Tom Marsh is neither a professional politician nor a millionaire, Tom is someone who understands our needs. He is a small business owner, homeowner, and parent who is challenged to make a weekly payroll for seven employees, pay his mortgage and car loans, and put his three children through college. He is also the First Selectman of Chester serving his third term, a leader who has reduced the town's operating expenses from 2005 levels, while improving local services.
Reducing The State Deficit
Our $3.5 billion deficit is appalling. Before we can afford to make investments where needed, we must get ourselves out of the financial hole created by our spendthrift, irresponsible state legislators. Promises of "no new taxes" and "no layoffs" will perpetuate the problem. Tom will aggressively cut state programs and agencies, pursue union givebacks, and institute targeted taxes and user fees. Tom will be transparent and inclusive in this process. He will establish an operating plan that includes only what we can afford and will hold state officials accountable for performing to that plan.
Changing Our Tax Structure
Tom will call for a full examination of our tax structure and, based on findings, will introduce changes so we all carry a fair share of the burden required to put our fiscal house in order. Such changes will make our taxes more profitable by eliminating taxes that are too costly to collect and maximizing revenues from taxes that are sensible and equitable. These changes will restore integrity by using tax revenue for the purposes for which each tax was initiated. These changes will also funnel revenue to municipalities where funds can be spent wisely and used to reduce property taxes.
Why Is Tom The Best Choice?
Democrats and Republicans have failed us as state leaders because they place their party over Connecticut's people. Tom will evaluate alternatives based on their merit, not on their political impact. He has a proven track record of taking the initiative, balancing budgets, reducing expenses, and improving services. He will introduce fresh ideas, common sense solutions, and new approaches. Democrats and Republicans have failed us as state leaders because they place their party over Connecticut's people. Tom will evaluate alternatives based on their merit, not on their political impact. He has a proven track record of taking the initiative, balancing budgets, reducing expenses, and improving services. He will introduce fresh ideas, common sense solutions, and new approaches.
Accountability Through Local Control
Tom will bring accountability to Hartford by ensuring that state officials understand the consequences of their decisions on the people who live in our cities and towns. He will see that the state provides more financial support to municipalities where services can be provided by trusted neighbors. He will let Towns form regional alliances based on local priorities, not on maps drawn arbitrarily. Thus, more resources will be managed through the most accountable system available: local elections.
Jobs Through Fundamental Change
Tom will promote businesses not as entities to tax, but as resources that enable our citizens to thrive and prosper. He will see that policies, regulations, and taxes give credence - not rebuttal - to Connecticut's being business friendly. Tom will push for investments that prepare our pre-K through university students to be a world class workforce. He will strengthen school-to-work programs, on-the-job training, and support for those who want to develop the skills to increase their wages. Tom will ensure that Connecticut earns a reputation for having transportation systems that serve employers and employees alike, and he will see that those who create and maintain these systems are properly managed.