62°
NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk.DailyVoice.com accepts signed, original letters to the editor. Letters may be e-mailed to letters@dailyvoice.com.
To the Editor,
People have asked me for the last five years why I have gotten into politics. My answer never changes, it never even waivers, because my answer comes from the heart. I serve because I got mad. I got mad that some problems never seem to get resolved, mad that taxpayers' interests are overlooked and disregarded, and mad that political interests so often takes priority over the people. I got mad because people did the politically expeditious thing and not the courageous thing.
For five years, as an elected official, I have made the taxpayers' interests a priority and sought workable solutions. I worked to secure the rights of our firefighters and police officers. I stood up to ensure that the workers of our city are given a fair deal. I have made sure that the needs of our local service men and women are looked after, both while in foreign lands and once they return home. I continue to ensure that their memories and sacrifice are honored if they don't return.
Still, even with everything I have accomplished, I find so much more remains to be done. Issues are getting larger and the problems more complex, but I cannot turn away from the tough job. Nor can I allow problems to be ignored or passed over because some folks in Hartford do not want to recognize that a problem is heading toward crisis.
Unfortunately, the way the system works, when one party has a large majority, it discourages open and honest debate on both the important issues and all possible solutions. If all of the majority party players speak for their party, rather than their constituents, then that party will have no problem doing whatever it wants. That benefits the party, and it benefits Hartford, but it certainly does not benefit Norwalk, and that needs to change.
Fairfield County may be nicknamed the Gold Coast, but we in Norwalk know we are a city with urban issues. Hartford views Norwalk as just another rich city that can afford to have its wealth redistributed upstate. No party can convince me that this is right. No leadership post could possibly be worth betraying the city where I have lived and worked for over 35 years. I know Hartford is wrong. If I am fortunate enough to be sent to Hartford as Representative of the 137th District, I will fight against this injustice. We need to undo the mistakes already made and we need to take further steps to ensure that we are able to live under common sense rules.
The simple fact is that common sense has been anything but common in Hartford in the last few years. We have spent and borrowed, spent and borrowed, and then spent even more. Yet, the state continues to slide away from what it once was. College graduates move away in droves and business shrivels under crippling regulation. Lax drug laws make our schools the center for dealing and associated crimes, while educational standards continue to slip.
The drug laws are not the only laws to have been repealed. Violent criminals are being released onto our streets and then commit serious hand-gun related crimes within days of their release. Innocents are struck down in the aftermath, Together, early release, along with the recent repeal of the death penalty could mean that violent criminals, like those who committed the atrocious murders in Cheshire, may find themselves unpunished and free to kill again. Citizens are left to pick up the pieces, not the majority party that started the mess. How is this justice?
We need to work together for the betterment of Norwalk. We need to work together for the betterment of Connecticut. I will go to Hartford when I am elected to represent the 137th District as a voice for reason and common sense for all my constituents. I will fight to make sure justice is served at every turn, whether it is in education reform, business legislation, minimization of spending, or in making our criminal justice system the model it once was. I am running for state representative because I am mad and because I can and will do all of these things, not for me, not for a party or ideology, but for you, the people of the city of Norwalk.
Joanne Romano, Norwalk Common Council member
Republican candidate for state representative, 137th District
Comments (8)
Carl...you are emotionally disturbed and should seek help. Posting these long comments that don't relate to the story doesn't help your cause. No one understand what in the heck you mean. Tim T/Steve with the Pony Tail, you are just a d bag. Joanne is an honest woman trying to do a reasonable thing. The other guy voted to eliminate the death penalty and to let criminals out when they had enough "points"...I am ready for a change.
Raider06855
Stop making up lies
Just when I thought Norwalk Republicans gave whistleville a break and let them use two parking spots in front of century old business as a olive branch turns out to be a slap in the face.
LAZ is now maring off 200 parking spaces 50 feet from those two 15 minute parking spots where crime will now take away from the Webster lot as one of the worst parking lots in Norwalk.
That lone Democrat who doesn't know what party he blongs to has done it again it seems.He was fighting for parking so why would the city give us a place to park close to Ely for nothing and give that part of a rundown city a break.
