Stewart will take state where it needs to go

“W here are you going?”

It’s a question we’ve all been asked at some point in our lives; a question we’ve likely asked ourselves about our future plans.

It’s a question I asked of my brink-of-bankruptcy city five years ago when I was elected mayor. It’s a difficult question to answer. In the wake of multiple tax hikes, credit rating downgrades, and outmigration of residents and businesses, the same question must be asked of the State of Connecticut. “Where is Connecticut going?” I am running for governor to set our state on a more stable, positive and predictable course. My 10-point vision represents the path I will push our state toward as your next governor.

My vision is unique because my background is unique. As a young, female, fiscally conservative Republican chief executive of a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans six to one, I have the skill set to get Connecticut’s economy growing again.

I love this state. Over the past eight weeks since declaring my candidacy, I have met with thousands of people who share that love and who have responded to my vision. And my vision begins with establishing that connection.

Let’s put the “connect” in Connecticut by maximizing the opportunities created by our location between New York and Boston. Imagine a fast, secure statewide internet system. A higher education system without bureaucratic bloat that moves toward more online learning. A state that keeps its young talent via tax incentives to get graduates to establish roots here.

My vision includes upgrading the housing stock in our cities and providing relief to crumbling foundation homeowners in eastern Connecticut. It celebrates the value of our economic backbone — small businesses and mom and pop shops — by incentivizing their growth.

My vision focuses on every aspect of state government by requiring agency heads to offer new ways to provide services. It embraces modern solutions to problems like the opioid crisis. It pursues the outsourcing of certain government functions, and commits to growing agricultural jobs and boosting family farms.

Addressing the state’s structural budget deficit will be my primary focus. The Stewart administration will bring pension and benefit costs in line with the private sector. We can do this. We must do this.

Check ErinForCT.com for details of my 10-point vision. I am proud of the work we have done to provide New Britain residents and businesses with a brighter future and an improved quality of life. There’s a renewed spirit in the Hardware City now — an energy and vibe that didn’t exist five years ago. We can do the same for Connecticut. We can bring predictability, pride and passion back.

When asked, “Where is Connecticut going?” we can respond with confidence that we are heading to a much better place. As your governor, it will be my honor to get us there. And by my side, Peter Tesei, the first selectman of Greenwich and my choice for lieutenant governor.

Hey Connecticut: Let’s do this!

Erin Stewart is the mayor of New Britain and a Republican candidate for governor.