Attack on the CPOA and it's President Answered!

It is with great disappointment that we read a recent letter to the editor ("City's delegations brings home aid," 10/7/10). The writer personally attacked Michael Wanik and accused him of playing politics when he raised legitimate questions about the effectiveness of New Britain’s legislative delegation.



Mr. Wanik, like many reasonable residents, believes not enough state funding is being directed to New Britain to meet our growing fiscal needs, most of which results from numerous unfunded mandates passed by members of the legislature’s Democratic supermajority.

The writer described Mr. Wanik, who is president of the Citizens Property Owners Association Inc., a nonpartisan local taxpayer organization, as a “high-ranking Republican appointee.” For the sake of accuracy, Mr. Wanik is not a member of the New Britain Republican Town Committee and his position is an elected one. Mr. Wanik has nothing to gain personally by the election of a Democrat or a Republican; his group’s allegiance is only to property owners and taxpayers.

In contrast, the writer failed to mention is that he is a member of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee and an official with AFSCME Council 4; therefore, maintaining the status quo and getting his fellow Democrats re-elected is in his best interest.



During the past 50 years, the middle class has been slowly falling behind. We’re losing jobs, working more hours and forgoing raises to stay employed. We’re cutting corners wherever possible to send our children to school, to pay our taxes and living expenses, and to save for retirement.



Meanwhile, many public sector employees, who are paid by our local, state and federal taxes, continue to receive great benefits, annual salary and cost-of-living increases, lifetime pensions and the potential to retire at relatively young ages. Of course, they want nothing to change.


When push came to shove with our recent education budget, the unions didn’t have to make a single concession. The Democrats in Congress found the money needed to rehire laid off teachers all across the country and give them their regular annual raises - with no strings attached.

Instead of being denigrated by some Democratic henchman, Mr. Wanik, and the CPOA, should be applauded for consistently asking members of BOTH political parties tough questions and for leveling legitimate criticism when needed.

Every group that depends on taxpayer dollars has a voice in the halls of power. Visit the Legislative Office Building in Hartford any day and you’ll find scores of lobbyists, activists and advocates for the unions, welfare recipients, inmates, nonprofit groups, quasi-governmental agencies, trade associations, retailers, and many more - all asking for taxpayer money - your money.

Unfortunately, we, the people who actually pay the bills, are so busy working that our point of view is not often represented in the discussion.


If we are elected to our respective offices, we would only seek to be a voice for you – the middle class property owners and taxpayers. And more importantly, we would welcome questions posed by Mr. Wanik, the CPOA or any taxpayer who has concerns about how their tax dollars are being spent - and whether we are effectively serving their needs.




Signed,

Henry Zembko – Candidate for Connecticut State Senate 6th District
Cris Carillo – Candidate for Connecticut State House 24th District
James Griffin – Candidate for Connecticut State House 26th District