The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received November 2, 2022.
I am convinced now more than ever that Connecticut needs new leadership, at all levels of government. When I moved here from the Midwest in 1976, I found Connecticut to be one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. It was at the same time a thriving industrial state, blessed with a highly skilled labor force that was second to none in the United States. During the 1980s, economic growth was the name of the game. Manufacturing plants expanded and investments in new equipment abounded.
And then came the 1990’s. The North American Free Trade Agreement was enacted in 1994 and Connecticut soon saw manufacturing plant after manufacturing plant close or move out. The exodus of manufacturing from Connecticut had a devastating impact on the middle class and our once thriving communities. We are still reeling from its effects. The income gap between rich and poor continues to widen as our economy was forced to shift from being productivity-based to one that is overly dependent on cheap imports and the financial markets. It is no coincidence that substance abuse is at an all-time high in our state and throughout the country. Our once proud and productive middle class is in despair.
Instead of addressing this issue head on by providing incentives for businesses to come to Connecticut, such as offering specialized worker training in vocational schools, etc., our leadership has increasingly adopted an elitist approach. They are focused on all of the wrong things and consistently insult their constituents, calling us racists and “phobes” of one sort or another. Their power is derived from a compliant and dependent citizenry, not a productive and faithful one that has strong family values and extols the virtues of hard work.
If you want to see Connecticut return to the days of prosperity for all of its citizens, vote Republican on November 8th! Our many fine candidates are chomping at the bit to serve the citizens of this state and our country. Their values are YOUR values.
Richard Wells, Haddam
