capita public debt at $6,830 per resident and it ranked eighth in public debt as a percent of personal income at 12.38 percent. The governor and the state legislators will tell you this is a good thing because all of the public debt is "invested" in Connecticut's future. These politicians never actually do anything in the way of formally measuring the return on their Ponzi schemes -- like the Fairfield Metro Megalopolis right here in Fairfield -- nor can they say when that "future" will actually arrive. Just take their word for it that they know what they are doing, just like Bernie Madoff knew what he was doing with his Ponzi scheme.

In rough numbers, because straight ones are tough to come by from the politicians, the annual public debt service has grown from 5 percent of the state's annual expenditures in the early 1990s to almost 12 percent in recent years. And, as I said above, the promised return on all of this debt is still in the making -- in the making of the delusion minds of the politicians in Hartford, if you ask me just as an editorial comment. This debt, along with one of the highest unfunded retiree pension and benefits funds among the states, and some phony accounting practices sanctioned by both the governor and the state Legislature for decades, , where revenue is overstated and expenditures undercounted  allowing them to even declare a surplus when one never existed, has a lot more to do with the current state fiscal crisis than last year's downturn in the national economy, if you want to know the truth.

And the politicians from both political parties deserve the blame, because when push comes to shove none of them want to talk about the realities of the state budget -- if any of them even understand it. The Republicans in the state Legislature only want to talk about cutting taxes without dealing with the underlying structural issues in the budget that won't go away. And the legislative Democrats only want to talk about more taxes as a way to delay the inevitable day of reckoning. And, of course , the current teflon governor, Jodi Rell, who just loves being governor but has little interest in the tough business of governing, just can't wait for her retirement at the ned of this year -- and neither can I.

The governor's race this November will be critical to Connecticut's "real" future, which should never be confused with the "imagined" future promised by all the incumbents in the Legislature irrespective of political affiliation -- and many of their wannabe opponents, too. My hope is that someone new who knows a little bit about financial management, operations management and long-range planning will step forward to seek the nomination for governor on the Republican side to plot a course that will break solidly from the past. State government is ripe for a turnaround specialist and, trust me, that turnaround will take at least a decade since the turn down has been decades in the making and the state legislators will, no doubt, stand firmly in the way of real and honest reforms.

Jim Brown

Fairfield

Letter: Himes is a Pelosi puppet

To the editor:

 

Has anyone explained to freshman Congressman Jim Himes that the 4th Congressional District is a donor district? The people of the 4th District send more tax money to Washington, D.C., than most and get back less on the dollar in return than most, too. Himes concerns himself with the problem of the 15 percent uninsured population around the country, which he proposes to solve with an expanded social program paid for by more taxation. Here in Connecticut, our uninsured population is a very manageable 5 percent. This number is largely due to choice by some who don't see the need for insurance and by others through the lack of affordability. The affordability issue is driven by the irresponsibly high costs charged to insurers by the meandering and politically powerful health services industry and the lack of competition among health insurers themselves.

 

No doubt our governor and state legislators from the left and the right have been asleep at the switch when it comes to addressing the issue of health service and insurance costs here in Connecticut. However, if Himes wants to help he should stick to federal issues. We need federal legislation to improve the safety and quality of services, which will lower service costs. And we need federal legislation that will allow us to buy health insurance across state lines, thereby increasing choice and competition to lower costs, too.

Lastly, we need changes in the federal tax code to level the playing field for all purchasers of health services and insurance.

 

In other words, Himes should represent his district, not the liberal agenda of his boss, Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi's plan ain't going anywhere anyway because the bipartisan group of six on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee has made it clear they won't break the bank just to suit Pelosi's agenda.

Jim Brown
Fairfield, CT 06824