Political Mailbag

Nitzy stands by her education credentials

I find it rather interesting that Democrats are attacking me in letters and supporting my Republican primary opponent. It's obvious that the Democrats are far more worried about having me as an opponent in November and would prefer to denigrate me and take me out of the race right now if they can.

In particular, with response to the letter of Ms. Adrian Bowles, I am glad to discuss my education and business credentials in more detail.

I graduated from University of Louisville with a bachelor's of arts degree in economics, summa cum laude, with a 4.0 GPA. I also earned a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin, The La Follette School of Public Affairs in Development Policy and Public Administration. The majority of the graduate degree program involved economic study with specific application to the public sector, which Ms. Bowles apparently does not know.

Throughout my career I have utilized economic analysis to assess economics conditions, joint ventures and new business development. In addition, I have worked for USAID to teach economic and business principles to third world entrepenurs and small business owners. I am lucky to be an American and live in a country where I have been able to apply my business and economic knowledge as a successful small business owner. Hartford sorely needs legislators with real world knowledge of business and ecomomics.

Nitzy Cohen

Westport

Vote for Foley,

McMahon and Debicella

Connecticut Republicans are extremely fortunate this primary season to have several outstanding candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress.

But on Tuesday, Aug. 10, we must decide which candidates have the right experience, sound strategies and proven leadership to tackle head on the most critical issues facing our citizens: Ending the reckless government spending that promises to bankrupt our state and our nation; and getting our struggling economy back on track so we can create jobs once again.

The best Republican candidates for the job are candidate for Connecticut Governor Tom Foley, U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon and candidate for the 4th District of U.S. Congress, Dan Debicella. Each of these individuals has strong private sector experience, a deep commitment to public service and the know-how to help get our economy growing and our businesses hiring.

Our Democrat representatives in Washington have failed us. They have supported big, bloated government policies like nationalized health care, a misguided energy program, and an ineffective stimulus bill that have stifled growth and encroached on our freedoms. Linda McMahon and Dan Debicella are committed to reversing that trend by cutting taxes, reducing government spending, and taking power away from the career politicians and putting back in the hands of the people.

In Hartford, the Democrat-controlled state legislature has grown the size and scope of the state government at the expense of private sector jobs, which have been fleeing the state in droves. To reverse the damage done by the reckless tax and spend legislators, Tom Foley has a plan to cut the state's projected $3 billion deficit, attract employers to the region to hire and retain our talented workers, and reduce the heavy tax burden on Connecticut's working families.

In this high stakes election year, when the future of our state and our nation hang in the balance, we encourage all registered Republicans to support Tom Foley, Linda McMahon and Dan Debicella in the Tuesday, Aug. 10, primary.

Bob Zappi, chairman, Westport

Republican Town Committee (WRTC)

Tim Wetmore, vice-chairman, WRTC

Karen Hess, vice-chairman, WRTC

Rubin's the real deal

Steve is the "Real Deal" and that doesn't come around too often. Let's get him elected so the Republicans can win back the seat in November.

Over the years Steve has worked with us all in one way or the other -- from needs regarding our schools to his respect of seniors needs. His work as an RTM member since 1993 plus his volunteer work have proven his dedication to Westport. As a retired business sales executive he knows about budgets. His knowledge of union negotiations will help greatly in Hartford with the out of hand union problems we now have with our state contracts.

Please vote for Stephen Rubin for our state representative ... Vote 5A. Thank you.

Janet Roberts

Westport

Nitzy -- no nonsense

and fiscally wise

Many readers will recognize the name Nitzy Cohen because she ran for election as state representative two years ago. She was then a forceful, energetic and knowledgeable candidate, and today she is the same, but more mature, much better prepared to deal with the issues that must be challenged in this campaign. Nitzy has grown to be precisely the kind of candidate we need to represent us in Hartford.

Elections have consequences, and all of us as voters have a duty not only to vote on Election Day, but to take a really good look at who are the candidates. If voters examine the materials received from Nitzy Cohen -- and they are most readable -- then they will see a candidate who's ability and determination to face down inaction and negative politically-based preferences are among her many assets.

I have spent a lifetime in the corporate world and in town government, as a professional involved with financial accountability and performance. When I look at the current state of Connecticut's fiscal affairs I am dismayed and appalled by the amateurish irresponsibility of our state legislative majorities, and the financial mess they have promoted.

