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Grounded in Reality

State Senator Art Linares, Jr. (R-33) and state representative candidate Bob Siegrist (R-36) have the conviction to stand up for the changes needed to put the Connecticut state budget back on track. Too many of our state legislators speak about instituting change or making meaningful improvements to the budget. These same legislators come to the 11th hour and join the lemmings in passing a budget lacking any foresight or respect for non-partisan revenue predictions. Art Linares did oppose the most recent budget due to a lack of substantive institutional changes. Bob Siegrist has spoken out against that budget and provided meaningful solutions to the current budget problems.

Linares has been a voice advocating positive change and a more holistic budgeting process. Siegrist will be another voice addressing the long-term budgetary issues that have caused Connecticut to earn from Governing Magazine the dubious title of the having the highest per capita government debt. Both will represent our district by ensuring our tax dollars are treated with the same consideration we give our individual household budgets.

We continue to hear about the new economic reality Connecticut’s facing. Well, that reality isn’t new; it started in 2008. It’s time we have state representatives who recognize a new reality in less than eight years and not hide behind a tricky phrase as an excuse for their inaction. Linares recognized that change early on as evidenced by his votes in the Senate. Siegrist has been living the economic reality and understands the challenges. Both are grounded in reality and understand what needs to be done to improve our prospects for the future.

Art Linares and Bob Siegrist are my choices for making the changes needed in our state government. I encourage your readers to join me in voting for Art and Bob on Nov. 8.

Susie Beckman

Ivoryton