We are experiencing unprecedented and precarious financial times, and not just because of the current crisis in the financial markets.  Our state’s executive and legislative branches’ budget offices are projecting a $300 million dollar deficit for this year and a staggering $2 billion20deficit for the 2010-2011 budget.

As a candidate to represent Ridgefield in the State Senate, I must ask my opponent the following question: Will you raise taxes or cut spending to balance our budget?

I have lived in Connecticut for 43 years, was educated here, raised my three children here, and have served many years in public office here.  I know the challenges our friends and neighbors are facing, because I have been facing the same ones over the years.  As a senior executive in large companies, and having run my own small businesses, I also understand the challenges of our private sector.  I, too, have had to meet payrolls, manage budgets, absorb increased unemployment and healthcare costs, and go without pay during difficult periods to save employees’ jobs. Bottom line:  Connecticut is becoming too expensive for local businesses to thrive a nd for people to stay.  We are losing too many of our best and brightest, young and old.

If I am elected to the State Senate, I will fight for the changes we need to create jobs, reduce the cost of doing business, contin ue to improve our mass transit infrastructure, strengthen education, and work to make life more affordable for each and every person living in our state.  For me, raising taxes is not an option.  Our  tax climate is already too onerous for residents and businesses, and it is driving them out of the state.  Fewer and fewer people pay more of the taxes here, and Connecticut now has the highest combined (federal, state, and local) tax burden in the nation. As a direct consequence, Connecticut’s economy has totally stagnated.

What’s the solution?  Reigning in spending is certainly a start. Consider that Connecticut tax revenues have been growing at an average of 4% (and shrinking) while spending grows an average of 9%.  Would you run your household this way?

In 2007, I was a leader in writing and passing the “No Tax Increase Budget”.  This year, I proposed an alternative budget that included voluntary early retirement for the state workforce.  Had this proposal been approved, the current year’s deficit could have been cut in half. In the Senate, I will address the budget in the same way by fighting to cut waste, ending non-essential programs, and reducing the size of government.

I promise to fight for fiscal discipline. My record of successful accomplishment proves I have what it takes to keep that promise, and my 97% voting record for my 12 years in the House shows that I have the stamina to get it done.  Please support me as the candidate of economic responsibility and proven results.

Vote Toni Boucher for State Senate on November 4.