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Dear Editor,

I am writing to urge the voters who live in the 19th Assembly District to vote for Chris Barnes for state Representative on election day, November 8th.

I had the privilege of serving as the State Representative from the 19th assembly District for 26 years. I know how challenging the job can be, also how rewarding it can be.

Chris Barnes is highly qualified for the job. He’s a partner in a law firm in West Hartford and is married, with three teenage daughters. Chris previously served as a member of West Hartford’s Risk Management Advisory Board, and currently is in his second term as a member of the West Hartford Town Council. In that capacity he has shown an ability to listen to all the citizens then make rational decisions. He has been described as thoughtful and “not afraid to tell people the truth.”

The state of Connecticut is in a permanent financial crisis. It seems the Legislature can’t pass a balanced budget – this year having its third budget crisis in three years. Connecticut has the second largest unfunded pension fund and the second highest bond indebtedness in the country. Our business climate is so burdensome that it seems the state has to pay existing businesses millions of dollars just to get them to stay.

The next session of the General Assembly is going to have to deal with the financial crisis that has been plaguing the state for several years. Chris has shown the ability to weigh the importance of preserving necessary services while holding costs down. Chris brings fresh eyes and a strong voice to the legislature. He will focus on making structural change to the State government to reduce cost and make it business friendly.

As a former state representative from the 19th District I am proud to support Chris Barnes and I believe if elected, the only special interests he will serve are the interests of the residents of the 19th Assembly District.

Bob Farr
West Hartford