Witkos Wins Party Nod For 8th Senate District

What's his position on the direct initiative law?

Republicans, as with all politicians, need to provide voters with an option beyond the perceived negative of their opponents. Denigrating another candidate in no way advances their elect ability (unless the equation applied is the lesser of two evils).
What we see here is the stereotypical Republican political platform. Suggesting that Democrats actually "relish" raising taxes, are "squishy liberals" (whatever that means), etc., ect., etc., and somehow forms the nucleus of all possible evil goes beyond simple hyperbole. Moreover, it demonstrates a destructive political agenda predicated on the old stand-by of promoting hate and fear. These people are scary if and when elected .
This may travel a short distance to explain why Republicans are doing so poorly at the state legislature. These tactics are proffered by candidates that have little else to offer and should remain relegated to a steady and constant defeat until they develop sound ideas that will improve the lives, for the majority of constituents, living within the communities they hope to represent. We have more than enough empty suits with equally empty sound bites.

I'm not sure that the Republicans are doing so poorly. Their numbers may be considerably less than the Democrats but they have more than once been able to assert power and keep the supermajority in check.

As an unaffiliated voter, I have been supportive of Witkos as my state rep. but am appalled at his resorting to generalized cheap shots at Democrats. No elected representative relishes raising taxes, and the emminent domain issue in New London is far too complex to brand Democrats as advocates of seizing everyone's homes. (In fact, the government DOES have the right to seize homes for certain purposes, unfortunately.) Witkos sounds like a typical political hack. We should expect a more professional campaign on the issues, not the personalities, at least at the local level.

Kevin had problems juggling his duties as a Canton police officer while representing 1.8 towns. How will he properly represent 11 towns and adequately perform his "day job"? Will his fellow officers accept straight time rather than overtime to cover his shift?

Ask Kevin what he has done to expand senior tax relief in his hometown, even with a Republican controlled BOS. Nothing.

How can he have two careers? A police sgt. works a lot of hours, so does a Senator. Who covers for him in Canton when he is making another salary in Hartford?

One career is enough. Two government jobs. More tax dollars at waste

Witkos is a standup guy and one of the most respected members of the General Assembly. Ask any state rep. who he has worked with him over the past 6 years and they will tell you he is one of the most prepared and devoted legislators in Hartford. The voters of the 8th should be estatic that he has accpeted the challenge. Any truth to the rumor that some of the Democratic town committees in the 8th are considering endorsing him?

To those who are critical because Mr. Witkos has a full-time job, please understand that the CT legislature is part-time. It is only in session for a few months in odd-numbered years and a couple more in even numbered years. The legislature was never intended to be full-time and it should not be.

A part time legislature means:(A) our tax dollars are not being used to pay full salaries to these folks; (B) legislators can spend time with their constituents and live in the real world; and (C) they can cause less damage than if they had free reign all year long. Full-time legislatures implement more state programs, raise your taxes to pay for those programs, and seek to control more aspects of your life/job/family/etc.

Stop looking to the government to solve your problems. We can survive on our own. Our parents did it. Our grandparents did it. As a group, we have become soft and look to others to take care of us. We are stronger than the State thinks we are. We do not need politicians to take care of us.

I applaud Mr. Witkos and the other politicians that have full-time jobs. Good for them for taking care of their responsibilities and obligations. Now if we could only get the State to stay out of our way and let us live and prosper without interference, we would all be better off. Imagine, less taxation and more liberty. Sounds like something our founding fathers and mothers would have advocated.

Kevin is a great guy but I believe he needs to unite not divide. The comments on democrats clearly do not represent a unified approach to issues. With the current state of the economy and the general "state of the union" (or lack thereof) I see no reason to berate democrats. Rather, the Republicans should join with the democrats and stop fighting a loosing battle!

Canton Voter wrote:

Kevin is a great guy but I believe he needs to unite not divide. The comments on democrats clearly do not represent a unified approach to issues. With the current state of the economy and the general "state of the union" (or lack thereof) I see no reason to berate democrats. Rather, the Republicans should join with the democrats and stop fighting a loosing battle!

Pinhead!

I was pro-Kevin until I saw his vitriolic remarks ... Poor form. I guess he is working his way up to a full time politician ...

Personally, I think he is a political lightweight though friendly and personable. A few years ago, when running (unopposed) for the State Rep. from the 17th he said , in response to a question, that Coonecticut citizens were taxed " just about right". I never forgot that. That statement is very telling to me that he just has no depth. Better for him to direct traffic on Rte. 44 than to be a State Senator

Senior Citizen wrote:

Ask Kevin what he has done to expand senior tax relief in his hometown, even with a Republican controlled BOS. Nothing.

What current CT politician has provided any sort of tax relief? And, all segments of the taxpaying population desperately need tax relief, including seniors, of course.

Rep. Witkos was my Representative in Avon when I lived there a couple years ago. He has always done a great job and anytime I called his office he always stated honestly his position, even when it was contrary to mine. I respect someone who doesn't play politics with his constituents. In all due respect, Ms. Wertheimer should drop out of the race now that Rep. WItkos received the convention nomination and lend her full support.

Rep. Kevin Witkos is a great choice for the Senate. He is responsive. Several other legislators with whom I've attempted communication simply are not. Let me give a concrete example. I sent Kevin an e-mail asking that the sales tax on solar energy systems be repealed. It made no sense for the CCEF to give rebate for such systems on the one hand, only to have another arm of the state take some of the money right back again. Kevin took the ball and ran with it - in less than a week the tax was repealed. Now there's a man who can get things done! Perhaps if we viewed the political system we have more positively, were specific about exactly what we'd like to see done, and elect people like Kevin, who can really get them done, we'd all be better off - maybe even happy!

Better Kevin that Tim Leget - at least Kevin is honest and has integrity.

Frank wrote:

How can he have two careers? A police sgt. works a lot of hours, so does a Senator. Who covers for him in Canton when he is making another salary in Hartford?
One career is enough. Two government jobs. More tax dollars at waste

The CT Legislature is a part time job. He has to have two jobs. most of our elected officials have two jobs.

As a resident and neighbor, I can confirm he is doing his job as a police sgt.

Tim wrote:

Rep. Kevin Witkos is a great choice for the Senate. He is responsive. Several other legislators with whom I've attempted communication simply are not. Let me give a concrete example. I sent Kevin an e-mail asking that the sales tax on solar energy systems be repealed. It made no sense for the CCEF to give rebate for such systems on the one hand, only to have another arm of the state take some of the money right back again. Kevin took the ball and ran with it - in less than a week the tax was repealed. Now there's a man who can get things done! Perhaps if we viewed the political system we have more positively, were specific about exactly what we'd like to see done, and elect people like Kevin, who can really get them done, we'd all be better off - maybe even happy!

I agree. I've always been an independant voter, and Kevin has always gotten my vote.

I do agree with other posters that he should steer clear of sweeping political party generalizations. It's low class, and I'm surprised he stooped to it.

I agree with Heather - Kevin should be working ACROSS PARTY LINES to get support if he wants all of Canton to support him.