I have asked myself the following question over and over again. What is the end game of elected officials? To win the next election? And then what? What is their seriousness of purpose?

To me, the end game is working for my constituents and being a conduit for their needs through promoting and running a financially healthy and efficient State Government. I have heard the 136th District constituents and they want an attentive State Representative who will put Westport’s residents’ needs front and center. A State Representative who will responsibly and professionally manage the state’s affairs, and will do so in a selfless manner in full recognition of what public service entails.

As an economist, I am baffled by our Democratic legislators’ financial actions, reckless and uncontrollable spending, as if this were a game of Monopoly that would not affect the real lives of their constituents. Not addressing the $50 billion of unfunded liabilities for state employees is totally irresponsible.

This is not a game, just look at Greece.

As a business woman engaged in international and local businesses, I am just as baffled by our Democratic legislators’ inability to understand that the private sector that is the true engine of Connecticut’s economy, and that government expenditure does nothing to fuel it. High Taxes and massive regulations do not invite business to Connecticut, quite the opposite.

While all the states around us are increasing taxes on businesses and individuals, Connecticut could become a haven for those businesses and individuals. Lower taxes and they will come and create jobs. Lower taxes and they will come and buy houses, and buildings. Lower taxes and the State of Connecticut will have more revenue than imaginable.

I am running for office to bring real and current business experience and applicable education to a political system that lost its way, where hubris trumps all and constituents’ lives are of little significance.

What should be the functions of state government? I do not believe that government can or should do everything, as we can’t afford that. We also can’t just kick the can down the road and put the burden on our children. It’s time to put our financial house in order and make Connecticut a welcoming state for businesses and individuals.

Here is how it can be done:

Consolidate state agencies, privatize state functions, reduce the number of state employees and adjust state employees’ benefits and pay to align them with those of their counterparts in the private sector.

If drastic measures are not taken to cut government spending, we cannot avoid the same fate as Greece.

I am asking for your vote. I promise to go to Hartford and work to put our financial house in order. I will not disappoint you, and I will make you proud.

Please read Nitzy's platform.  If you wish to contribute to the campaign, please use attached form (PDF format).

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Approved by Nitzy Cohen
Paid for by "Nitzy Cohen 2010. It's About Substance" Erik Fitzgerald, Treasurer