06/15/11 Tom Foley Blasts Reckless Connecticut Policy Direction in New London Day Op-Ed

Dear Greenwich Roundup- Please read my Op-Ed piece below that ran in Sunday’s New London Day. I wrote it to clarify the policy disaster that happened during the recently ended legislative session in Hartford. The unfortunate result will be an acceleration of jobs and taxpayers leaving Connecticut. Please forward it to any friends whom are interested in knowing what is really going-on in Hartford. Tom June 12, 2011 Tom Foley: Outdated policies invite a Connecticut crash The New London Day By TOM FOLEY When a test pilot takes an airplane on a risky test flight, it isn't legal to bring along passengers. Not so in Connecticut politics. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and our Democrat-controlled legislature recently passed a budget that is a reckless experiment equivalent to a test flight in a poorly designed airplane - with all of Connecticut's citizens aboard for the ride. While the federal government and every other state recognizes the broadly held policy consensus that voters want to hold the line on taxes and reduce spending, Connecticut's political leadership is stuck in a retro-policy world reminiscent of the 1960s. During the legislative session 1960s-era dogma and political pay-offs triumphed over common sense and good policy. It isn't amusing watching Connecticut adopt policy more evocative of Havana or Caracas than Shanghai or Mumbai. We are moving backward rather than forward and Connecticut's citizens will pay a big price. The world has come a long way since the 1960s. People actually believed then that more government would solve problems and steeply progressive income taxes would make a more equitable society. Most policymakers and voters now realize that there are limits to what government can do well and that, past a point, more government merely smothers private sector economic activity, slows income growth, and reduces private sector employment. Connecticut arrived at that point some time ago. We also now know that taxing people excessively doesn't make society more equitable, it just drives away ever-more mobile taxpayers and jobs, reducing everyone's income and opportunities. Because politicians and voters in the 1960s believed we could tax and spend our way out of our problems, politicians saw no need to hide what they were up to. That is not the case today. Gov. Malloy and Democrats in the legislature deceptively describe their budget as "sharing sacrifice," "reducing spending," and wringing "give-backs" out of state workers. Baloney. The facts are clear and simple. Spending in the general fund is budgeted to go up next fiscal year by over $450 million, an increase of 2.5 percent over this year. The governor's "deal" with state workers' unions includes no reduction in either the number of state workers or the overall cost of the state workforce. Gov. Malloy and the Democratic majority are closing this entire budget deficit with increased taxes amounting to more than $2.5 billion. These big tax increases will raise Connecticut's already high cost of living. Most of the increase in taxes will fall on middle-income households. Connecticut households in 2013 will pay on average more than $2,000 more in state taxes than they did last year. With average household income at $68,000, Connecticut's middle-income families will have to again cut back spending to meet their heavy new tax burden, further hurting an already weak economy. What will be the effect of this disastrous policy, other than the hardship and additional belt tightening imposed on Connecticut's citizens? The most damaging outcome will be an accelerating flight of our tax base and jobs. Connecticut is already unaffordable for many families and businesses. Rather than reducing the cost of living, the recently passed budget will both raise the cost of living and the cost of employing people. People and businesses that can leave the state will. Others who might have come here won't. Connecticut has the worst job creation record in the nation. You would think that after their dismal performance creating jobs, our politicians would be reluctant to keep pursuing the same shopworn and ineffective policies. Instead, they are stepping even harder on the accelerator, like the impulsive gambler who after losing a lot of money just keeps doubling down on the same bet. Connecticut is conspicuously alone in its "damn the torpedoes" strategy of raising taxes and doing nothing serious to rein-in spending. In New York, where Democrats also hold the governorship and control the legislature, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pledged to reduce spending next year by 5 percent, reduce the size of the state work force by more than 10,000 people, and not raise taxes. Like a family that lived too well in the good times, Connecticut has to adjust to current economic reality. That is why when running for governor I pledged not to raise taxes and focus instead on wisely and equitably reducing spending. This policy direction doesn't originate in ideology or politics. It is simply the right thing to do and plain enough for political leaders on both sides of the aisle to recognize most everywhere, except in Connecticut. The current administration's failure to recognize the need for a change in direction will only dig the state into a deeper hole. The only good news in this confounding story is that voters seem to know they are being had. The deceptive messaging isn't working. Everything in Hartford seems too clever by half. Some think the budget doesn't reflect a policy at all, but rather an odd and un-Connecticut introduction of 1930s' style "take care of your friends" urban ward politics. Whatever it is, Connecticut isn't happy. A new poll found 71 percent of voters viewed Gov. Cuomo's policies favorably, while the most recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Gov. Malloy's rating in the mid-30s. It isn't fair that this administration is taking Connecticut's citizens for a risky ride with discredited policies perpetrated by out-of-touch politicians. If you are planning to stick around for the test flight, I suggest you fasten your seatbelt. It is going to be a bumpy ride until our leaders get in tune with the 21st century - or voters replace them with leaders who are. Tom Foley was the Republican candidate for governor of Connecticut in 2010.

06/15/11 The Greenwich First Selectman Report

A News Report About Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei

RTM Denies $87K Request to Cover Cost Overrun for School Parking ... Patch.com The matter came to light in April when a contractor for the project contacted First Selectman Peter Tesei asking why he had not been paid. ...

