Kathryn Russell’s recent mailer claims, “the Democratic Assembly has passed three of the largest tax hikes in our [s]tate history.” In actuality, since 2019, state Democrats have enacted $840 million in permanent tax cuts to personal income, seniors’ retirement income, and programs, including the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit. Furthermore, the General Assembly in Connecticut is not the “Democratic Assembly.” Facts matter.

Russell’s mailer appears to draw a connection between “energy transformation mandates” and higher grocery costs. Does Russell intend to regulate private grocery stores? Russell makes claims about what she will do but gives no substantiating details. Voters deserve transparency.

Lowering household energy costs is a laudable and bipartisan goal. It is not a simple fix if you take into consideration the historical context as well as the future of our planet. Russell should be honest about two key things: 1) Connecticut Republicans designed the 2017 Power Purchase Agreement that locked us into a 10-year sweetheart deal with Millstone for which we are now paying through the nose, and 2) what is her plan to address climate change - the main driver of higher energy costs? It is too late for a concept of a plan; just ask the folks in Asheville, North Carolina, a town devastated by the recent hurricane, though situated 300 miles from the nearest coast.

Being a responsible candidate for state office requires both honesty and clarity. If this mailer is any indication, Russell exhibits neither.

Karli Gilbertson

Chester