“Connecticut Can Do It”
In the two decades I’ve lived in Darien, and over the last few months on the campaign trail, I’ve had the privilege of learning from a wide array of local residents from business owners in East Norwalk, commuters in Darien, single parents in South Norwalk and recent college graduates in Cranbury. I’ve heard stories from immigrants who are struggling to support their families as well as from people whose families has been here since the 17th century who are contemplating leaving the state they love.
Every one of these people seems to agree on one thing: Connecticut has fallen behind. Our state’s reputation on the national stage is defined by its dismal fiscal status, doomed new businesses, and politicians who are unwilling to face the reality of the issues…and their impact on our lives. In Norwalk and Darien, no matter who you are, you have experienced the fallout from Connecticut’s failure to adapt to a changing economy, whether that be your household finances, or seeing increasingly depleting network of friends and family who are leaving this state - and its troubles - behind..
Families live with great unease about the future. A job you expected to support your family in Darien with now appears to be in jeopardy. The nest egg in Norwalk you’ve invested in your whole life and had planned for retirement loses value every year. You thought you could afford to send your son or daughter to their dream college, but now must ask them to explore other, more affordable options. And with their post-graduate career opportunities so scarce, they are looking elsewhere to settle and raise their families – adding miles and miles between you and your loved ones.
Bob Duff, supposedly the most powerful senator in Hartford, shrugs his shoulders in apathy at Connecticut’s business-repellent fiscal policies. Just as when GE followed through on its promise to leave in reaction to the disastrous budget, he isn’t interested. He’d tell you, “Well, that’s just the way it is, I can’t do anything about that. Now, would you mind being in a selfie for my Instagram?”
I have a new vision for the future. While Wall Street continues to diminish in its ability to propel the economy of Fairfield County, new startups and tech companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook are seeking opportunities in states that nourish and encourage economic development. Right now, these companies considering moving to Connecticut is laughable. But my question is this: why can’t we make Fairfield County the next great center of American innovation? Why can’t businesses fall over themselves to find office space in Norwalk? Why shouldn’t college graduates from across the nation move to Darien to be a part of the next technological empire that improves society?
I want to pass policies that will make Connecticut appealing for the next generation of ingenuity and advancement; policies that promote business interests, spending capital, and hiring Norwalk and Darien families to pursue work that they love in the place they call home.
This election season, I want you to think about who you would hire to do this job, and do it the right way. I’m asking you to hire me for state senate because I believe that Connecticut can be restored to an epicenter of opportunity, because I believe that is what our families deserve. This is not about politics, this is about people…and while we may be down, we are not out.
If you choose me - if you hire me - you are choosing optimism, you are choosing a better Connecticut.
Greg Ehlers
38 Pembroke Rd.
Darien, CT