To the Editor:

At this writing, we are just 21 days from November 4, election day.  Typically by this time I would have been able to move past the spin, navigate through the issues and platforms, critically examine the promises and the records, and then add all that to what I perceive to be the character attributes of the candidates and come to a decision about whom I feel are the best choices.  My approach in all the years of being an active voter is to start that critical-thinking process at the local level and then move on to state and federal.

I must confess that this year, more than ever, I am stuck.  It is the issues themselves that have me struggling.  On the one hand, I am very concerned about the financial viability of our state. I see danger signs everywhere I look. On a daily basis, I confront issues of cost of living in our community and state. Taxation at all levels is draining our capacity for sustained economic growth; persons on fixed incomes (which are a greater proportion of our population as we experience the ‘graying of Connecticut’) are forced to consider relocating to other locales for their retirement years; and the regulatory framework is so oppressive that small business – the lifeblood of our state and local economy – is depressed and discouraged.

These and other indicators of failed policies sap my confidence that the Connecticut of the future will be a place where my children and grandchildren and theirs, will thrive and prosper.  So, yes, I am calling for a change in direction.  But, at the same time, I see that the economic issues are only one side of the balance sheet  – on the other side, and competing for equal time, is the issue of gun control.

The future state I call for is characterized by reasonable and appropriate controls on access to guns and ammunition and by fiscal restraint supported by effective economic policies.  I want both:  new economic policies with strong leadership, and a safe society in which all persons can be confident that there are controls in place, that access to guns is defined in common-sense policy.  So, my debate with myself will continue for a while longer. I see value in every candidate and respect the hard work every public servant performs.  There is nothing about this that is personal; there is no antipathy for any person who seeks to serve.  I encourage each voter to engage the issues and use the ballot box to help create his/her own best Connecticut of the future.

E. Patricia Llodra

Riverside Road, Sandy Hook                      October 14, 2014