To the Editor:

While I have no doubt that Lisa Romano is a fine neighbor and mother, I cannot support her as state representative for District 106. Here’s why.

Lisa stands for big government and more taxation. For example, according to a News Times article, Lisa disagrees that overtaxation has led to the “mass exodus” of business from Connecticut. Yet, Connecticut residents have the highest tax burden in the nation. Be prepared for even higher taxes should Lisa be elected.

According to the article, Lisa doesn’t see the state’s fiscal condition as “grim” as her opponent, Mitch Bolinsky, sees it — nothing a little streamlining won’t fix.

Besides having the highest tax burden in the nation (per the Tax Foundation), Connecticut has the distinction of having the third largest debt per capita of all states in the nation, amounting to $27,540 per person (per State Budget Solutions). And the Institute for Truth in Accounting named Connecticut as the state in the worst financial position in the country, labeling Connecticut a “sinkhole state,” based on debt per taxpayer that includes our $800+ billion in unfunded liabilities. These indicators appear grim to me.

Lisa touts the endorsement of our current Representative Chris Lyddy. Yet, according to Americans for Prosperity, Chris Lyddy voted against economic prosperity on each of five key votes affecting Connecticut’s economic outlook. (Votes regarding corporate welfare, forced unionization, increased taxes, electricity regulations, and health care regulations.) I don’t take Chris’s endorsement as a positive factor.

Connecticut is regulating, taxing, and spending itself into oblivion, and I see Lisa, a self-described “Progressive,” as supporting more of the same. 

I support Mitch Bolinsky, who understands that increased government regulation and taxation hurts businesses and thus job creation. I believe Mitch understands Connecticut’s dire conditions and will support legislation to improve Connecticut’s economy.

Cathy Reiss

Obtuse Road, Newtown                                               October 17, 2012