Incumbent Democrats in Hartford Don’t Get It
Taxpayer-Funded Mailing from Thompson Proves He Doesn’t Get It on Budget
See how your tax dollars are being spent during the recession: download the Thompson mailer now (PDF – 3.3MB)
MANCHESTER – Republican Town Committee Chairman Heath W. Fahle criticized the actions of State Representative John W. Thompson (D-South Manchester) a day after receiving a taxpayer-funded mailer from the longtime State Legislator. “At a time when the economy is in the tank and the State budget is awash in red ink, Rep. Thompson’s taxpayer-funded mailing proves he just doesn’t get it,” said Fahle. “It’s business-as-usual from Thompson while everyone else is trying to make ends meet.”
Representative Thompson, via the House Democratic Caucus, sent out a “Capitol Update” mailer to constituents in the 13th State House District. The mailpiece features seven photographs of Rep. Thompson, descriptions of the Legislature’s efforts during the previous Session on several subjects including Education, Seniors, Children in the Recession, Health Care, Protecting Families, Jobs & Small Businesses, Saluting Our Veterans, Social Services, and Insurance. The piece also notes how the Legislature partnered with Governor Rell to balance the State Budget.
Though the mailer notes that it was printed on recycled paper using environmentally responsible inks, it does not note that taxpayers paid for the mailing.
The usual response from lawmakers on this criticism is that the mailers are a key way that legislators communicate with their constituents. But there are numerous ways for legislators to “communicate with their constituents” that would be of lower cost to the taxpayer. For example, if Rep. Thompson went door-to-door in his district and met with constituents, it would have no cost to the taxpayers. He could also make telephone calls to constituents which, as long as he is paying his regular telephone bill now, would have no additional cost.
“Fixing the state’s budget problems are going to take some creative thinking,” said Fahle. “Thompson’s same-old-thing solution won’t work.”
Download the Thompson mailer now (PDF – 3.3MB)
Though legislative mailings make up a relatively small portion of the State Budget, they are one line item in the budget that could easily be eliminated and free up extra tax dollars for other critical services.
