Why I’m Running

Some politicians are trying to make this election about anything OTHER than your pocket book. The inflation rate in the United States is hovering over 8% – the highest inflation rate in 40 years. Democrats have “trifecta” control in Washington D.C. and Connecticut. They control the House, Senate and the Executive branch, President and Governor, respectively. Our families are struggling to make ends meet. Our dismal financial situation is because of the Democrat policies they’ve forced on the working people of this country.

If everything was wonderful, with the Connecticut economy booming, the Democrat trifecta having total power and control, could take credit for that too. Truth is everything is getting worse. The cost of heating and cooling a home is significantly higher, gas prices continue to rise and you’re paying more for less at the grocery store. Connecticut Democrats have controlled the House and Senate, as well as the governorship, for more than a decade, and only they must take responsibility because they were the ones calling all the shots. There is no balance in decision making in Connecticut politics in Hartford or Meriden. It’s the same people painting the same rosy picture, except you aren’t living in that rosy fantasy.

Life is hard, not always fitting easily into how you might like to see things transpire. But there is something you can do- vote for me and give common-sense policy solutions an opportunity to prove that the free-market system and fiscal prudence is the surest road to recovery. We definitely are living
proof we‘re heading in the wrong direction.

I signed the “Contract with Connecticut” on September 21 st and in doing so, I pledged to act on five initiatives; An affordable Connecticut, protecting our communities, making government work for you, putting families first and protecting local control in all areas of municipal governance. You may read further on the website Contractwithct.com and see that the Republican representatives have a detailed plan and offer transparent solutions to our most urgent needs.

My endorsements have been led by law enforcement. Because of unwavering support for our first responders, the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police, and the Berlin Police Department support my candidacy. Meriden Police Union #1016 previously endorsed me. I’ve been an entrepreneur and small business owner. I’ve been endorsed by the CT REALTORS because I understand how important home ownership investment is for the majority of people and their communities.

Are you able to buy as much as you did 2 years ago? Winter is coming and will you be able to afford your heating bills? What do you think our economy will look like after the election, if the same people in charge that made this mess are elected to continue their inane policies?

In my last op-ed (RJ 9/29/2022) I stated that Connecticut now has over 340 taxes and fees levied on our 3.5 million residents. Beginning in January 2023 the highway use tax on trucks will go into effect because our Democrat-led state representative trifecta wanted even more tax revenue. I fully support repealing the truck tax.

It will raise the cost of food, consumer goods and services even higher. If not repealed and you live on a fixed income or must adhere to a family budget, you’d better be prepared to do with less-unless we change who we elect to represent us. That is why I’m asking for your vote.

I’m running for State Representative for the 83 rd District because I’m tired of seeing such bitterness and dysfunction at almost every level of our society. Even in our homes, just talking politics can be contentious. Which news station you listen to can be contentious. I’m sickened by being told how I must use the English language and what topics are and aren’t appropriate. The free flowing of ideas is where solutions are found. I don’t really care where or who has the best ideas, I want to live in a state where all ideas can be shared and debated. That’s where progress truly lies- we need to be able to communicate and listen to each other. We may not agree on everything, but respectful discourse paves the way to the
world of understanding.

Common Sense Parental Rights

TO: Jeff Kurz, Editorial Page Editor
FROM: Lou Arata
DATE: September 15, 2022

We’ve seen parental outrage over critical race theory lessons being pushed on students by teachers obsessed with interfering with the lives of our youth. There has been justified parental outrage over the competitive fairness and safety of girls in high school sports and we’ve witnessed the sometimes blatant disrespect of parental rights in the morality and sexual education being taught in our schools.

People are angry. Regardless of party affiliation, we all see it and feel it. I know folks who no longer watch the 6 o’clock news because they can’t stand watching one side or the other pound away at their talking points. It’s us, verses them and it seems to be everywhere.

Nowhere is this dynamic more evident than in the world of politics. Especially here in Connecticut, where for 40 years one-party rule has led this once “greatest of States” to the bottom of most financial metrics. Connecticut has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that total control of government by one party leads to failure and corruption. Policies are implemented, not in fairness but in the buying of votes to maintain power and control.

We’ve seen for years the departure of wealth of both individuals and businesses, to States that are far more fiscally responsible. I’m frequently reminded of the tolls debate several years ago where the administrative costs associated with paving one mile of highway here in Connecticut was more than 9 times higher than the national average. What are we doing here that is so unique? Perhaps it could be we have had total State control by the Democrats for 40 years.

