To the Editor:

Writing as the founder of the Commuter Action Group in a recent letter, Jim Cameron states that “No candidate has done more to help commuters than Tony Hwang.”  He adds that “[Rep. Hwang] has supported increased spending to keep our trains safe and on time.” 

Yet in a September 12th letter, Rep. Hwang himself says that he voted against the 2015 bond authorization for state infrastructure because it was a “much larger spending and bonding package that would . . . increase taxes.”  Sure, the bonding proposal (which passed with huge bipartisan support, by the way) included money for roads, bridges and other non-rail stuff. 

But am I the only one who recalls a July report stating that Connecticut’s roads were the worst in the country?  Am I the only one who believes that investing in our entire transportation system will create jobs and help Connecticut businesses to be more competitive?

No one enjoys paying taxes, even Democrats like me.  But I live in Connecticut instead of Mississippi for reasons that have largely to do with our ability and willingness to make public investments in our quality of life. 

On the other hand, if a politician wants to cut my taxes, great; I’m all for it.  But I want that politician to remember that, as a taxpayer, I’m not just a “shareholder” (as conservatives are so fond of putting it).  I’m also a customer.  So tell me what doesn’t get funded to hold or lower taxes.  Rep. Hwang has answered that question, and I’ll be voting for Kim Fawcett for State Senate from District 28.

Doug Jones

1304 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield October 6, 2014