Letter to the Editor: Folk for State Representative

Letter to the Editor of The Simsbury Patch:

Charity Folk is the only person with the proper credentials to represent Simsbury as our next State Representative.  This is a bold statement, but let me tell you why. 

This is an important election for our town and our representative has to be the best possible candidate for the tough issues our state and town face.  Our state unemployment rate is now 9%, well about the dismal national rate of 8.1%.  Our debt per capita is the highest in the nation.  Our state pension plans are billions of dollars underfunded.  Our state taxes are among the highest in the nation thanks to an increase of over $1.6 billion of new taxes enacted last year.  The burden of these new taxes falls disproportionately on citizens of communities like Simsbury.

These are challenges to the financial stability of our state, as well as to our town because of the ripple effect a poor economy has on our businesses and citizens.  You don’t have to look any further than the challenges we face with The Hartford, our second largest taxpayer, to understand why this is true.

We now know the folly of a single party rule.  The Governor, State Senate and House of Representatives are all dominated by the same party.  We need balance to be restored in our state.   Further, Simsbury also needs the best person possible to represent us, someone who understands the issues, can draw upon their education, personal experiences and business knowledge to set the proper course. 

Charity Folk is that person.  She is intelligent, articulate, energetic, as well as a parent, a homeowner and a proven business leader who is well respected in the community.  She is everything Simsbury could possibly want to represent us in the legislature.  She is also a Republican who can bring balance to an otherwise unbalanced chamber. 

Charity Folk has been a success in her personal, professional and public life.   She is the only candidate in this race who can bring all three to bear for Simsbury in this most difficult time for our town and state.  I have been actively involved in Simsbury public service for nearly twenty years.  I know all the candidates and can attest that Charity is the only one who can live up to the high standards set by past State Representatives.  People like Paul Knierim, Jim Fleming, Tom Herlihy, Rob Heagney and Linda Scofield.  All successful people in their own careers before becoming our State Representative.  We need people with strong convictions and who have life and professional success that can make a difference for Simsbury.  

These are the reasons why Charity Folk is the only candidate suited to carry the mantle for Simsbury in the State Legislature.  I urge you to vote for her on November 6^th.

Paul Henault
Simsbury, Conn.

Note: Paul Henault is the chairman of the Simsbury Board of Finance.