A new direction for the East Hartford GOP?

Every new slate of officers offers the East Hartford Republicans a fresh chance at breaking the monotony of tax increases and land slide elections. This time is no different. The question is, will the outcome stay the same?

Back in March the party took a much needed step in choosing new leadership and at the same time put forward somewhat of a surprise decision in electing the late, long serving Councilman Don Pitkin as the party chairman. Sadly, due to illness, Don never had the opportunity to sit in the Chairman’s seat. East Hartford will miss Don Pitkin, I miss Don Pitkin.

In a decision on the 14th the Town Committee made yet another surprise decision in filling the vacancy of the Chairman’s position with Joe Kronen who serves as an MDC and Real Estate Commissioner. Joe is a stickler for process and a believer in doing things. His election, supported by a majority of the Town Committee offers a chance at renewed vigor.

Don’s council replacement was chosen on the 14th as well with the choice being an experienced student of Don’s, Pat Harmon. She enjoyed the vote of a considerable majority of the committee. Pat is known as perhaps the best there is in constituent service. I have heard her ideas and speeches and I know she has the ideas to represent the reasoned position of the prudent taxpayer on the Town Council. I have been critical of her in the past for sitting idly by and voicing no public cry of disgust and concern for the irresponsible actions of the Majority sitting aside and opposite her, despite what she may have thought quietly to herself. I believe we need that voice. We need to hear our Council members say out loud, for all to hear, what we are saying to ourselves or yelling at our TVs. I have expressed my sincere hope that this new Republican council makeup will be more effective at having its opinion heard than the vuvuzela toting soccer fans of South Africa. That is a tall order, but one which can, and should, be served.

Unfortunately there is no GOP candidate to oppose Tim Larson, former Mayor, in his re-election bid for the 11th assembly district seat. Similarly in the 10th district Henry Genga is seeking re-election unopposed. The 4th, 5th & 6th districts had nominated John Ryan to oppose Genga but unfortunately Mr. Ryan had to withdraw for personal reasons.

In the 9th district East Hartford, Manchester and Glastonbury republicans chose Dennis Brenner to oppose Jason Rojas and republicans from the multi-town 3rd Senatorial District selected Robert Gonzalez to oppose Gary LeBeau.

This will be an interesting year. I hope it’s interesting because we address issues such as charter revision to achieve automatic budget referendum and a budget cap. I hope it’s an interesting one because more 18-35 year olds get involved beyond campaign activism. It wont be too many more years before I’m not a young republican anymore and it sure feels lonely being one sometimes.  In a little over 2 years I’ve seen plenty of interesting personal issues. Now I am ready to see some interesting political issues.

Closing thought… hold onto your principles. If you fall into someplace you didn’t intend to be you’ll find principles are the only thing that will keep you afloat.