The situation is grave and getting worse, so we must elect serious, committed legislators who really care to tackle the problem -- not people who will sit on the back bench playing computer games. Westport cannot afford to send someone to Hartford who does not have the skills, courage and economic understanding necessary to challenge the unsustainable fiscal path the legislature is taking. Westport cannot afford "back bencher" legislators whose sole claim to fame is to toe a party line that is demonstrably defunct and self-serving.

Choosing Nitzy guarantees one thing for sure, you will have a candidate who will never give in without a well-directed word, opinion and effort to achieve change in Hartford. It may be a tough slog, but Nitzy, as those who know her can attest, is not a quitter, and we deserve that kind of representation ... now !

Look at www.NitzyCohen.com. You will see why she gets my vote, and why I see her as one of those to spearhead riddance of the political hegemony and open conflict of interest by the current majority who do such damage to our state.

Gavin Anderson

Selectman

Westport

Merkle is the right man for U.S. Congress

This letter is in support of Rob Merkle, who is running for Connecticut's 4th District Congressional seat:

Like most Americans, I had been apolitical, thinking, that everything was alright. After all, we had elected representatives to look out for America's best interests. I just assumed our politicians must know better than me.

The problems facing our nation have become more severe and the responses from Washington are erratic and confusing. Instead of taking actions to help create jobs by helping small business, our "leaders" are busy representing unions and undocumented aliens, taking over private sector businesses, increasing taxes and spending money without restraint.

Congressman Jim Himes recently formed a coalition concerned with our growing deficit, but has done nothing to deal with it. Yesterday (July 22), he voted to fund the unemployment extension by tacking it on to the deficit, instead of finding funding for it, maintaining his record of voting for every budget busting, regulatory program to come out of Washington.

On Aug.10, there will be primaries to determine the candidates to be on the ballot in November. We have the opportunity to have a highly principled, dedicated individual represent us. That person is Rob Merkle. He is running in the Republican Primary to unseat Jim Himes in November.

He is a successful small businessman who understands job creation and the effects that government financial and regulatory policies have on business. He is passionate about restoring and maintaining those traditions that have made America great.

On Aug. 10, I urge you to vote for the man who will do the most for Fairfield County -- Rob Merkle!

Michael Goldman

Westport

Nitzy -- the lifeguard

Nitzy knows Connecticut is drowning in a sea of "red ink" and she is on a mission to try and save us from going under.

If you have the bad feeling we are sinking under runaway state spending, ever increasing state taxes, hemorrhaging deficits, out of control borrowing, mounting job losses and a lousy business environment then you need to be voting for Nitzy Cohen for state representative.

Nitzy is an educated, street-smart, strong-willed international businesswoman who has the courage, will and skill to swim against the union-dominated Democratic supermajority that is dragging our state underwater.

Nitzy understands the economics of the private sector and has real world business experience. She knows exactly what works and what doesn't. Others can mouth the words, "jobs, jobs, jobs" but they don't have a clue what they are talking about. Nitzy is an entrepreneur, a small business owner and a job creator -- exactly what we need more of, if we want Connecticut to be competitive in the global economy.

Nitzy will treat every taxpayer dollar like it is her own money. She will fight to reduce the size of government, shrink the number of state employees, cut state spending and reduce your taxes.

If you care about your business, job security, taxes and keeping Connecticut economically competitive then you should grasp on to the life preserver Nitzy Cohen is throwing you and vote for her on Aug. 10 and in November. You only get one chance at being saved!

Dewey Loselle

Westport

Editor's note: Dewey Loselle is Nitzy Cohen's campaign manager.

Smart choices for Democrat's primary

Democrats can perform a vital public service for Connecticut by voting smart in our Aug. 10 primary election. The smart choices are:

For Governor/Lt. Governor: Malloy/Wyman -- Spark Connecticut's revitalization by voting for Malloy/Wyman. Dan Malloy was mayor of Stamford's renaissance -- an influx of new businesses, jobs and federal funding, Connecticut's first universal preschool, and dramatic reductions in crime and government bureaucracy. As the Hartford Courant said in endorsing Malloy: "Mr. Malloy's accomplishments in Stamford could serve as a blueprint for what Connecticut needs to do, beyond living within its means." His running mate, state Comptroller Nancy Wyman, is the quintessential maven of state finance, a budget watchdog and a leader in healthcare reform initiatives. Vote for Malloy/Wyman, a synergistic team and the only team qualified to lead Connecticut's renaissance.

