Greenberg, Cohen Talk Issues in 12th District Senate Seat Race

MADISON, CT - Republican Adam Greenberg and Democrat Christine Cohen recently appeared before the Madison Economic Development Commission to give their views on the future of Madison and the district.

Both are vying to replace State Sen. Ted Kennedy, who is not seeking re-election this November for the 12th Senate District seat that includes Madison, Branford, Guilford, North Branford, Durham and Killingworth.

Here is a summary of what both had to say to the EDC.

Greenberg noted that he grew in in Guilford and knows Madison as a town with a vibrant downtown, a quality school system and a unique involved community.

He would like to represent Madison as well as the other 5 towns in the 12th district as their State Senator. While it is important to view each town as unique it is also important to look at the District as a whole and how the area can flourish as a region also. On the State level, he believes there is a spending problem and steps need to be taken to improve the economic environment in the State and stop the outflow of our population. He is willing to work across the aisle with members of the other party for the benefit of the State. He also committed to working with the EDC to make State resources available to assist Madison.

Greenberg said what drove him to run for State Senator and how he planned to work to find solutions to the State’s problems. Greenberg explained that after growing up in Connecticut and traveling to many other States, he decided Connecticut was where he wanted to be to raise his family. He has started his own successful business and believes Connecticut can be a good location and environment for businesses and for individuals to raise their families. A top priority is to resolve the State financial crisis. He does not want to continue to see individuals like our seniors feeling that they need to leave the State because of taxes and the high cost of living.

Cohen noted that she is the owner of Cohen’s Bagels in Madison which employees 30 people in 2 stores so she understands the struggles of small business in the State. One area of particular concern is the rising cost of health care for employees.

She will also work to remove barriers for new or growing businesses. She understands that it will be difficult to tax our way out of the current fiscal problems so it will be important first look at spending and then look at ways to continue to grow businesses and improve economic development. Other areas she will look at include the business entity tax and ways to increase tourism.

She knows Madison is a very vibrant and beautiful Town that can be attractive to business. She also noted that she serves on the Guilford Board of Education and understands the importance of education as a draw families to the State and wants to protect State funding for education. She feels a call to service and would like to be a voice for residents. She believes she has a talent for speaking, listening and getting things done.

The candidates were asked what could be done to keep more young people in Connecticut.

Cohen commented that she believes there is a need for a comprehensive approach that includes steps to encourage small business to grow and move in Connecticut, protect education to attract families, protect our environment including parks to provide recreational opportunities and development of an improved transportation system.

Greenberg noted that he be believes it will be important to follow common sense business practices to keep people in the State and encourage growth. Areas that he does not believe will help are adding tolls or additional taxes and regulations. The State needs to get its spending in order and become economically viable to encourage people to stay or move to Connecticut. He will also work to take steps to make the State more business friendly and friendly to senior citizens. There is no quick fix and he is willing to put in the long hard work that will be necessary to fix our problems.

Asked to outline their ideas to cut spending:

Greenberg noted that Connecticut has the best State health care insurance so he believes this is one area where there could be some negotiations with employee unions. He also noted that road paving costs are exceptionally high due to administrative costs so this is another area to look into. He also would encourage Departments to give back to the general fund any unspent budget money each year rather than do end-of-the-year spending to use the full budget.

Cohen said that she would work to negotiate with State employees and continue to appropriately reduce the State work force.

On the issue of tolls and the condition of the state’s roads:

Cohen commented that she believes there will be a need to introduce tolls to have the funds necessary to improve Connecticut’s roadways. There are very limited funds remaining in the Transportation fund so something needs to be done to increase revenue for transportation improvements and these funds need to be placed in a lock box for transportation. Without a quality transportation system in place, it will be difficult to retain existing business and encourage new business. She does not support the expenditure of $10 million for a toll study. She noted that 40% of drivers on State roads are from out-of-State and also noted that Connecticut is the only State in the area that does not have tolls.

Greenberg noted that 25% of travel on State roads is from out-of-State drivers. He also noted that trucks already pay a high fee and all drivers pay for transportation in the high gas tax. He also noted that the State received funds when the tolls were removed and these funds will have to be paid back if tolls are implemented. Connecticut has the 6th highest gas tax so he would recommend that any funds collected be placed into a strict lock box for transportation projects. He continues to believe that spending rather than revenue is the problem. It is important to not burden the taxpayers any further.

On the issue of funding teacher pensions:

Greenberg noted that the pension is 1/3 of the budget so to dealing with this issue will involve going back to the table with union leaders. While he understands we have an obligation to the current employees, it is necessary to stop the bleeding and he will be working toward providing a 401k program for new hires.

Cohen commented that she agrees there is a need to honor current commitments but there is also a need to negotiate for new hires moving forward.