To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Chris LaRocque, candidate for state representative. I read with much interest a response to my letter last week from Sarah Hemingway [Letters Of Endorsement, 6/25/10]. I would like to make a few points in regards to her letter.

When Mr Lyddy took office there was indeed a deficit, though a much smaller one than the one we will be facing in a few weeks. Technically, there is no deficit today, but come July 1 and the start of the next fiscal year, the challenge will be determining how to balance an approximately $3.6 billion that will have to be balanced during the next legislative session. Mr Lyddy, and others in Hartford, chose to pass along a bigger problem for the next legislative session, which is sure to affect Newtown’s residents.

Ms Hemingway is correct in what has been funded this year. What she fails to acknowledge is the amount of spending and borrowing that occurred in order for these services to be funded. Many would agree, including myself, that funding for increased treatment for Lyme disease, green cleaning products in schools, and pro-bono medical centers is important. However, when we must borrow millions to do so, it comes at an expense that should be given consideration. This expense comes in the form of higher taxes, higher electricity surcharges, and bigger government.

Another example is the borrowing of nearly $1 billion to balance the state budget. It’s as though I have a cable bill and an electric bill, I am unable to afford both as they currently exist. Instead of working another job in order to afford both bills, or reducing the cable service, I use my credit card, and then say that I don’t have any debt. Doesn’t make much sense does it? That’s exactly what our state legislature has done this past session.

We need a state representative that possesses both the ability to pursue our vital social concerns and address the pressing economic situation in Hartford which will continue to have a significant impact on Newtown’s residents.

Chris LaRocque possesses the skills necessary to achieve these goals.

Respectfully,

George O’Donnell

97 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook                                June 29, 2010