For Secretary of the State: Gerry Garcia --A brilliant, articulate, compassionate candidate with a bachelor's of arts and master's in business administration from Yale University, Gerry Garcia can be Connecticut's first Latino elected to statewide office, and definitely the first Jewish Puerto Rican. As testament to his unique potential for enhancing the inclusiveness our political process, 40 percent of contributors to Garcia's campaign are low-income citizens. He is endorsed by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. Before you vote, watch Garcia's short YouTube video and judge for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSAtKK_OxtE

For Comptroller: Kevin Lembo -- Lembo served for six years in the Comptroller's office and is endorsed by Connecticut's Comptroller, Nancy Wyman. Lembo now leads Connecticut's Office of the Healthcare Advocate. Connecticut's next Comptroller will be entrusted with overseeing the crucial Sustinet healthcare reform program; and Lembo is a nationally recognized expert who the U.S. Congress invited to testify at House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearings on health insurance reform. Lembo has the perfect blend of expertise for the Comptroller's office.

Harvey F. Bellin

Weston

Nitzy is the `can do' candidate for Westport

Nitzy Cohen is the "can do" candidate running for state representative. She is tenacious, and when she sets her mind to something she makes it happen. She has little tolerance for people who say "it can't be done." As an international businesswoman who deals with the third world she has had to overcome such attitudes all the time.

Nitzy never takes "no" for an answer and finds ways to overcome obstacles. That is the same spirit she will bring to Hartford, where mostly a "can't do" attitude prevails and often even the will to try is lacking. Nitzy is not deterred when people say "you can't cut spending" or "you can't reduce taxes" or "your ideas are unrealistic or impractical." Nitzy knows that when people talk like that they really mean: "they don't really want to" or they think its too hard. She knows it sounds much more acceptable to dismiss good ideas as "unrealistic or impractical."

Thankfully, Nitzy ignores the naysayers and small thinkers and has the courage to follow her convictions. Send the "can do" candidate to Hartford. Vote for Nitzy Cohen in the Aug. 10 primary and in November. You'll be glad you did.

Donna Hey

Westport

Dan is the man

to defeat Himes

Dear fellow District 4 citizens:

Enough is enough. It is time to restore balance, fiscal responsibility and independent thinking in Congress. Doing so requires your vote on Aug. 10 (registered Republicans) and in November (everyone who has had enough).

Our current Congressman, Jim Himes, has been a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi's reckless spending and the rest of her agenda. The Democrat incumbent Himes' voting record aligns with Nancy's on nearly every vote. Opencongress.org also shows Hime's attendance record is equally deplorable, voting Yes (62 percent), No (4 percent), Abstaining (1 percent) and, Not Present: an unworthy 33 percent.

Discussions at Town Hall meetings confirm no independence in his thinking. Himes has failed to recognize, listen to, or consider alternative views from the 49 percent who voted for his leading opponent. Himes' behaviors are all too typical. He is not talking with us; he is talking at us. Some in Congress think they know best, no matter what their constituents say.

Himes won by just 2,491 votes out of 287,199 cast among the top two candidates (see ct.gov). He is not "representing" his constituents. The anger with Congress was confirmed in a Gallop-USA Today poll in April and a CNN poll in June. Both CNN and Gallop show just a 30 percent satisfaction rating with Congress. Most Americans are dissatisfied with Congress; District 4 citizens are as well.

Congressional candidate Dan Debicella is opposing Himes. Dan earned the Republican nomination with 77 percent of the delegates (of which I was one). I know Dan. Dan is the candidate I trust to get the job done. He holds a master's in business administration and has worked for McKinsey, Pepsi and The Hartford. He and his wife live in Shelton. He has served our area as a Connecticut state senator, and part of the minority opposing Connecticut's tax and overspend approach.

Most importantly, Dan is listening to his constituents, and rather than pushing force-fed, unread bills and patronizing political agendas, Dan is actually asking what is on our mind, talking with us, and will represent us. Enough is enough. The silent majority is now vocal and taking action.

Help restore balance to Congress and bring back true representation of constituents' views from the bottom-up.

To ensure your chances of restoring balance and creditability in Congress, you need to act now: you need to vote on Aug. 10.

