In a recent letter to the editor, my opponent launched a political attack against my work at the Capitol. He falsely stated that I do not take a bipartisan approach to representing my constituents.
This political assault against me is inaccurate and misleading.
During the last six legislative sessions, I have cast nearly 1,900 roll call votes. More than 1,400 of them, or roughly 75 percent, enjoyed either unanimous bipartisan support or the majority of both parties voting.
I would emphatically say that this is exactly what is called being bipartisan!
I believe in working across party lines with my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle to make progress for my district and our state. But, there is much more to effective legislating than merely casting a vote.
Working and managing committees, soliciting meaningful input from both majority and minority members, as well as constituents and the public, and advocates on both sides of the issue, analyzing expert opinions and finally drafting bills that will protect the public good are all key elements of being an effective and respected legislator.
My opponent has never previously offered any input into legislative process and apparently does not respect my efforts as being sufficiently bipartisan.
Let me explain what my brand of bipartisanship has done for Ansonia and Derby.
One area of my attention is promoting economic development and job creation in the district.
This is one of the places where communities gain the most benefits and rewards. Economic development creates opportunity for local job growth and it spurs the growth of local grand lists, increasing revenues. This in turn yields to a secure and stabilized tax base, while simultaneously pumping money into the local economy, allowing for the opportunity to reduce local tax burdens.
My bipartisan determination led to state funding for Brownfield remediation converting the dormant Ansonia Copper and Brass property into an economic growth opportunity for Ansonia. I secured additional funding to create other development opportunities at Fountain Lake in Ansonia and behind BJs on Division Street in Derby.
In the future, there could be good paying jobs for local residents at both locations, putting local residents back to work and putting these properties back on the tax rolls.
My bipartisan efforts have also made it possible for both communities to confront local blight problems.
For Derby, I secured funding to demolish buildings in the HALO area, and money to clean up a blighted parcel on Elizabeth Street, as well as the demolition of four city owned buildings.
For Ansonia, I worked with the Department of Economic and Community Development to secure various grants totaling $1.7 million that the current Republican administration can use for housing rehabilitation, remediation and demolition of blighted buildings and the creation of economic development activity.
This benefits all residents by upgrading and stabilizing neighborhoods, addressing health and public safety issues and ultimately increasing local property values, once again increasing local Grand Lists, reducing individual tax burdens.
Necessary infrastructure improvements throughout the district have also occurred as the result of my bipartisan efforts.
Both communities will benefit from the reconstruction of the intersection at Wakelee and Division Streets and the creation of a northbound entrance ramp onto Route 8. This not only improves the neighborhood, it also improves traffic flow patterns increasing commuter safety.
Hilltop families in Ansonia will see safety upgrades and improvements on Pulaski Highway and the possibility of sidewalks being constructed near Ansonia High School.
Further funding was secured to upgrade and improve the Derby Shelton Bridge and to remediate the contamination at O’Sullivan’s Island.
This will improve traffic patterns and provide safety and enjoyment to all those who use the Greenway for recreation.
There are many other examples that I could cite, such as energy efficiency and overall quality of life improvements just to name a few, but the bottom line is clear: bipartisanship works for Ansonia and Derby.
My constituents know that positive actions and successful results work better than partisan political attacks.
As I have done 3 out of 4 times, or 75 percent on roll calls, I intend to continue working closely with both Democrats and Republicans.
I am grateful for the support and respect that I receive from my colleagues across the aisle. My bipartisan commitment will ensure continued progress for my constituents.
Rep. Linda Gentile
The writer represents Derby and Ansonia for the 104th House District
