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LawyersGunsandMoneys OP t1_j1dsllx wrote

I agree 100% with this Op Ed. If we want to advance as a state and foster an environment of equity and upward mobility, we absolutely need state-level action to force reform in our NIMBY-est suburbs. We cannot realize our full potential as a state as long as we let wealthy towns wall themselves off, reap the benefits of the cities they surround, and refuse to make basic concessions in return.

u/senatorduff, as my representative in the state senate, Let’s Go! We need more action on these issues!

Edit: for clarity, I’m asking the Senator to gather support within the state democratic caucus for bold action on land use and education reform. As the op ed indicates, allowing towns to tackle these issues on their own is not working.

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Luis__FIGO t1_j1ehyaz wrote

Seems odd to call out Duff who has been working for the taxpayers for years, what have you done to further your case?

Have you thought about the balancing act that has to take place so that ct doesnt lose its highest tax payers to other states?

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LawyersGunsandMoneys OP t1_j1eid7v wrote

I think Duff generally does a good job, and I’ll keep voting for him. I also think we need to keep bringing these kinds of issues to the forefront- this kind of action will be vigorously opposed by the folks who benefit from the current system of land use regulation, and it is important to let elected officials know that many voters support more dramatic changes to housing and education policy.

Edit (addition): As an elected official, just because you’re working hard on behalf of your constituents doesn’t mean your constituents should stop asking for things!

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LawyersGunsandMoneys OP t1_j1elwjq wrote

Also, the rich don’t move in response to policy changes nearly as much as they’d like us to think:

https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/nov/20/if-you-tax-the-rich-they-wont-leave-us-data-contradicts-millionaires-threats

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Luis__FIGO t1_j1eraxk wrote

You can just look at the ct hedge funds moving to Florida to disprove that guardian article.

We don't care about a nationwide trend, we live in CT. And in CT we have already seen it happening.

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LawyersGunsandMoneys OP t1_j1eslqy wrote

I would argue that NYC is still the financial capital of the country, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. By making it easier for people who work in NYC to live in Connecticut (i.e. building more housing in NYC-accessible Fairfield county), the state will draw in more population, thus increasing the tax base, and benefitting local businesses who service those residents.

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Luis__FIGO t1_j1eugd9 wrote

We've increased the population of lower Fairfield County like crazy, tons of new apartment buildings etc.

Guess what, traffic is a nightmare, the roads we have can't handle everyone.

What takes 15 minutes without traffic is now a 50-60 minute drive.

10 years ago that drive was 25-30 minutes, routinely.

You want more apartments, look in your own county, you need the money and tax base more then them.

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LawyersGunsandMoneys OP t1_j1euub9 wrote

I live in Norwalk, I moved down recently for work. And believe me, I want more apartments in Litchfield county as well!

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Luis__FIGO t1_j1f9sga wrote

I like you ignored the traffic issue, as if adding more people won't make on already terrible situation much worse.

Let the other counties catch up first, let the state use some of the tax money FC generates for the state actually improve livability in the area before throwing more people in.

CT is plenty big, no reason to turn the 95 corridor into New Rochelle quite yet.

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Luis__FIGO t1_j1er40n wrote

Never said you shouldn't ask him for things, but you were insuniating he has done nothing.

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[deleted] t1_j1ejmx6 wrote

[deleted]

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Knineteen t1_j1ewrb0 wrote

> If we want to advance as a state and foster an environment of equity and upward mobility….

We don’t. That’s why it isn’t happening. It’s called lip service. I at least have the courage to say it.

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Form684 t1_j1gjri6 wrote

Why shouldn’t they be able to decide what goes up in there own town?

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