It’s unhealthy and it’s unbalanced. However, we the people have allowed this to be the case. This time in our history is unprecedented in its importance. It’s now time for people to stand up for the values, institutions and our way of life- the free-market system- before it’s too late to turn around.

Our State is being blinded with rising crime. Because of policies within the Police Accountability Act, passed along a virtual party line vote, police departments are unable to effectively perform their jobs. Republicans were steadfastly against defunding our police departments. Look around at many of our larger cities; if you were to listen to the people, they overwhelmingly support our men and women in blue and want funding restored to provide for their protection and that of their families.

Woke policies do not guarantee the public’s security.

The role and size of government continues to grow here in Connecticut and nationally. Connecticut’s largest employer, some 65,000 strong, is the State. The sad news is those jobs do not create wealth. The taxes State workers do pay, come directly from taxes everyone else who works in the private sector of the economy pays. The free-market system requires a healthy middle class. The middle class here in Connecticut has been under attack through unfunded mandates, forcing forever rising property taxes.

According to the Yankee Institute, in 2021 Connecticut generated revenue from 344 taxes, fees and other sources.

I say that it’s time for the people of Connecticut to demand their government gets its fiscal house in order so that we may begin to lessen the financial burden for all tax-paying citizens. When elected, I will pursue legislation and support ideas bringing some balance back to Hartford and opening up honest, transparent debate on issues where all views are heard and considered. Inflation and misguided Democrat-led policy legislation in Connecticut hurts every single person living on a fixed income, especially our seniors.

Republican ideas offered in committee and amendments to proposed bills are seldom respected by the majority Democrat party and the entire State is worse off for that.

I encourage every reader to visit my website, LouArata.com where I go into greater detail on some specifics. I care and will work for you.

Personal responsibility and accountability seem to have gotten lost in our present legislative environment. I believe a smaller government is a stronger government because that means more responsibility and liberty is given back to the individual and not controlled by the state.
If you agree, I am asking for your vote and your support.

Real Common Sense

TO: Jeffery Kurz, Editorial Page Editor, Record-Journal

FROM: Lou Arata

DATE: August 26, 2022

RE: Real Common Sense

Remember when, the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, claimed during her press briefing that it would be “unfair and absurd” for companies to raise costs on consumers in response to the Biden administration raising the corporate tax rate?

That’s how they think. Forbes noted after the Psaki comments that it was “important to remember that corporate taxes must be paid by people,” and, “Any corporate tax increase will be paid by either shareholders/owners, employees in the form of lower wages, or customers in the form of higher prices.”

I suppose everyone who would be considered middle class knew that, except Press Secretary Psaki.

Higher prices are hitting every family and the cuts being made to the family budget are real. You’re feeling the loss of your purchasing power because of inflation, far more than those at the top. What can be done to provide real monetary relief to the middle class and those living on fixed incomes?

For one, I support stopping the money giveaways. This is a Democrat red herring, plain and simple, attempting to buy votes. This giveaway sweepstakes we’ve all been witness to is unsustainable. Unless, of course, you continue to print trillions upon trillions of dollars, out of thin air, increasing our super ballooned national debt. But that just feeds the inflation inferno even more, making the dollars you do have to spend buy less. Either way, you’re on the losing end.

Jobs and people working actually creates wealth and builds to stabilize the economy, both regionally and nationally, not unexpected “free” checks incentivizing sloth.

Secondly, I would propose to lower taxes here in Connecticut on individuals and businesses. State coffers are bulging due to the increase in tax revenue resulting from those inflated prices you’re paying. Fall is approaching and we’ve witnessed a more than doubling of the price of basic dietary staples and we all can attest to the rising prices of energy. And don’t forget that the truck tax will hit in January, which will be sure to drive up the costs of groceries and gasoline even more because shippers will pass those costs onto the retailers who will pass it on to their customers. Republicans have continually called for that tax to be repealed but Democrats have refused.

Mandates and taxes on our small businesses put forward by the Democrat elite in Hartford will only add to present costs. Do we want more of the same?

Third, it is my belief that the last thing you need to worry about while you and your family are trying to figure out how you’re going to make ends meet is to be constantly stressing about the safety of yourself, your family and loved ones and your property.

