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Letter to the Editor: Are Lawmakers Looking Out for West Hartford?

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To the Editor:

What about us?

As you may or may not know, Governor Malloy vetoed the bi-partisan budget passed a few weeks back. This should come as no surprise as he said he would veto it. I have been called a naysayer, because I pointed out the realities of the situation we face in West Hartford. Typical. If trying to illustrate how poorly we are represented in this town, then I wear the label with pride. I wish things were going better, that we had a budget in place. But we do not. And now we are back to square one. I am not sure how anyone can argue against that we have been failed and continue to be failed by the people elected to represent us. They have had over seven months to negotiate a budget!

I don’t think anyone would argue that cuts are hard, but they are necessary in tough economic times. It would be great if UConn would not be absorbing any cuts. The comments made about shutting down campuses or entire programs is disingenuous at best and fear-mongering at its worst.

What have we heard from most of our representatives? Representative Slap failed to mention the portion of West Hartford he represents in the reasons why he couldn’t support the budget that was passed. Andrew Fleischmann is worried mainly how other towns fare in ECS funding, even though he supposedly represents us here in West Hartford. Joe Verrengia? No comments at all.

State Senator Beth Bye, like Rep. Slap focuses only on UConn, never mentioning the devastating cuts the towns she represents are about to absorb thanks to her accepting another month at least, of the governor’s executive order.

And the Democrat majority Town Council members? Largely crickets or passing the buck back to Malloy, when they had the real opportunity to make changes to our budget to protect West Hartford this past Spring. Instead they passed a budget along party lines that was more of the same, tax increases and expected increases in State Funding! Well, as most of you know, the tax increases for our homes happened, but we have currently received ZERO dollars in State funding.

The majority can’t continue to say they are fighting for us and working hard for us when their actions say the exact opposite. Actions speak louder than words! Elections have consequences and three weeks from today you can act. Vote for change. The fiscal mess we are in will not improve unless you do.

Remember on Nov. 7, What about us?

Robert Levine
West Hartford

Editor’s Note: The author is a candidate for West Hartford’s Board of Education.

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1 Comment

  • I am tired of the silence coming from CT Republicans about the policies and actions of Donald Trump and his administration. Although the November 7 elections are for local offices, it is important that we have context. How can WeHa residents trust that Republicans running for office here will stand up for us – for our health coverage needs, for our civil rights, for our voting rights, for our children’s future – if they stay silent in the face of this on-going assault. Women are under attack, as are the LGBTQI community, seniors, low/moderate income residents, veterans, students, other-abled, immigrants, Jews, Muslims, Dreamers, and people of color. White supremacists (whatever label you use) and Nazis are being more than tolerated, they’re being encouraged – even roused to further outrageous and dangerous action. Where are your voices? Silence gives consent. Silence shows approval.

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