Let us imagine for a minute that Tim O’Brien’s campaign was not surrounded with questionable ethics. Let us imagine that he had not received tens of thousands of dollars from Political Action Committees (PACs), lobbyists, and special interest groups. Let us even imagine a world where Tim O’Brien’s tax plan was a thing of facts and numbers rather than gossamer hopes and aspirations.
Even if all of these things were true, Tim O’Brien would still be the wrong choice for New Britain and there are several reasons why. They mostly have to do with his deplorable voting record. Here are a few of the things Tim O’Brien has done (or not done) in the state legislature.
- Tim O’Brien voted to end important tax exemptions. In a bill he touted in his mailings as “landmark property tax reform” there were some hidden gems. First and foremost was ending the exemption for clothing items under $50.00. This would have placed a burden on tax payers at all economic levels, but especially those at lower income brackets who spend a greater percentage of their total income on clothing.
- Tim O’Brien failed to secure crucial education funding. This funding from the state was what allowed the town to place paraprofessionals in all full day kindergarten classrooms. Two years ago when O’Brien missed the deadline to secure the funding, he said he would get it this year. This year came and no funding was forthcoming.
- Tim O’Brien voted to increase motor vehicle fees.1 Just this last legislative session, Tim O’Brien voted for a plan that would have seen huge increases in motor vehicle fees pushing the cost for a first time license to over $150.00. That is a huge burden on working families attempting to pay their rent and feed their children. The increased fees were estimated to cost Connecticut residents over $60 million in the first year alone.
- Tim O’Brien opposed improving the city ordinances on blight. He continued to argue that the old program was sufficient and simply not being enforced despite piles of paperwork to the contrary. His inability to recognize the need for change demonstrated a lack of understanding of how a city should be run.
In addition to these major points there is also O’Brien’s terrible voting record. While serving as a State Representative for New Britain Tim O’Brien made the following votes:
- Voted against an amendment to exempt 50% of retirement and pension income from the State income tax.2 Why would he do this if he really wanted to help retiree’s living on a “fixed” income?”
- He voted in favor of increasing DMV fees1, as was reported by Frank Smith at his blog.
- He voted to increase taxes and spending by $1.6 billion despite the fact that the State had a $1 billion surplus.3 How is this lowering taxes for all?
- He voted against a provision that would require budget negotiations to be held in public view and open to the media.4 This isn’t surprising considering his stance on censorship, but how can he even claim to support open government?
- He voted to increase the conveyance tax on people who sell their homes.5 This isn’t surprising considering Tim O’Brien himself is not a home owner.
- He voted to repeal legislation that would have allowed the city and Tilcon to swap property costing New Britain an estimated $15 million.6 This is how O’Brien represents New Britain as an elected official? It makes one wonder what he would do as Mayor.
O’Brien has proven with is actions that he does not believe in holding the fiscal line. He has voted several times to increase our taxes in the past and we only have him at his word that he wouldn’t do it again. He believes he can tax away our blighted properties! He stated in his interview with the Herald that he supports a progressive tax. He seems to think that it is only fair to tax people who are more successful than himself for their audacity of earning a higher salary.
Throughout this entire campaign Tim O’Brien has proven that he is out of touch with the needs and the voters of New Britain. We need someone who understands the community and has a record for doing things the right way. New Britain needs a leader like Mayor Stewart to continue helping New Britain become a shining star of Connecticut.
1 HB 7002 (bill here)
2 LCO 7811 (amendment here)
3 HB 7400
4 LCO 519 (amendment here)
5 SB 1001, LCO 6833
6 LCO 9359
