I fully realize the significance of being a “third party” legislator in a General Assembly occupied by Democrats and Republicans. Finding common ground and making compromises will be the rule to getting legislation aligned with my values (the reason voters choose me) approved. Here are some of my priorities that I offer in terms of a platform.

Property Tax Reform: As a member of Re-New London I have been working with members of this group to have legislation introduced into the next General Assembly to allow our municipalities the option of using an alternative tax policy called Land Value Tax. LVT shifts the tax value of real estate property from the improvements to the land. Typically, a property is assessed by the improvements (buildings, structures, pavements, etc.) reflecting 80% of the value and the land reflecting 20% of the value. (There certainly may be variances to this formula.) LVT would, over time, change that to have the land reflect the majority or all of the value of the assessment. This can be achieved in a revenue neutral manner; the system can change and the municipality receives the same level of tax revenue. Among the benefits of the LVT approach, residential property tax rates tend to decrease. The rates on commercial center lots may go up, but they are going up on the land only not the improvements or the buildings. Any improvements on the property would not be reflected by an increase of the assessment, thus the disincentive of higher taxes is removed. If commercial property owners can maintain and fix-up their properties without incurring greater taxes, then run-down buildings and empty lots will turn into productive properties supporting more and new businesses that will attract patrons that collectively boost revenues for the municipalities and private parties. It allows the owners to maximize the property’s utilization without the burden of increased taxes. It, in part, changes the incentive from building “new” out of town in “open spaces” to revitalizing existing infrastructure in the already populated urban center.

Fiscal Responsibility: In the last four or five years or so, I have seen news reports of unexpected budget deficits that have shortly followed reports of unexpected budget surpluses. Now in September, 2008, we have a State deficit. Back in January, we were told we had a State surplus and there was a call for an “economic stimulus package” to help out the taxpayers. Now I realize that the (world) economy is under stress right now, and it has been for a while, depending upon one’s view point. (This economic stress will receive more attention elsewhere.) The budget process here leaves much to be desired though. Besides tax revenues, Connecticut also enjoys revenues from a state run lottery system and something else that other states envy. We receive slot revenues from two of the world’s largest casinos! (I will advocate for greater state spending on the primary public education system else where.) How is that we cannot develop a sound budget especially when we are getting bonus money from gambling?
We need much a better budgetary development process. We should consider implementing a zero-based budget plan for some departments and over a couple of years review all departments of government. This is a concept that has been raised by constituents here in New London for the city government and I think it would be good for state government too.