Betts predicts Foley, Bacchiocci as GOP primary winners

Here's what state Rep. Whit Betts, a Bristol Republican, predicts for Tuesday's GOP primary:

"Turnout for the primary on Tuesday will be low. A lot of folks are on vacation this

week, and they will not be here to cast a vote (although they could with an absentee ballot).

"My guess is a low turnout helps [John] McKinney while a large one will likely be good news for [Tom] Foley.

"Whichever campaign gets out their targeted supporters to vote will win. Based on what I have hear and been told there is more support for Foley because a lot of folks are upset with McKinney over his support for the new gun law. Further, I believe Foley beat [Dannel] Malloy in Bristol in the last gubernatorial race in 2010. So I expect Foley will win in this area.

"Personally, I think both Foley and McKinney will support Bristol because of the good working relationships they have with many of the Republicans leaders in Bristol and Plymouth.

"With respect to Lt. Governor's race my guess is [Penny] Bacchiocci will win in a tight contest. Of the 3 candidates my sense is she has the experience and organization for getting out her base of supporters to vote. However, if the voter turnout in Fairfield County is heavy than [Dave] Walker may end up winning. I don't see [Heather] Somers winning based on the aggressive ad she just put out against Walker. This type of negative ad suggests she had to do something dramatic to counter low ratings that she internally may have discovered from a poll survey."

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Looking ahead to 2014's politics

With the new year at hand, it's time to look ahead to a new round of campaigns and elections. The big story in Connecticut, of course, will inevitably be the reelection bid of Gov. Dannel Malloy. Maybe it will mean more state cash flowing to Bristol.  Locally, though, there are some interesting developments.

Jason Welch

There are races shaping up for the 31st District state Senate seat as well as the three state House districts that include Bristol: the 77th, 78th and 79th. It appears almost certain that each of the incumbent state representatives will seek reelection, but it's not at all clear that state Sen. Jason Welch, a Bristol Republican, will do the same. Welch is a busy lawyer with a big family, a guy who wants to see his kids' games and have more than a passing acquaintenanc with his wife. He won the office in 2010 by knocking out longtime incumbent Democrat Tom Colapietro. He held off a strong challenge two years later by David Roche. If Welch opts to sit out the contest, it will set off a scurry of activity as politicians on both sides of the aisle eye their prospects. Since the district also includes Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston and part of Harwinton, it's likely there may be contenders from the GOP-dominated western part of the district as well. It's entirely possible, too, that House incumbents might be interested in the Senate seat, too, possibly creatin more opportunities for newcomers. It could get pretty interesting. One other race is worth keeping an eye on: the attempt by some Democrats to unseat two-term Registrar Mary Rydingsward. She's virtually certain to face a tough primary, whether or not she's the endorsed candidate. But that's nothing new for her. She's won two primaries already, defeating two well-connected men in the process, Elliott Nelson and Bruce Suchinski. Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Wright favors gun measure, Betts stands opposed

At least one of Bristol’s four lawmakers plans to vote for the bipartisan gun control measure before the General Assembly today.

Rep. Chris Wright

State Rep. Chris Wright, a Bristol Democrat, said he favors the proposal because he’s convinced it will bring down the number of gun deaths in Connecticut without intruding on the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Another Bristol lawmaker, Republican Whit Betts, said he plans to vote against the bill. He said it would further reduce gun owne
rs’ rights. He said it doesn’t address the root cause of the Sandy Hook Elementary School killings that left 20 students and six educators dead in Newtown on Dec. 14.

The other two legislators from Bristol, Democratic state Rep. Frank Nicastro and Republican state Sen. Jason Welch, haven’t yet said how they’ll vote. But both generally favor the positions of gun advocates.

State Rep. Whit Betts

Wright said he came to his position in part because of what he’s seen while working as a billing clerk in the St. Francis Hospital emergency room. He said he’s seen “so many people coming in after being shot” that the issue is personal for him.

He said he watched one day as a 20-year-old was pronounced dead. Another time, he said, he stood by as doctors told the mother of a 15-year-old that her son had died after being gunned down at the end of his driveway.

“It’s such a waste of life,” Wright said. “I’m tired of it and the people in my district that I hear from are tired of it.”

Betts said, “My heart goes out to those who’ve lost loved ones as a result of the senseless tragedy at Sandy Hook.  However, I don’t think this proposed legislation could ever prevent another Sandy Hook tragedy."