I fully support law enforcement and their efforts to provide safety for the pubic that they serve. The Police Accountability Act has taken away many of the tools police need to do their job, not just the qualified immunity provision. Criminals taken into custody, many with multiple prior arrests, are quickly released back out onto the street only to repeat their law-breaking activities. This hamster-in-the-wheel process makes the public less safe and is a stupefying waste of tax payer money. We are, in essence paying our police forces to essentially not be able to do their job. I will support improved legislation reversing this brutal trend.

An atmosphere of lawlessness cannot be tolerated. People shouldn’t have to worry about filling their tanks with $4 a gallon gasoline while also looking over their shoulder to make sure a repeat offender, who has been let out on bond after his 12th arrest, isn’t stealing their car.

It’s a clear choice. A Democrat will increase the size and cost of government. During the height of $5.00/gallon gasoline, the Democrat controlled House voted 95-53 to give legislators a 43% pay raise. It’s in the Democrats DNA to raise taxes. Lou Arata will fight to bring down costs, trim the size, scope, and cost of government and look to root out corruption.

I am running for State Representative, 83rd District (Meriden, Cheshire & Berlin) and I ask you for your vote and your support, to bring common sense legislation back to all the citizens of Connecticut.

The Sacrifices Made By Our Founders

The men who established this nation gave up everything, risking their own lives – and those of their families. Their hope was that a grand experiment would be successful, and a form of self governance could uphold individual liberties, while at the same time maintaining civil order and including checks and balances on powers.

We’re an imperfect nation founded on their sacrifices, but we continue to be an example for the world. Like our founders, one of our greatest strengths is that though we are made up of people from all walks of life, we can accomplish so much more together, than we do apart.

Here is a letter that was sent to advice columnist Ann Landers:

“Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons who served in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers and plantation owners. All were men of means and well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence, knowing that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family constantly. He served in the congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or solders looted the properties of Ellery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnet, Heyward, Rutledge and Middleton. At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British Gen. Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged Gen. Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. The home of Francis Lewis was destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from the bedside of his dying wife. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children gone. He died shortly thereafter, heartbroken. Morris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wide-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering, they pledged ‘for the support of this Declaration, with firm Reliance on the Protection of the divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.'”

TO: Nick Carroll, News Editor, RJ Weeklies

FROM: Lou Arata

DATE: June 17, 2022

RE: Historic Trends

Mayra Flores (R) 34th Congressional District in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, just flipped the second largest Hispanic majority district (84%) in the country. A Republican has not held the seat since 1870.

This victory tells you everything you need to know about the direction the country is taking. The country is rejecting the progressive ideology coming from Washington DC, and cities such as San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago.

The Democrat party is out of touch with what their constituents want and offer no signs of changing direction. According to the latest Reuters – Ipsos poll of June 13 and 14, President Joe Biden’s approval rating has hit an historic all-time low at 39%. The Morning Consult poll published last Wednesday found 58% of Americans disapproving of his job performance.

By overwhelming majorities on key metrics, the Republican message of smaller government, lower taxes and protection of personal freedoms is bringing new vibrancy to the direction this country will be taking after the 2022 elections. Gov. Ned Lamont and the Democrats in the state legislature seem to be tone deaf to this: they want to retain the tax hike on diesel truck fuel here in Connecticut, thereby increasing the cost of everything that is transported here. This feeds the inflationary cycle and is classic poor leadership.

Connecticut cannot continue to keep electing Democrats who follow in lockstep with their Washington counterparts. Democrat policies of defunding police, open borders and ever-growing government with unproductive regulations, mandates and tax and spending increases, in my view, should be rejected and are strongly un-American. Most folks at some point in their lives could use a hand. We need to stop the handouts and go back to offering a hand up. Helping our fellow citizens to help themselves is the American way.

What happened in the Texas Congressional district is what we will be witnessing across the country.

Liberty is worth fighting for and most Americans believe that. Our Founding Documents are the greatest gift of freedom man has offered to humankind. Nowhere else in the world is the promise of opportunity and personal growth through hard work better and nowhere is the trumpet of personal freedom louder.

That is why so many, from all corners of the earth, seek to come and live here.

I will work for you and put you first, not the government. I believe in common sense priorities for safe neighborhoods, supporting law enforcement, helping the needy, and delivering a leaner, more efficient government that stays out of the decisions parents need to be making for their families.