Letters to the editor: Political mailbag

Support Foley for governor

The Aug. 10 election primaries are just around the corner, and I urge all Connecticut Republicans to support Tom Foley as the party's candidate for governor.

Foley's proven track-record in turning around businesses and creating jobs are exactly the qualifications necessary in our state's next chief executive. Connecticut's Democrat-controlled state legislature has put this state's financial health in jeopardy by raising taxes, vastly increasing our budget deficits, and implementing policies that have driven businesses and jobs out of the state.

These reckless policies have Connecticut facing a $3.5 billion budget deficit in 2012 and an average state tax burden of $8,600 on working families.

We need a governor who will stand up to the big-spending legislators and special interests in Hartford, restore fiscal sanity, and actively market our state to the industries that will bring jobs back to Connecticut and keep our talented employees here.

Foley has the experience and the plan to move our state forward, and I encourage all Republicans to vote for him on Aug. 10.

Rob Hess

Westport

Vote for Rubin

I urge all of Westport's 136th district Republicans to support Steve Rubin in the upcoming primary. I have known Steve for more than 20 years, and have worked with him on the RTM. Steve has proven himself to be dedicated to our town, and has shown excellent communication skills with our residents regardless of their party affiliation.

I believe he has the best set of skills to accomplish what the 136th needs in Hartford. One of his strongest skills is what I consider a practical and realistic approach to the political process -- an approach that delivers specific results. Because the political arena has become so polarized by ideology, I appreciate Steve's ability to bring all parties to the table and hammer out compromises that work.

Steve's opponent is both articulate and highly motivated. I have read her web pages and she presents an outline for change that is creative but is hardly realistic. I suggest she run for Westport's RTM or Board of Finance to get some political experience and "learn the ropes" (or pay her dues) before attempting a run for state office. The town's recent budget challenges would have been a great opportunity for her to speak out and make her positions known. Regretfully, that did not happen at any of the hearings or votes I watched or attended.

Steve did speak out. I know where he stands. I know he's got the necessary political experience and acumen. Please vote for Steve Rubin for the 136th.

Nate Gibbons

Westport

Nitzy Cohen for state representative

Nitzy Cohen is Westport's very best choice for State legislature. Nitzy has both an economics degree and a master's in development policy and public administration and is the owner of an international food export company. Gov. M. Jodi Rell also appointed her to various commissions.

Nitzy understands both government and the real business world. Expertise in growing jobs and growing business are two things sorely lacking in Hartford. Nitzy is courageous and forthright and will fight for us in Hartford.

Vote for Nitzy in the Aug. 10 primary and the November general election. She is our very best choice to get things done.

Andrea Britell

Westport

Nitzy Cohen: The governor's choice

Gov. M Jodi Rell has fought to lead our state down a path of fiscal restraint and time and time again has been stymied by the super majority in the legislature, which has taken away her veto power and continued the taxing, spending and borrowing policies that are destroying Connecticut.

Rell knows firsthand what characteristics are needed to be an effective legislator, and in 2008 she endorsed Nitzy Cohen to be the state representative from Westport saying "Nitzy Cohen is an outspoken leader that will represent the needs of Westport and Connecticut."

I agree with the governor that we need Nitzy in the legislature. Nitzy has the courage to help our next governor clean up the fiscal mess in Hartford so let's vote for Nitzy in the Aug. 10 primary and in November.

Nicole Pappas

Westport

Proud to support Nitzy Cohen

I am proud to be a Westport Republican because of candidates like Nitzy Cohen.

She is a successful business person that owns and develops profitable business and uses her entrepreneur knowledge and success in helping women in third world countries develop businesses they can run out of their homes. She does this at no cost to them because she believes in helping people in need help themselves.

Connecticut state government needs the knowledge of business leaders like Nitzy Cohen. We need leaders that understand what is needed to build business.

Nitzy follows in the proud tradition of past great Republican women state representatives that have represented Westport, like Julie Belaga and Jo Fuchs.

Julie Belaga, who is still leader in the effort to protect the environment, was the first Republican woman to be nominated and run for governor.

Jo Fuchs followed as our state representative, was a strong voice for fiscal responsibility , and after leaving office, she still remains active and involved with the issues that affect Westport.

I am still proud that I worked hard in both Julie Belaga and Jo Fuchs elections.

Knowing both these out standing past state representatives is why I am proud to now be supporting Nitzy Cohen to continue the tradition of Westport supporting outstanding Republican women leaders.

On Aug. 10, in the Republican Primary, I will proudly cast my vote for Nitzy Cohen for state representative for Westport and I encourage you to do the same.

Dr. Joseph Vecchiarino

Westport