At the Convention held on May 11, Republicans nominated Patricia B. Libero to run for State Senate in the 14th District, representing Milford, Orange, and parts of West Haven and Woodbridge.
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Libero has been an educator for more than 37 years, serving as a special education teacher, principal and vice principal in the West Haven school system. She also taught at the University of New Haven as an adjunct professor, teaching special education classes.
Libero was elected to the West Haven Board of Education in 2011, and served as Chairman from 2013-2015. She was re-elected to the Board in 2015.
Libero shared some of her thoughts on the upcoming campaign:
“Over the past 10 years, Democrats have continually increased state spending and your taxes. Despite record tax increases, our state is once again in deficit. My opponent and her majority party just can’t seem to get it right. Misguided legislation with unwise spending threaten our state’s economic stability and our citizen’s jobs. Our ability to properly fund the education of our children, as well other basic needs like hospital funding has been impacted.
People, including many young adults, are leaving Connecticut in record numbers. Major businesses are leaving too, as the departure of G. E. illustrates.
We must do better. We cannot continue to pass unrealistic budgets that spend more than we take in. These poor decisions paint us as irresponsible and anti-business, eroding any confidence that our people and businesses have in their future here. Legislation supported by my opponent has helped to place us in this terrible position. As a result of a poor economy and declining tax revenues, we are forced to cut important programs including education grants to our towns and cities.
I am dismayed that my opponent supported a 2017 budget mitigation bill that not only failed to completely reduce the $900 million budget shortfall, but also failed to make any structural changes needed for a long term solution. They did add new agencies, new studies, new staff, in short new spending.
As your State Senator I will be a strong voice for effective government, lower taxes, and sound fiscal policy. I will only support legislation that doesn’t harm our economy and slow job creation. I will work to remove the “pork” from our budget so we are not forced to cut important support for hospitals, education, and mental health services.
I look forward to meeting and speaking with voters as I walk the 14th Senate District.”
Pat Libero can be reached at patlibero2016@gmail.com.