“Unfortunately, criminals and those wishing to do harm to others will find a way, regardless of what legislation is adopted,” he said. “I believe we should be putting a primary focus on addressing mental health, which is what I believe to be the root cause of the terribly shooting tragedies.”

Wright said he understands the measure agreed on by legislative leaders won’t bring an end to the gun violence. But, he said, “it will bring the numbers down. And I think that that is important.”

Betts said his constituents oppose the measure because they believe it curtails their constitutional right to bear arms.

Wright said he doesn’t believe there is a Second Amendment issue involved.

He said the provision in the Bill of Rights was designed to ensure the government had “an armed, trained militia” ready in case it had to put down rebellions, not to provide the people a right to arm themselves against the government itself, as so many believe nowadays.

He said many people have “a fundamental misunderstanding” of the nature of the Second Amendment.

Wright said the new provisions included in the measure “are not the most intrusive things in the world.”

Requiring a permit to purchase to buy ammunition is “a logical next step” that “makes it just a little bit harder for the criminal” to get hold of bullets. Those who have a permit already won’t have any trouble, he said.

“We’re not confiscating anything,” Wright said.

The only restriction is that gun owners won’t be able to buy more high capacity magazines in the future.

Wright also hailed the bill’s call for the creation of a dangerous offender registry in Connecticut to make it easier for police to know who isn’t supposed to possess a gun.

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

'Cold Day in hell' before Mudry will apologize to Betts

Open Letter to Mr. Betts’ Demand for an Apology:

I must have touched a raw nerve in Mr. Betts when I asked if it was possible that he might be receiving a kickback or funding for a future campaign for his efforts in opposing the Busway.  I followed that question up with the statement that it was a harsh question; however, in this day and age when politicians are getting caught taking kickbacks and making a living by screwing the taxpayers, I thought it was an honest question.  That’s all it was, a question!!  There were no serious accusations or scandalous remarks or any character-assassinations as Mr. Betts somehow perceived or interpreted from reading my letter.  There were honest and credible questions about why a Representative elected from the city of Bristol, and town of Plymouth, would spend so much time traveling to Washington to oppose something that’s happening in another city?  Why isn’t Mr. Betts spending his time trying to get things fixed right here in his own district?  What about the problems with the Pequabeck River which is prone to flooding even more so now that the flow of the river has been changed due to the big storms last year. Has he done anything regarding that instead of trying to make headlines for himself by opposing a project that’s due to have a shovel in the ground for much needed jobs later this month?  Has Mr. Betts done anything about the flooding of the Mine Brook along Mix St. and Farmington Ave.?

As I stated in my letter, I am not advocating for the Busway because I personally would like to see light rail; however, I’m not that naïve to realize that the Busway has received all the permits, funding, and passed all the hurdles and obstructions put in its way, that although it is a very expensive project at, according to Mr. Betts figures, $1000.00 per inch, it is a project that will provide much needed jobs RIGHT NOW!!!!!

Mr. Betts has stated that the alternative to the Busway would be using the state funds to repair our roads and bridges.  That’s where I have a problem with Mr. Betts not being forthright with the taxpayers.  Mr. Betts is fully aware that if the Busway was stopped tomorrow and the funds were made available to use for road and bridge repair, it would take years for studies and applications for permits to be completed before one shovel goes into the ground to fix any road or bridge.  I ask Mr. Betts to be so kind as to tell me which road, what bridge in what city or town would be the first to be repaired?  Can Mr. Betts tell me when the first shovel would be put into the ground to start those repairs?  The answer to those questions would be NO, I can’t tell you!!!  Reason is because Mr. Betts, and the rest of the naysayers who oppose the Busway, are fully aware and cognizant of the facts I stated above are true and they are using the argument of fixing roads and bridges to play on the voters emotions because it sound so much better than wasting that money on the Busway.  Another fact that Mr. Betts won’t tell the taxpayers is that the cost to fix all the roads and bridges in this state would cost in excess of three TRILLION dollars and the three hundred thousand or so dollars the state is using for the Busway wouldn’t put a dent in that amount.  Just be honest and truthful instead of telling half-truths!!

Finally, Mr. Betts is upset about character-assassination; however, he has no objection to putting a label on me by stating that I am a member of a labor union and a member of the Bristol Democratic Town Committee and alleging that my personal beliefs are somehow the beliefs of those organizations.  The Press put the label of me being a member of the Bristol Democratic Town Committee, not I. 

