Comments on: Revenue Down, Deficit Way Up

By: Campbell Brownies

Campbell Brownies — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:53:14 +0000

Williams’ driver is Joe Goldman, a Democrat apparatchik who attended UCONN and still lives in Mansfield. He drives out to Williams everyday and ferries him into Hartford.

I wonder how much CO2 they’re consuming by that inefficient driving plan.

By: RedFive

RedFive — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:41:53 +0000

As they say in the legal arena, PoopyScoopy, asked and answered.

Repeatedly. By the man himself.

Ad nauseum, in fact.

So STFU already about the state trooper. (He’s not a “driver.” A “driver” — paid around $32,000 a year by state taxpayers, is what Donovan and Williams have. [And Williams does have a driver, boondoggle, unless he's dumped him in the last few weeks.] Fedele has a state trooper, just as every lieutenant governor since, IIRC, Eunice Groak has had.)

If that’s the best you’ve got when it comes to griping about a genuinely good man — a self-made multi-millionaire who is a real-life American immigrant success story — then God help you and your fantasies of Ned the Wonder Candidate or the Wicked Witch of Middletown moving into the 2nd floor at 210 Capitol Avenue.

By: boondoggle

boondoggle — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Don Williams doesn’t have a state paid driver or security. Anyone who drives him as a “driver” is either paid for by the campaign or does other work within the caucus.

Fedele doesn’t get to choose to have security or a driver.

This really isn’t a big deal.

By: AndersonScooper

AndersonScooper — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:47:06 +0000

ACR–

Shays used to drive himself around btw. Himes almost always. (In a late model Passat no less.)

What has Fedele ever done to piss people off to the point he needs a security detail?

I mean if you and I don’t need security, it’s hard to imagine that nice guy Mike does.

By: ACR

ACR — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:35:33 +0000

>>And Mike Fedele should do away with the “tradition” of a $120,000/year driver…

Right after Don Williams does.

I was in Hartford last night with a couple hundred Republicans including the Lt Governor, and in Cromwell an hour ago for his announcement; he has more security than you might think.
One was even eying *me* (in my Republican regulation white button down shirt & tie) suspiciously no-less.

There must be a reason Scoop, I’ve never known anyone that enjoyed needing a security detail and I doubt Fedele does.

OTOH – ever notice Simmons often shows up alone in his own car?
I think it’s clear why Rob doesn’t require any protection; if anything, everyone else might.

By: Vincent

Vincent — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:40:15 +0000

Yes, Scoopie, in your world, a state that is totally dominated by Democrats can find its way to fiscal solvency through eliminating perks and tax credits to Republicans. Republicans ONLY! Heaven forbid you should ask the Dems in Hartford to give up their cars, for example.

As for the deficit, does anyone really doubt that this is why Jodi didn’t run again? I believe she couldn’t face yet another several years of fighting over cuts.

By: ebpie

ebpie — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:18:32 +0000

Does anyone honestly think one of the GOP or Democrat contenders for Governor will be explicit in what he or she will trim from the budget? Has any candidate in recent years campaigned on what he or she will cut from government (aside from Peter Schiff)?

Expect a lot of the usual talking points – “line by line”, “cut waste, inefficiencies and fraud” – that lead nowhere.

CT will probably solve this shortfall like it solves other shortfalls – higher taxes, borrowing and budget gimmicks.

By: AndersonScooper

AndersonScooper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:15:49 +0000

If Linda McMahon has $50 million to waste on this campaign run, maybe, just maybe, the state should cut the $10-$20 million subsidy WWE is getting every year.

And Mike Fedele should do away with the “tradition” of a $120,000/year driver…