ELECTION SCOREBOARD 2008
Prepared by the League of Women Voter of Hamden/North Haven
Election: November 4, 2008
Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
How to find your polling place in Hamden
www.hamden.com, select “government” in the line under the Sleeping
Giant, then “registrar of voters.” There is a selection “Look up your
polling place” and it will tell you your correct voting district for
Federal/State elections.
The polling places in North Haven
1 Park and Recreation Building, Linsley Street
2 Montowese School, 145 Fitch Street
3 Ridge Road School, 1341 Ridge Road
4 Green Acres School, 146 Upper State Street
5 Clintonville School, 456 Clintonville Road
QUESTIONS:
1. Energy
Many residential and commercial energy consumers would consider alternative energy sources that combat global warming if governmental subsidies and rebates were more available. Would you support increased funding for incentives that encourage solar, wind, geo-thermal and hydrogen cell systems? Please explain.
2. Transportation
What strategies do you favor to relieve the gridlock on the state's highways?
A consultant is currently studying the possibility of re-introducing open highway tolling on Connecticut roads. Do you support or oppose the introduction of tolls? Please explain.
What is your position on the use of roadside cameras to identify unsafe drivers on our major highways?
Peter F. Villano, Democrat, 91st State Representative District
1. Energy
I have already expressed my support for the use of government subsidies and rebates, both federal and state, to consumer and business entities to encourage their use of alternative energy sources to combat global warning. I will support legislative initiatives to find the increased use of solar, wind, geo-thermal and hydrogen-cell systems.
2. Transportation
A strong commitment to the expansion of mass transit in Connecticut would be the most effective strategy to relieve gridlock on the state’s highways and local streets. The challenge is to make mass transit service convenient, affordable and dependable as an alternative to the automobile.
There is little or no valid information available to justify the re-use of tolls on state highways as reliable revenue generator. Nor should the state install roadside cameras to identify unsafe drivers until the system is proved to be safe for motorists.
David Aron, Petitioning Candidate for State Representative in 91st District
1. Energy
While I would support tax rebates encouraging alternative energy development and use, we simply cannot conserve our way out of the current energy situation. Conservation alone will not increase the supply of energy, which our economy needs to grow. Currently, the state adds 45 cents in tax to every gallon of gasoline. By eliminating the 7% Gross Receipts Tax, we can save Hamden drivers almost $200 annually. We should also reevaluate outdated regulations that restrict the supply of affordable fuel. Lower prices will also encourage more purchases from out of state drivers, shifting the tax burden away from Connecticut residents.
2. Transportation
Transportation is an important issue, but Hamden residents are telling me that we need to address the issue of affordability first. We need to reduce state income taxes and small business taxes in order to create jobs and opportunities. We also need to reduce state spending by eliminating ineffective programs, funding others with user fees, and merging similar programs together to reduce administrative costs. At a local level, we can provide incentives for our towns to lower property taxes, so that we can keep our communities together and not force out long time residents who cannot afford the tax bill.
Alfred Adinolfi, Republican, 103rd State Representative District
1. Energy
I realized that one of the biggest challenges our state and nation faces, is the source of our energy for the future. I voted for the 2007 Energy Bill that created tax exemptions to create an incentive for residents to install geothermal and solar energy devices at their homes. I also support the House Republican’s Fuel Cell Proposal that would begin the transformation of our state’s bus fleet from diesel to hydrogen (fuel-cell) buses over the next four years and begin transforming Bradley Airport into the countries first “green-airport.”
2. Transportation
As a pilot program, telecommuting for state employees should be considered. If successful, push private businesses with incentives, such as tax breaks to follow.
Locally we should look at fuel efficient commuter buses. I supported a House Republican initiative, opposed by Democrats, to utilize environmentally friendly, Connecticut made fuel cells, thus promoting Connecticut businesses.
Tolls are a bad idea. With tolls at our borders and a minimal fee, approximately $162 million/year in revenue will come in; much of which going to construction and operating expenditures.
Temporary cameras as deterrents I problem areas should be considered. Fines can help defray costs.
Elizabeth Esty, Democrat, 103rd State Representative District
1. Energy
I support a variety of efforts to encourage the use and development of alternative energy sources. These would include no-interest or low-interest loans for residential placement of solar, wind and geothermal systems, and ensuring that those loans are available to middle class not simply low income residents. Similar support should be extended to businesses and local governments through tax credits or “pay-as-you-save” programs, including fuel cells. To combat global warming we must use carbon-based fuels more efficiently. I support incentivizing our power companies to be partners in encouraging greater conservation, including allowing them to share the savings from energy reductions.
2. Transportation
I favor expanding the use of trains to help relieve the gridlock (more trains on the shoreline corridor as well as increasing Amtrak service from New Haven north through Hartford to Springfield) as well as expanding bus services. Due to traffic deaths associated with tolls and lost productivity from toll-related traffic delays, I do not support reintroduction of tolls. I might consider tolls at the borders to help re-capture revenues from out-of-state traffic that transits the state. I support efforts to improve safety, particularly related to truck traffic, but have some privacy concerns about the use of roadside cameras.
Senator Joe Crisco, Democrat, 17th State Senate District
1. Energy
I strongly support increases in funding for alternative energy programs in Connecticut. Every dollar invested in renewable energy yields a four dollar return. Clean, renewable energy helps to advance our state and country in a number of ways: First, it reduces our dependence on fossil fuels; Second, it reduces our state’s electric load, lowering energy costs for everyone; Third, this investment helps to fight global warming and reduces our need for new generation; and lastly, investment in renewable energy creates sustainable and well-paying jobs, strengthening our state’s economy. Greater investment in renewable technologies is an investment in Connecticut’s future.
2. Transportation
The legislature has made progress over the last four years by committing billions of dollars toward new rail cars and new stations, expanding rail lines and creating a new rail line. We also need to invest in commuter bus service.
I need the results of the study before I can make a decision. I am opposed to imposing more taxes on Connecticut’s drivers. I would have to be unequivocally convinced that this is the right thing to do.
Before we adopt their use we need to ensure that cameras will increase public safety and protect the rights of citizens.
Brendan Sharkey, Democrat, 88th State Representative District - No Response
Matthew J. Corcoran , Republican, 88th Representative District - No Response
Cameron Staples, Democrat, 96th State Representative District- No Response
Tamath K. Rossi, Republican, 17th State Senate District - No Response
Martin Looney, Democrat, 11th State Senate District - No Response
North Haven taped a candidates’ forum on October 7 at the NHTV studio. The forum involved Steve Fontana (D), and Veronica Kivela (R), who are running for state representative. They were given the questions ahead of time. Senator Len Fasano is running unopposed, so he will not be involved in a League sponsored forum. Please check the station for viewing times.