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Wishing, Not Leadership

Last week, State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) penned a letter titled “How did we get in such a bad place?” In it, he talked about his opposition to tax increases and budget cuts during his six years in office.

I would like taxes to be lower, too. I’d like the government to pay for more, too. I’d also like to lose 20 pounds without changing my diet or exercising more.

Saying that you’re against bad things and in favor of good things is not leadership. It’s wishing. In the past six years, no Republican has voted for a single state budget, preferring to criticize the results. They do not take part in any of the process.

Budgeting, and legislating, involves hard choices. When you hear a politician promise anything, ask them how, specifically, they’ll pay for it. What are they going to cut? Without specifics, they’re just wishing away the pounds.

Steve Gifford

North Haven

Steve Gifford is a Democratic candidate for the 87th District state representative seat.