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A Sorry Day for Connecticut Republicans
By Dave Moulton, Barkhamsted
Being an active Republican, I have tried to give Governor Rowland the benefit of the doubt over the past few years. When Rowland was first elected in 1994 with a pledge to eliminate the state income tax, I had real hope that Connecticut's highest tax burden in the country might be reduced. Rowland's first term was promising, with the passing of income tax rate cuts, property tax credits, and gas tax cuts. With an enormous re-election victory in 1998 and surpluses as far as the eye could see, I thought for sure that Governor Rowland would further reduce the income tax and keep spending under control. But that did not happen, and in fact, spending went through the roof. With the economy still roaring along, the legislature did pass out rebate checks. However, this provided no long-term benefit to taxpayers.
Now that the economy is in trouble and the state faces a huge budget deficit, I am outraged with the solution the Governor and legislature have concocted. Not because it didn't protect the Democrat's labor union constituency, but because they expect the taxpayers to foot the bill for their decade-long mismanagement. With the arrival of the income tax in 1991, and the windfall of Indian casino money, the state coffers were overflowing. And instead of living within their means, the Governor and legislature created programs and grants and spent money like drunken sailors. Bill Curry's question is every bit as legitimate today as it was in the 2002 campaign: "Where did the money go?"
To pay for Rowland's pathetic leadership, every taxpayer in the State of Connecticut is going to see their income tax rate increase from 4.5% to 5% to balance the budget, even though most people who work in the private sector have had their salaries frozen. I believe this is the wrong approach. If the many programs and giveaways could be created during the 1990s, there is no reason they can't be delayed or eliminated now. Did my town of Barkhamsted really need its grant for the Squires Tavern renovation this year, rather than, say, two years from now? No. Likewise, thousands of other projects, programs, grants and pork across the state could and should have been cut. There should be no increases in any taxes whatsoever. Because the state budget has been mismanaged, it should be balanced by spending cuts only. If that includes more union layoffs, so be it. If the Democrats had truly wanted to balance the budget through bonding and destroy our slate's credibility, then the Governor should have called their bluff.
For Rowland to increase the income tax to balance the state budget is the height of hypocrisy. Did I really expect Rowland to eliminate the state income tax? No. But did I think he would actually raise it? Absolutely not! Rowland is betting that everyone has forgotten his promise to eliminate the state income tax, or that most people no longer care. Either way, Rowland has proven himself to be a man of very low ethical standards and poor character—in fact, some might call him a liar, since he pledged in his 2002 budget address that he would not endorse a plan that requires him to "raise taxes or borrow money."
The Republicans in the state legislature who have gone along with this travesty should be ashamed of themselves. I received a letter from Senators Louis DeLuca and William Aniskovich, which stated that they would oppose any attempt to raise taxes during this budget crisis. Although Aniskovich kept his word, DeLuca proved himself to be a liar when he and five other Republican senators voted for the budget. The Republicans who caved in to the arm-twisting from Governor Rowland have shown that they lack the courage to fight for Republican principles. It is a sorry day for Connecticut Republicans.
The old saying has never been more true: There is not a dimes' worth of difference between the Republicans and Democrats. And I would add that the taxpayer has gotten screwed again.
Dave Moulton is Chairman of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee.
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