As far as my credibility goes, Mr. Betts, it is just fine and it doesn’t need restoration like you stated.  I stand by my facts, hold my head up high, and look you straight in the eye when I talk to you or anybody else.  As for an apology which you unrightiously demand, it will be a cold day in hell before I apologize for what I believe in!!

Joseph Mudry, Jr. 

Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Betts, Markley still fighting to block Busway

New press release from state Sen. Joe Markley, a Southington Republican, and state Rep. Whit Betts, a Bristol Republican:

Betts & Markley – Final push to block funding for the busway

Hartford, CT – Fresh off a trip to Washington D.C., Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington) and Representative Whit Betts (R-Bristol) are rallying the troops to block funding for the New Britain to Hartford busway.

Senator Markley said, "This thing costs nearly $1,000 an inch for a roadway on land that's already graded. That's an incomprehensible number. It's like paying $50,000 for a toaster."

Representative Whit Betts added, “"Using $600 million of taxpayer money to pay for a 'new' controversial busway when a bus system already exists between New Britain and Hartford is irresponsible and unacceptable. There are more urgent priorities - such as repairing the roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Irene - that are of greater importance to CT taxpayers. Common sense screams out that this $60 million a mile project should be put on hold."

Both visited with a senior member of U.S. Representative John Mica’s office on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. The meeting with the Republican Chair of the Transportation Committee’s staff was positive and renewed the fight to stop funding for this $569 million busway boondoggle.

"We were able to raise some questions with Rep. Mica's staff about environmental issues with the busway, about how some expenses aren't being included in the numbers presented in Washington," Senator Markley said.

Right now, Congress is reviewing the project, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is deciding whether to formally approve funding contracts for the project.  The FTA deadline is November 7^th.

The busway is a prime example of government waste and both legislators have called on the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) to fight against federal funding for the 9 mile project.  Executive Vice President of the NTU has written a letter calling for congress to ‘pause in the funding process.’  A portion of the attached letter is below:

Thus, in our opinion a prudent action would be a pause in the funding process, pending timely and comprehensive additional review of the busway’s ramifications. While the project’s advocates would question the feasibility of such a pause or raise the prospect of harm from more delay, the potential risks to the taxpayers of Connecticut and the nation deserve further consideration.

Sincerely,

Pete Sepp/Executive Vice President National Taxpayers Union

Representative Betts and Senator Markley are calling on opponents to voice their opinion by calling Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s office at 202-366-4000.

On the state level a hearing officer from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment (DEEP) is deciding whether a wetlands permit will be granted to Connecticut transportation officials.  The decision – expected to take about two months – will then be referred to DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty for final approval.  Busway construction can’t begin until the permit issue is decided.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Taxpayers union says hit brakes on Busway

Letter issued by the National Taxpayers Union this week after its officials met with state Rep. Whit Betts, a Bristol Republican, and state Sen. Joe Markley, a Southington Republican. The pair talked to the organization during an anti-busway lobbying trip to the nation's capital:

