Candidates for the February 24 special election for State House shared their thoughts on a variety of issues on the News 12 Focus On Connecticut forum hosted by Tom Appleby. Link to program here.
Former State Rep. Bob Keeley highlighted his legislative experience, City Councilman Enrique Torres emphasized growing the state economically, former State Rep. Hector Diaz focused on his relationships in Hartford, former City Councilman Steve Stafstrom asserted the need for a new generation of leadership and City Councilman Bob Halstead declared he’s the voice for the voiceless.
The winner will fill the seat vacated by Auden Grogins, now a member of the state bench, in the 129th District that covers Black Rock, West Side and portions of the North End and West End.
In his ad, Rick Torres wears the chef’s coat, the traditional sign of success in the restaurant business.
New generation of leadership??? lol lol lol … Lennie, you are hilarious today. You mean a new generation of people working looking to further line the pockets of their uncle’s law firm? That kind of leadership? Or are we talking about the kind that feels the pain of property taxes right before he votes to raise them? New leadership, huh? Oh my Gosh.
Bob Halstead as the voice for the voiceless?
No wonder I didn’t hear him.
And in a complete reversal, if there’s such a thing as “facial swagger,” Rick Torres has it.
During the Channel 12 Candidate Forum for the 129th District Special Election, we heard from five capable people. One Republican and four Democrats. I know three of the five personally. For those who have not yet seen the Forum, I heartily encourage you to watch it via the link. All five candidates spoke, with apparent sincerity, about the most important issue to the people of Bridgeport and the constituents of the 129th: taxes!
While I want to believe the Democratic candidates, and their wish to reduce taxes, I am dubious. It is not in their DNA to reduce taxes. And this is because it is also not in their DNA to reduce spending.
If one of the Democratic candidates were to represent the 129th, I would anticipate their tax-and-spend Democratic peers would effectively neutralize their good intentions. Peer pressure goes back to our days on the playground. My sense of how they play in the sandbox in Hartford, and anecdotal evidence, tells me even the best intentions can be abandoned when the stakes are raised. Or when the rules are inexplicably changed and rationalized.
For the above reasons, we need to trust the candidate who will innately and instinctively reduce taxes, reduce spending, and increase revenues throughout the City of Bridgeport and the State of Connecticut. That candidate is Rick Torres.
On the Bridgeport City Council, Rick has proven he will execute what he promises to his constituents. In Hartford, he will finally have some friends in the sandbox who will help him achieve what Bridgeport so desperately needs for its economic and spiritual survival.
On February 24, please vote for my friend, and Bridgeport’s most capable and committed advocate, Rick Torres!
I thought Steve Stafstrom, Bob Halstead and Rick Torres did a fine job. These would be my top three choices. Bob Keeley, your tie was like a foot too long (“If we are going to get a Steelepointe or Harborpointe or whatever you want to call it”?); Stafstrom, dude next time black shoes; Bob Halstead, pants too short; Rick Torres, get a freaking haircut. Hector, you and Keeley, no vision just whining. Bob Halstead, great job!!!
Well said, Steve Best! I agree 100%. Rick is in this because he cares deeply, not to further his “career” or that of a big law firm.
Well said, Steve. Rick Torres is a lifelong resident of the city who cares deeply about Bridgeport. He does not have any conflicts of interest and is not part of any political machine. Rick will fight to do the right thing for the city and its residents. I am truly perplexed by Steve Stafstrom’s campaign slogan. The only real momentum under the current Administration is more spending and higher taxes. He did not oppose that approach when he was appointed to the City Council! Making Bridgeport green and bankrupt is not a good thing. We need truth, leadership and tough choices to create a better future in the state and city. There are several good candidates but Torres is the right choice at this point in time. I do, however, agree it’s time for Rick to get a haircut. Some of us, including me, don’t have to get them as often!
If elected, Steve Stafstrom could be CT’s next Sheldon Silver. He’s off to a good start!
Right, speaker Sharkey?
You’re right, Steve. We can’t do anything in this city or state about taxes until we control our spending. Cut spending, balance the budget and then attack taxes. There are over 200 taxes/fees in this state that account for only 0.001% of the total revenue. It costs more to collect them than they are worth. Just more bureaucracy. Isn’t it time for a different approach? A vote for Rick and myself will be that change.