A Blog Post About Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei

Businesses concerned over bridge closure By kborsuk@greenwich-post.com (Ken Borsuk, Staff Reporter) First Selectman Peter Tesei wondered if it was possible to increase the work hours spent daily on the project to reduce the days the bridge has to be closed, and Selectman Drew Marzullo asked if it was possible for the work to be done ... Greenwich-Post.com • News

Recently Updated Web Pages About Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei

Outages lead CL&P to look to build new bulk power station in town CL&P officials were invited to the town by First Selectman Peter Tesei in the wake of last week's major power outages in town. At the peak time of 5:30 p.m. ... www.acorn-online.com/.../96416-outages-lead-clap-to-look-to...

CL&P Vows to Address Greenwich Outages | The Daily Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei said that of those customers, 140 lodged complaints with the town. "Overall, the sentiment was, 'Why did it happen? ... www.thedailygreenwich.com/.../clp-vows-address-greenwich-...

06/15/11 The Raw Greenwich VIDEO Feed

A Video About Greenwich, CT

Homes for Sale - 109 GREENWICH CT, Madison ... 2 min WOW! You won't believe this spectacular end unit. No stone left unturned in rennovating this luxorious 3 bdrm. Attention to every ... youtube.com

06/15/11 Keep Track of the Greenwich Tides And More From The Greenwich Topix News Message Board

Greenwich - News June 15, 2011 See Greenwich Weather Keep Track of the Greenwich Tides (The Daily Greenwich) Sign up with TheDailyGreenwich and join the discussion! Click here to receive our headlines in your inbox! Close Visit the Archive Go to Top Main Street Online Main Street Connect is a national community news company. Woman Charged with Fur Theft (Patch) A penchant for fur, especially if it's been 'fur'-loined, lead to the arrest of a New York City woman on a first-degree larceny charge. See for yourself: A sampling of emails between Greenwich BOE, schools chief (Connecticut Post) The following are excerpts of some of the hundreds of emails exchanged between school board members and the superintendent from Sept. Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com 7 Days: 6/16 - 6/22 (Fairfield Weekly) When Stephen Sondheim appeared on an episode of "The Colbert Report" last December, the irrepressible Comedy Central host revealed himself a Sondheim acolyte. When 'Nothing' is something: Shakespeare company launches summer show (News Times) James O'Reilly, Jacob Presson and William Jackson Harper rehearse a dance scene from Shakespeare on the Sound's upcoming production of "Much Ado About Nothing." The show begins Thursday, June 16, at Pinkney Park in the Rowayton section of Norwalk. New business helps with smooth estate transitions (The Wilton Bulletin) Life's transitions can be difficult to navigate, especially when it comes to managing an estate settlement or downsizing a home.

06/15/11 More M-8s Added to New Haven Line and more from Greenwich Patch

Today 80° 57° Tomorrow 77° 62° June 15, 2011 Your News More M-8s Added to New Haven Line Michael Woyton | Jun 15, 2011 | 0 Comments The number of weekly train runs with new cars is now 130. Woman Accused of Using Drug in Restroom Barbara Heins | Jun 15, 2011 | 0 Comments Information supplied by Greenwich Police and does not reflect guilt or convictions. A Preview of the Hudson Valley Clearwater Festival Jonann Brady | Jun 15, 2011 | 0 Comments The two-day music and environmental festival features a number of local food and marketplace vendors. Five Fantastic Father's Day Ideas Marisa Torrieri | Jun 15, 2011 | 0 Comments If you're lucky enough to spend Father's Day with a special dad in your life, treat him to something that suits his unique personality. Whether he enjoys a ballgame, beer, or brunch, here are some ideas on how to indulge dad on Sunday, June 19. Greenwich Scores and Standings: June 15 Bob Birge | Jun 15, 2011 | 0 Comments Your interactive, daily digest for all Greenwich varsity scores, schedules and standings — and a place for you to add information and images for all youth sports See more News »

06/15/11 New Today in The Daily Greenwich

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Greenwich Playground Strives To Fit Needs of All
by Anna Helhoski | 06/15/11
	On warm summer days, the Bruce Park Playground in Greenwich is filled with children running, jumping, climbing and, well, playing. However, few realize the park was renovated specifically with children of all abilities in mind, and they are still working on the finishing touches. "It's not quite READ MORE

Keep Track of the Greenwich Tides
by Anna Helhoski | 06/15/11
	Here is the tide schedule for the week, as reported for Cos Cob Harbor: Thursday, June 16 • High Tide: 12:26 p.m. (7.7 feet) • Low Tide: 6:29 a.m. (-0.5 feet) and 6:38 p.m. (0.2 feet) Friday, June 17 • High Tide: 12:41 a.m. (8.6 feet) and 1:14 p.m. (7.7 feet) • Low Tide: 7:16 a.m. (-0.4 feet) and READ MORE

Edwin Redkey, Formerly of Old Greenwich
by Anna Helhoski | 06/14/11
	Former Old Greenwich resident Edwin Redkey died on Friday, June 10, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. He was 79 years old. Redkey was born in Washington, D.C., and earned his B.A. from the University of Washington in Seattle, a master of divinity degree from Princeton University and a READ MORE

Join The Daily Greenwich for Office Hours
by Anna Helhoski | 06/14/11
	Do you have a story idea? Join The Daily Greenwich reporter Anna Helhoski for "office hours" Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at Starbucks on Greenwich Avenue. Bring suggestions and questions about community coverage in Greenwich, or just drop by for a chat. Follow TheDailyGreenwich.com on READ MORE

CL&P Vows to Address Greenwich Outages by Anna Helhoski | 06/14/11

Connecticut Light & Power has promised to improve service reliability after more than 5,000 Greenwich customers lost power last week because of lightning and underground circuit failures. The outages cut power to 5,643 Greenwich customers until 2:30 a.m. Saturday. First Selectman Peter Tesei READ MORE