Vicki Slack

Westport

Nitzy -- super smart, practical and lovely

As a businesswoman and mother, I want my state representative to be both educated and have common sense. With Nitzy Cohen, there is no question on that score as she is one smart lady. Not only does Nitzy have a degree in economics and a master's degree in policy/public administration, she also has a lifetime of experience being an entrepreneur and small business owner in an industry that is mostly a man's world. This is not someone who has lived at the public trough, but someone who creates value, jobs and generates the tax dollars that others spend.

The amazing thing about Nitzy is that while she is a fierce competitor, she is at the same time one of the warmest, nicest people you will ever meet. Anyone who meets Nitzy can't help but be charmed by her graciousness, sincerity, sense of humor and genuine interest in people. She cares and it shows. Nitzy is no pushover, she has strong views and is fearless, but she also is never mean or condescending as some in politics can be. Nitzy has not spent the last 20 years being rude to Westport taxpayers, she has been running a company while raising her three wonderful children and volunteering in town.

If you like smart and nice, you'll love Nitzy Cohen. I hope you vote for her on Aug. 10 and in the fall.

Cathy Walsh

Westport

Jodi Rell picked Nitzy three times

I think most people will agree that Jodi Rell has been a pretty good governor with high job approval ratings. I am going to follow the governor's lead and vote for Nitzy Cohen for state representative in the primary on Aug. 10.

The governor knows good government and is a good judge of talent. It's not surprising then that she previously endorsed Nitzy Cohen for the state legislature and has twice picked her for important state commissions and boards. When Governor Rell endorsed Nitzy for the legislature, she said, "Nitzy Cohen is an outspoken leader that will represent the needs of Westport and Connecticut."

Because Nitzy is a successful international business woman, the governor appointed her to the Connecticut-Israel Exchange Commission to foster business development and strengthen trade ties between our state and this important business partner. She also appointed Nitzy to the Advisory Board for Technical High Schools, as Nitzy has served as a technical consultant to the United Nations teaching business entrepreneurship and business skills development to third world women.

I think we should follow the lead of our great governor on this one. If Jodi Rell wanted Nitzy Cohen helping her, that's more than a good enough recommendation for me. I will be voting for Nitzy Cohen on Aug. 10 and I hope you will to.

Carol Asness

Westport

Nitzy Cohen,

the `un-politician'

It's wrong to even call Nitzy Cohen a politician as she breaks a lot of the standard rules and ignores a lot of traditional advice. That's part of her charm and why I really like her.

She is her own woman and makes no apologies for it. Standard political labels simply don't apply to her and god forbid anyone who tries and make her follow some "politically correct" candidate's script! Those of you who know Nitzy know what I am talking about.

Yes, she is running for public office, but in the old fashioned (colonial tradition) of a Connecticut citizen-legislator. Nitzy certainly doesn't need the job, benefits, pension or ego boost which may be motivating some. In fact, running for office costs her money and business. No, Nitzy is doing this for her family and yours, because she sees what is happening to our state and has the unshakable belief that there is a better way. Nitzy looks around at the mess in Hartford and rather than despair like most of us, has actually decided to try and do something about it.

I hope you have a chance to meet Nitzy (she is in neighborhoods every day) and you will see what I am talking about. She is like a breath of fresh air and unlike any politician you will ever meet, which is why I call her the "un-politician." I hope everyone gives Nitzy a chance by voting for her for state representative on Aug. 10 and in the general election. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

Sandra E. Angulo

Westport

Dan will look out

for Fairfield County

Jim Himes has a New Year's present ready for Fairfield County. As the ball is dropping in Times Square all of our taxes will be rising. That's right, all of ours. The president ran on a promise that no one who makes less than $250,000 a year would see their taxes go up; but on Jan. 1, 2011, the "Bush tax cuts" will expire. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking that this means that only the wealthy are going to see their taxes go up. In fact, it is the lowest income tax bracket that will be hardest hit -- their taxes will increase 50 percent. This is not the time to be taking money out of the pockets of Americans.

What the people of Fairfield County need is jobs. Unemployment in Fairfield County is 7.7 percent. There are only two times in the last 20 years that unemployment has been higher, and both occurred within the last year. When Jim Himes voted for Obama's stimulus bill we were told that it would keep unemployment from going through the roof. Yet here we sit with unemployment at a near 20-year high in Fairfield County and a 20-year high in Connecticut. Enough is enough.

When November comes we need to vote for someone who will rebuild our economy, not sell us wishes and dreams. We need government to make it less costly for companies to hire workers; make banks secure in lending money; and most of all, leave our hard earned dollars in our pockets for us to spend how we choose. Jim Himes has had his chance to look out for us and has failed.

