I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions when leaving the Capitol after the close of my first legislative session as a state Senator last week.

We are blessed to live in such a wonderful place and to be served in Hartford by so many wonderful people yet we produced a budget product that was not our best. Why? Because it’s not possible to craft the best of any product when you close out 40 percent of the input; 40 percent of good ideas; 40 percent of honest and open debate.

I am proud to serve with all my colleagues in both chambers. However, as we move into the collection of tomorrows that are filled with tax increases, job losses, health insurance increases, hospital and doctor services struggling to stay available and affordable, I urge my Democratic friends on the other side of the aisle to open their doors, their ears and their minds and simply listen.

Listen not only to the ideas of the leaders of the minority party but to the people of our great state. Listen as their constituents discuss their struggles as a result of these new taxes. Listen as they speak with their feet by leaving our great state in record numbers. Listen to our young as they struggle to find work to pay off their student loans. Listen to our parents and grandparents as they speak fondly of happier and more plentiful times.

Finally, I suggest that we all listen to our hearts and ask ourselves what are we really seeking. Is it power at the expense and exclusion of others? Or do we really want to do do the best we can for the people we serve.

I remain committed to work with everyone and anyone, regardless of who gets the credit, as long we begin to build a better, a kinder and a more prosperous Connecticut.

Thank you to the people of the 20th district for this opportunity to serve.

A Republican, Paul Formica lives in East Lyme.