Dear Senator Markley and Representative Betts:I am grateful for the opportunity to have met with you yesterday and to have discussed your reservations over a project to construct a busway from New Britain to Hartford. This undertaking, which involves federal as well as state tax dollars, would affect the National Taxpayers Union’s (NTU) 362,000 members nationwide and particularly its 4,600-plus members in Connecticut.As you know, NTU and its members seek infrastructure policies that emphasize serving the greatest number of consumers efficiently, involving the private sector to the maximum extent possible, reducing the risk of long-term taxpayer liabilities, allocating finite resources effectively, and exercising strenuous fiscal oversight. While such principles would seem obvious prerequisites to any capital project, in our 42-year institutional experience their application has been far from universal.In fact, academic analyses have identified disturbing patterns here and abroad in such projects that often lead to cost overruns. Last month, Veronique de Rugy and Matthew Mitchell of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University provided an excellent synopsis of such research in a working paper entitled, “Would More Infrastructure Spending Stimulate the Economy?”. Among the works they cited was a seminal 2002 review of 258 transportation projects worldwide, appearing in the Journal of the American Planning Association. This study determined that costs were underestimated in nearly 90 percent of the cases examined. The working paper by de Rugy and Mitchell also cast doubt on whether claims of massive “multiplier effects” from infrastructure stimulus – especially in countries with fiscal and economic profiles like that of the U.S. – are sufficiently reliable. Such a conclusion has direct bearing on contentions from busway proponents that the expenditure will deliver large windfalls to the state’s economy.This is but one reason why NTU has long asserted that public officials have a special obligation to carefully study the potential outcome of such programs. Connecticut’s tenuous financial situation, even after enactment of onerous tax increases on its citizens, is yet another recommendation for caution on many kinds of expenditures involving multi-year commitments. Finally, you have brought to our attention several details of the busway project that could be of concern to taxpayers, including: a cost estimate of nearly $600 million for a route spanning barely more than nine miles, controversy over its benefits to the economy and the surrounding communities, and questions about whether less expensive alternatives have been adequately explored.Regarding the latter point, some have suggested that passenger rail would be a more frugal approach to transit in the New Britain-Hartford area. To be clear, NTU is not taking a stance in favor of any particular option mentioned in the current public debate. We simply believe that all the foregoing circumstances merit greater deliberation, especially before significant federal taxpayer money begins to flow. This is a matter of urgency with the busway since, according to information you have supplied, major federal resources will begin to enter the picture four weeks from now.Thus, in our opinion a prudent action would be a pause in the funding process, pending timely and comprehensive additional review of the busway’s ramifications. While the project’s advocates would question the feasibility of such a pause or raise the prospect of harm from more delay, the potential risks to the taxpayers of Connecticut and the nation deserve further consideration.Sincerely,Pete SeppExecutive Vice President
Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Busway foes heading to DC to make their case

A last-ditch effort to convince congressional Republicans to block the proposed busway between Hartford and New Britain is about to get underway.

State Rep. Whit Betts, a Bristol Republican, said Thursday that several busway critics plan to head to Washington next week to lobby congressional decision-makers to put the $573 million project on hold.

"We will be making a lot of noise," Betts said.

Joining Betts on the journey are state Sen. Joe Markley, a Southington Republican, and Mike Nicastro, the head of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, based in Bristol.

The state Department of Transportation is pushing the busway, with Gov. Dannel Malloy's support, to promote mass transit and alleviate congrestion on Interstate 84.

New Britain officials and developers argue that the busway will spur growth along its 9.4-mile path from Hartford's Union Station to downtown New Britain.

Betts said the arguments for the project are "obviously flawed" and the cost of the project is outrageous for any benefits it might bring.

Betts said Congress has until November 6 to raise objections to the project, which has the backing of federal regulators.

"We think once they've seen the facts, they will agree this project should not move forward," Betts said.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Betts, Welch: Ax our benefits

Two lawmakers who took office this month from Bristol are seeking legislation that would eliminate health and retirement benefits for themselves and other new members of the General Assembly.
State Sen. Jason Welch and state Rep. Whit Betts, both Republicans, proposed a measure that would ax the benefits "for newly-elected legislators assuming office on or after January 5, 2011."
The bill has been shipped to the appropriations committee.
Legislators earn $28,000 annually for their part-time job. They are also eligible for state pensions after serving more than a decade and, once they've put in 10 years in office, receive free health care for themselves and their spouse after age 55.
In addition to their pay and retirement benefits, legislators are entitled by Connecticut law to participate in the state's "group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plan."
Under the proposal by Welch and Betts, new legislators would keep their current medical insurance but lost their pensions and retiree health coverage..
The bill would not apply to legislators who served before 2011 even if there was a gap in their legislative career.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Opening Day in Hartford

