Focusing on Money and Accountability

John S. Kovaleski is State Representative for the 65th District.

My appointment by the Speaker of the House to the Finance Committee has given me a firsthand look at the revenue side of the state legislature’s budgetary deliberations. It has been eye-opening how quickly the financial fortunes of the state’s fiscal health have been reversed. Let me also add that my appointment makes me the first legislator from Torrington in over 20 years to serve on the Finance Committee.

My re-election campaign goals focus upon two words—money and accountability.

As I have often said, eventually everything revolves around money. Balancing the state budget will require a long, hard look at five areas: maximization of federal funds; trimming bond obligation requests; state government operating efficiencies; revenue enhancements; and spending cuts. I will also continue to work to bring back more to Torrington: assuring we get our fair share of municipal aid and education funding; moving the economic development of downtown Torrington to resolution; and fighting for the courthouse in the downtown area.

The issue of accountability applies to individuals, managers and elected officials, who all must act with a sense of responsibility. We are representing the public and need to restore faith in the public trust. We have too many examples of looking the other way, or blatant dishonesty.

The legislature needs to review laws and programs previously enacted to check for effectiveness and to pull the plug on failed policies and programs. Are you aware that the budget director of OPM does not have an accurate head count of state government employees? Sadly, and incomprehensibly, I could not find anybody who does.

The executive branch must manage personnel and programs with increased efficiency. Take a hard look and ask: Do we still need this program? Why? Is there a better means to deliver the necessary service? How?

Our country and our state are in the midst of scandals such as Paul Silvester in the State Treasurer’s office and the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) debacle. Violating the public trust extends to corporations including Enron, Arthur Andersen, WorldCom and the unconscionable "perks" provided by GE to its former chairman.

This cancer has been growing and needs to be put into remission, if not eradicated. The Congress is moving, albeit slowly. The state has to move as well. This past legislative session we passed a whistleblower law to prevent recriminations against people who report suspected wrongdoing. We also passed a CRRA restructuring bill and more restrictions on the operations of quasi-public agencies. I will actively pursue stronger efforts to attack waste and malfeasance by our government, and outright fraud in the corporate or private sector.

I am seeking re-election to a second term as your State Representative from the 65th District in Torrington, and I ask for your vote on November 5.