Candidates weigh in on national, state issues

Oct. 06--NORWALK -- Democratic incumbents came under fire on issues ranging from Connecticut's economy to the federal Affordable Care Act during a candidates' forum in East Norwalk on Wednesday evening.

"The Affordable Care Act has really hurt me significantly," said Vincent Scicchitano, owner of Accurate Auto Repair. "My health insurance for my family doubled, with a quadruple deductible. So with that, I'm trying to attract new employees that I cannot get because I have to compete with the United Auto Workers Unions that operate dealerships in that sort of a business climate."

Scicchitano asked U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, the Greenwich Democrat who is running for fifth term representing the 4th Congressional District, what could be done about the act.

Himes said the 2010 federal law -- also known as Obamacare -- has provided health insurance to more than 20 million Americans, prohibited insurance companies from turning away people based upon pre-existing health conditions, and helped seniors.

Himes added, however, that the law has "some real problems."

"I hear you loud and clear, and I'm not going to tell this law was perfect -- it wasn't, any more than Medicare or Social Security was, when it got started," Himes said. "I hope we get to a place in January where we can take up the issues of the instability in the (insurance) exchanges and take up the issues you articulated."

Health care, transportation

John Shaban, the Redding Republican and state representative hoping to unseat Himes in November, said he'd work to fix the law through interstate competition, tort reform and insurance plan clarification. He identified Washington, D.C., as Connecticut's biggest enemy health care, education and other issues facing the state.

"We send dollars to D.C. and beg for pennies back, and then it comes back with strings attached," Shaban said.

The two candidates also distinguished themselves on the state's plan to replace the Walk Bridge. Himes said he'd defer to local wishes on the project, and then support the local consensus. Shaban questioned whether it is necessary to replace the structure with a lift bridge, given the absence of tall ships.

Himes and Shaban were among five candidates and approximately 40 people who attended the "Meet the Candidates" hosted by the East Norwalk Business Association and held outdoors, with food around a small fire pit, at Harbor Harvest on Cove Avenue.

"We wanted to give you a chance to meet the candidates that are running for public office," ENBA President Winthrop Baum said. "We invited them here in an effort to allow them to speak to you directly about who they are, why they're running, what they intend to do if they win the office."

Darien Republican Greg Ehlers pitched his candidacy in the 25th state Senate District. He blamed lobbyists, state employee unions and incumbent lawmakers for the state's fiscal health.

"My opponent and his party has been control in the Senate since I've been here," Ehlers said. "It's time to push him back to the side, and it's time for some people to come in that actually want to do something to make a difference."

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, who is running for a seventh term representing the 25th District, was not at the forum. He said afterward that he was unable to attend because of other commitments. He limited his response to Ehlers.

"I'll continue to run a positive campaign, run on my record and stay focused until Election Day," Duff said.

Ranking the state

State Rep. Christopher R. Perone, who is running for a seventh term representing the 137th District, traced Connecticut's near-bottom ranking in polls addressing business friendliness to past policy decisions. The Norwalk Democrat added, however, that the state ranks high in other areas.

"We're ranked in the top 10 in bioscience and innovation and technology and advanced manufacturing," said Perone, who co-chairs the General Assembly's Commerce Committee. "The difference is that the stuff in the bottom (is) based on legacies -- bad tax policy ... these decisions that have been made over time, and they do have to be addressed."

Darline Perpignan, the Norwalk Republican hoping to unseat Perone, presented herself as a fresh voice.

"Fresh perspective, that's what we need," Perpignan said. "Things haven't changed in Hartford, because we keep electing the same people. I don't have all the language of a politician, but it is common sense that I am speaking to you, because you know ... how hard it is to remain in business."

The League of Women Voters of Norwalk will host a candidates' forum for Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Community Room of Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave. Duff and Ehlers will face one another at 7 p.m. Perone and Perpignan will square off at 8 p.m.

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