State Sens. Joe Markley and Jason Welch

Despite the inevitability of partisan bickering and budget battles to come, Inauguration Day at the Capitol provided a jolt of hope for a state mired in economic misery.
“It’s exciting. Everybody’s starting a new page,” said Steve Casey, a former state senator from Bristol.
With the opening of the General Assembly session and the swearing-in of Gov. Dannel Malloy as the state’s 88th governor, politicians on both sides of the aisle talked about the necessity of facing Connecticut’s woes head on.
“There’s a little bit of a dreamlike aspect to all of this,” said state Sen. Joe Markley, R-Southington, who was thinking back to his first term in the legislature a quarter century ago.
For state Rep. Frank Nicastro, D-Bristol, the start of the new session is “very exciting” in large part because Malloy is taking hold of the helm.
“We’re going to turn the state around and bring it back,” Nicastro said.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm here,” said state Rep. Betty Boukus, D-Plainville, because of “a blend of old and new” officials and the swearing-in of Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman.
State Rep. Whit Betts, R-Bristol, said he is also excited at the possibilities.
“I hope we can meet on common ground,” Betts said.
State Sen. Jason Welch, R-Bristol, said that a lot of serious work lies ahead to repair the state’s fortunes and that Republicans and Democrats “disagree on how to fix it.”
But, he said, the Democrats in the Senate have been “very welcoming” and he hopes everyone can settle on a course that will get the economy flowing again and create much-needed jobs.
Malloy said the state has reached “a crossroads of crisis and opportunity” and that if its leaders show strength and compassion, they can fix the state’s finances and economy.
“We will need to solve our problems together – by pursuing with great urgency not Republican ideas or Democratic ideas, but good ideas that know no political master or agenda," Malloy said in his address.
State Rep. Chris Wright, D-Bristol, said the first day is always fun, but he’s sure a long and difficult session lies ahead.
“There’s going to be no easy answers,” Wright said, because every spending cut creates howls from whoever is hurt but somehow the state has to fill a multi-billion hole in its budget.
Sacrifices are going to be required, Wright said, and the need to slice spending and raise taxes is “going to upset people, but that’s what we were elected to do.”
Casey, who works for the state’s information technology department, said it helps “to have a new governor who has a lot of hope and vitality and who is willing to take on the massive challenges we have.”
“We’re ready,” Boukus said.
[And here is the New Britain version of this story, which is actually quite different.]

Two new Bristol lawmakers

Bristol’s two new GOP legislators took office Wednesday morning at the Capitol amidst many family and friends.

The weight of responsibility that comes with the office “hit me for the first time today,” said state Rep. Whit Betts. “It was a very serious moment.”

State Sen. Jason Welch said he’d been so busy that the enormity of the job didn’t really sink in until he stood in the Senate chamber.

As the names of each senator were called one by one, he felt thankful for the opportunity to serve.

“We made it. We’re here,” Welch recalled thinking.

Betts said, “It’s now time to face the music.”

Betts won the open 78^th District seat representing northwestern Bristol and Plymouth that longtime GOP lawmaker Bill Hamzy of Terryville gave up when he opted not to seek reelection.

Betts and Welch, who unseated a longtime incumbent to win the 31^st District seat, joined three Democratic veterans to make up the city’s legislative delegation. The others are state Reps. Frank Nicastro, Chris Wright and Betty Boukus.  Click here for the rest of the story.

*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

No pensions for state lawmakers, two GOP candidates say

Press release just issued by state Senate hopeful Jason Welch and state House contender Whit Betts:
GOP: Kill Legislative Pensions. (Bristol) Two of Bristol’s candidates for the General Assembly, State Senate nominee, Jason Welch (31st. Senatorial) and State Representative candidates Whit Betts (R-78) today issued a joint statement concerning Connecticut’s fiscal crisis.
Whit Betts, the candidate vying to replace long-time Representative Bill Hamzy mentioned that when the General Assembly was formed it was supposed to be made up of Connecticut citizens from all walks of life. “The General Assembly is a Representative form of government,” Betts continued, “Our founding fathers never intended for it to be a career position.”
Welch echoed Betts sentiments.
In the joint statement, the candidates are advocating that if they are elected to the General Assembly next month they will introduce legislation to remove members of the General Assembly from the state pension plan.
“This position at its very core is a part time position, “Republican state senate candidate Jason Welch added, “If it’s a part time position then why should the members of the General Assembly receive a pension?”
Betts added that the move would help save pension funds over the years. “This General Assembly has abdicated its responsibilities with regards to funding the state pension system. Betts continued, “They have turned their backs on the retirees of Connecticut and part time elected members of the General Assembly should not be receiving a golden parachute for a position that was never meant to be a career.”
The Republican State Senate nominee stated that this proposal is being put forth as an act of fairness. “Our intention is to keep the promises made to the current legislators and change it for the next class,” Welch added, “With the budget deficit near record numbers and state spending cap being shattered by the Democratic controlled General Assembly we need to lead by example.”
Betts added, “If the General Assembly cannot reduce its own spending and benefits how can we ask other state employees and agencies to do the same?”
In conclusion, Welch mentioned that this is the real difference this year between the Republican candidates and the Democratic candidates. “We are working as a team to offer comprehensive solutions to the problems facing Connecticut,” Welch concluded, we will be working together to represent the interests of our constituents – no more talk, it’s time for action.”
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Betts taps Hamzy & Krawiecki to manage his campaign

Press release from Whit Betts, the GOP state House candidate in the 78th District (the blue coloring is in the original):

Betts Announces Campaign Managers – Hamzy and Krawiecki

Whit Betts announced that Bill Hamzy and Ed Krawiecki Jr. have agreed to be his campaign managers for the upcoming election for the 78^th District House seat.