Dan Debicella recognizes these issues and will look out for Fairfield County. Dan Debicella will vote to repeal the remaining 80 percent of stimulus money to fund a 50 percent reduction in payroll taxes. This will give companies the financial breathing room they need to hire more workers. It will also save every family in America $1,500 in taxes next year. These are the answers to the problems that we face.

Dan Debicella will propose measures that will create jobs and allow us to keep more of our money. That is why on Aug. 10 and again on Nov. 2 I will be voting for Dan Debicella.

David Wood

Norwalk

Nitzy tells it like it is

Some of you may not know Nitzy yet, so let me tell you a little about her.

First, she is highly intelligent, educated, business smart and is one of the most caring people you will ever meet. However, one of her best traits is that she is blatantly honest and straight forward. She will tell you exactly what she thinks and believes. With Nitzy there is no double talk, no obfuscations, no nuances, no dodging and no talking down to you about how some topics are just far "too complex" to be easily understood (by you).

Nitzy is a "straight shooter" who just tells it like it is. Wouldn't that be refreshing for our legislator? Now you may not always agree with Nitzy (which is fine) but you will always know where she stands on an issue. If you like to engage in dialogue you will find Nitzy a great listener and someone who also likes intelligent debate.

I think Nitzy is exactly the type of legislator Westport needs to send to Hartford and give those folks a little straight talk! I hope you agree with me and that you will vote for Nitzy on Aug. 10 and on Nov. 2.

Zahava Gordon

Norwalk

Debicella can restore fiscal sanity

Voters in Fairfield County will have the choice of polar opposites in the upcoming November Congressional election. One alternative is to continue with the failed policies of the stimulus, the government takeover of healthcare, the profligate spending in Washington, the huge deficit, and the tax increases that are sure to come. The other alternative is smaller government, reduced spending and financial sanity that will come with the election of State Senator Dan Debicella as our Congressman in November.

Dan Debicella is the Republican Party-endorsed candidate with 77 percent of the delegate vote at the state convention. His two major opponents, State Senator Robert Russo and Easton First Selectman Tom Herrmann both dropped out of the race and are supporting Dan Debicella. Neither of Dan Debicella's opponents in the Republican primary, Rob Merkle and Rick Torres, obtained sufficient delegate votes to participate in a primary, but obtained the necessary signatures to force a primary. Neither has ever held elected public office. Dan Debicella is a second-term state senator who has been fighting hard against the supermajority in Hartford to bring fiscal conservatism to our state.

I urge you to vote for Dan Debicella on Tuesday, Aug. 10. He has demonstrated through his business experience, his legislative experience in the state senate and his positions on the issues that he is the only Republican candidate who will truly represent his Fairfield County constituents and who can defeat Jim Himes in November to restore fiscal sanity to our country.

Charles Wessendorf

Wilton

McKinney endorses Griebel for governor

The consequences of this year's election cannot be overstated. The State of Connecticut is in economic crisis and don't let anyone tell you differently. We have lost more than 100,000 jobs in this recession; businesses are closing in record numbers; middle-class families are finding it harder to make ends meet; and far too many of our bright, young and motivated graduates simply can no longer afford to live and work here.

Connecticut's recovery will be further hindered by the nearly $10 billion deficit we face over the next three years, and because of a tax and regulatory structure that is causing successful entrepreneurs to leave our state for greener pastures and friendlier legislatures. As they go, they are taking jobs and tax revenues with them.

On Tuesday, Republicans and Democrats will go to the polls to select the gubernatorial candidate they believe has the best chance at reversing these trends. My vote in the Republican primary will be cast for Oz Griebel.

Oz is a true political outsider -- free from the mistakes of past administrations -- and his work ethic and character are beyond reproach.

Oz knows better than any candidate in this race the challenges our business leaders face and what they need from a governor to create jobs and ensure a long and profitable future in Connecticut.

As a business and community leader, Oz has earned the trust and respect, not only of government officials, but also of the leaders of private industry whose involvement and support is going to be crucial to the solutions that ultimately get our economy on solid footing again.

We have a strong field of candidates in the Republican Party, but Oz has the most relevant experience, judgment and understanding of Connecticut's economy to lead our state forward.

Please join me in voting Oz Griebel for governor on Aug. 10.

John McKinney

State Senate Minority Leader

Representing Easton, Fairfield, Newtown and Weston