1) State Spending:

Using the key, indicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.

I believe we need to reevaluate where we spend our money. We must invest in areas of education, manufacturing and small businesses in order to create jobs and grow our economy. But in order to do so, we must greatly decrease the amount of money we spend on projects which do not provide a return on our investment. We must behave prudently as a state, and spend only within our means. Connecticut families have decreased spending to live within their means, and so must our legislators.

2) State Taxes:

Using the key,indicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.

Raising "sin taxes" can help make up for the amount we're losing in income taxes during the down economy, but we cannot raise them so much as to hurt small business. I support tax breaks for corporations, but believe we must close loopholes and mandate stricter penalties on corporations which receive government incentives to ensure they meet or exceed their goals.

3) Budget Stabilization:

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing Connecticut's budget.

I do not advocate reducing current salaries, however I do believe in rate freezes (with a definite end date) during tough economic times and would entertain raising the state's retirement age to receive pensions by matching that of Social Security retirement age.

a) Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates?

Bottom line: I wholeheartedly support transparency in government.

While I always support enforcement of current laws, I also support reevaluating those laws and changing them when necessary, specifically federal immigration laws.

I find it hard to answer reducing government regulations in the private sector, as it depends on the regulations. I absolutely do NOT support reducing government regulations on Equal Opportunity or Pay, but I may be inclined to look at other regulations which have a negative impact on business. Also, I do not support increased spending on infrastructure simply because to increase the amount we spent this past year on the NB/Hartford bus route would be outrageous. I'm in favor of creating short term construction jobs, but not an increase from last year's spending.

First and foremost, we must continue the work we're doing in Education to ensure our children receive an education which prepares them for a strong Connecticut workforce. Investing in education is investing in future jobs.
Creating mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods is a major priority. GMOs are a public health threat; I will fight for consumer right to know what is in their food, and fight for a reduction in the use of pesticides in locally grown foods by working to provide incentives for growers which use natural alternatives.

Finally, Connecticut MUST reduce spending and live within its means.