“I am so happy to have the enthusiastic support and commitment of Bill and Ed who are good friends and whose legislative knowledge will be an enormous help to me.”

In accepting Whit’s offer to be campaign manager Rep. Bill Hamzy said       

 “I have been fortunate enough to have earned the right to represent the people of the 78^th District as their state Representative.  I know what is required of a person who serves in this capacity.  There is no doubt in my mind that Whit has the passion, the integrity and the diligence to be a successful and honest representative of the people in this district.  That is why I have agreed to help manage his campaign to be my successor and look forward to helping him get elected in November.”

 Krawiecki said, “I am thrilled to have been asked to lend a hand in helping this outstanding civic leader in his effort to represent the people of Bristol and Plymouth.  Nearly 30 years ago, I was first honored with the privilege of representing the same district.  The work was long and difficult and the problems many.  Today we need a representative to replace Bill Hamzy, who did an outstanding job for the last 16 years, with problems that are growing by the day.  We have a deepening financial crisis which the next legislature must handle straight on.  There is no disagreement, the future will be a challenge and Whit Betts is the perfect candidate and individual to lead us as we search for sound fiscal judgment going forward.  Whit will devote his full time energy to the job.  Whit has the tremendous capacity to hear out everyone and all of their ideas.  Whit has a reputation that is above reproach and when the time comes to vote you can be sure that he will have considered all points of view. “

I am honored to have the strong support of Ed and Bill, and to have them join John Letizia (Campaign Treasurer), a conservative democrat, on my campaign team. I will continue to invite and welcome the help of community leaders and people from both Plymouth and Bristol.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Betts wins convention vote

Bristol Republican Whit Betts emerged on top of a 5-3 vote at the GOP's 78th District convention so he'll be the candidate unless there is a primary.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Showdown for the 78th tonight

At this evening's Republican convention for the 78th District, Plymouth's at-large town councilor, Tom Zagurski, is expected to challenge former Bristol city Councilor Whit Betts for the right to claim the GOP line on the November 2 general election ballot.
At the convention, Plymouth has five delegates and Bristol has four, but that may not be decisive.
The decision to step down announced last week by state Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican, opened the seat to a newcomer in the GOP for the first time since 1994.
The Democrats have several people eyeing the seat, said Elliott Nelson, the party chair in Bristol, but none who are ready to talk to the press about it.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Whit Betts jumps into race; others may join him

There are “quite a few” candidates interested in seeking the job that state Rep. Bill Hamzy has held since 1994, city GOP leader TJ Barnes said this morning.

“You’d be amazed how many people are interested,” Barnes said. One of them, former Bristol city Councilor Whit Betts, declared his intention today to run. He is Barnes' uncle.

“Obviously the goal is to get the best potential candidate,” Barnes said.

Republicans have a convention slated for Tuesday in Plymouth to pick a candidate.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Betts: Let voters decide on union contracts

Letter from former city Councilor and Republican mayoral candidate Whit Betts:

How can I hire the union to represent me in keeping my premium to under
$100 a month for a family medical plan? The remaining expense for the health care premium - $1,523 – is paid for by Bristol’s taxpayers. My question to your readers is –
do you work for any employer that pays 95% of your health care premium for a family medical plan ? If you do please let the Press readers know so we can apply for a job.

This contract is a clear example of how huge and unfair the disparity in health care benefits are between public employees and employees in the private sector. What can “we” the taxpayers do to get stronger and better representation in contract negotiations with public employees?

Here’s one idea. How about the city submit the health care terms of negotiated contracts to a referendum vote by taxpayers? Under the current system it is clear that our elected officials are unable to help taxpayers get a fair deal so why not let the people who foot 95% of the health care bill have a chance to approve or reject the contract ? If taxpayers agree with the terms then it will approve the contracts for which we are being asked to pay. If we reject the proposed contract then representatives go back to the bargaining table and come back to the taxpayers with a different proposal.

Anyone else have a better idea on how to help taxpayers ? Or am I the only person who feels that taxpayers are overtaxed during these tough economic times?

Sincerely – Whit Betts

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com