I know it has nothing to do with the election but this was a good place to uncover some more Norwalk city greed showing once again regulation over business,can't park can't shop can't help a community survive.Maybe before you leave office you can have the council give Whistleville 5 parking spots in that new 200 lot parking Lot LAZ is maring off today.Show us how its done before you go to Hartford.
Citizens are left to pick up the pieces,funny only one politician Andy was seen at more shootings in Norwalk before the election than the rest of the council after the election.Maybe Andy showed he cared and if any of the council members had to mimmick what the Mayor does on crime and quality of life well now we know why he wasn't elected it would of meant some hard work for everyone where drinks are not free.
It was suggested if Andy collected caution tape and resold it as its left on Norwalk streets after crime he would of had more money than Linda right now.
If I'm wrong and the city has created parking spots for lower Ely ave on the other side of Henry st bridge I'll change and become a Republican and will vote the Republican ticket.
Here is the time to stand up and make sure those poor souls have parking in Whistleville.Not for nothing now the crmminals will have a new lot to pick clean and be close to the dollar skiffs and low costing wine.A pawn shop would be a good business now on Ely ave no reason a dollar store can't open now next to the parking lot its seems Norwalk has shown some interest in South Norwalk again.
I knew when The Hour made such a big deal out of two parking spots last week there was something else behind Dicks press release.No one else has it good job Robert you took the bait.See for yourself at least 200 new parking spots and yes ZEEEEro for the Democrats in Whistleville.
I agree lets take care of Norwalk fisrt Hartford can wait 4 more years with the same old boys fighting the republican tide.
You simply can't make this stuff up folks go look for yourselves Norwalk city politics at its best.
Tim its your delivery,but you do have a point.
What real motivation was seen to help those out in the city where bar closing brawls and daily crime keeps increasing.
As of midnight Sept. 14, 2011 there had been 47,182 incident numbers in the police log.
As of midnight Sept. 14, 2010 there had been 49,331 incident numbers in the police log.
any idea what the number is this year? (numbers don't reflect much its just a base to use)
Where was questions during those meetings at city hall where the taxpayers could of used some help?
Matching funds that went towards grants coming to Norwalk how many did you support?(trick question)
Where there is so much money left over in the DPW budget that is surplus what would you do with it?Rumor has it in its over a million is that true?If your not staying in Norwalk blow the whistle on whats going on if there is problems
Where do you stand in regards to what the police union is suggesting in Norwalk? Some in the union want more officers,they want promotions to be industry standard,a lot of residents agree.Help them out some more.
The fire department has had a few issues recently that have come up what can you suggest to be done they are also seeking new members.The city is growing some fire protection goals in Norwalk were never completed this after city hall agreed what was needed to be done in fact some mandates were never met.Plans were on the table and thats where they stayed.
Why is the Parking Auth doing curb replacement?The jobs are not professional and will have to be done again soon .Why are they installing signs around the city and leaving a path of destruction behind when we have professional men and woman working for the city who do this work on a daily basis?Laz is a private company how can they be saving the city money when they are preforming tasks below standard? anyone who sits o the council could answer that.If they can't do the job the first time right why are we paying them to do the job at all?
Who is protecting the DPW workers and the taxpayers?
crippling regulations or poorly run city is the question when it comes to Norwalk.
from business owners who have no where for customers to park to empty buildings that now exceed vacancy Norwalk has never seen before we are still planning on building what?There is no indication we are a rich city drive around and count the sq footage that is empty,the storefronts that are empty.That building that once housed the IRS was said to be empty is that true?
I have to admit while most you serve with now are truly devoted there are a few who need to observe what you have done for a lot of people in Norwalk and learn what it means to help those out who need it the most.None of this was directed towards you its some of those in the party that never fully supported you,shame on them.
Oh please Joanne you have done ZERO for Norwalk and you will do Zero in Hartford..You are great for talk and also great for inaction. In other words you are all talk. I challenged you do do something about the out of control Norwalk crime epidemic and all I and the rest of Norwalk got was your typical bunch of nothing.
A VOTE FOR JOANNE IS A VOTE FOR HOT AIR.
Interesting comment, Tim. Are you thinking of returning to Norwalk politics anytime soon?
I'll be sad to see you leaving the common council but proud to help you get to Hartford!
Go get 'em, Joanne. I just checked out your website at www.voteromano.com. Looks great, everyone should head on over there.