Sometime within the past year or so, I was visiting Washington D.C. with my parents and siblings. It wasn't the first time I had been there − my brother and I were born in nearby Bethesda. But on this particular trip to the capital, I insisted that we visit a museum known as the Udvar-Hazy Center, an aerospace museum with a profoundly impressive display, including a retired space shuttle, an SR-71, and the X-35B prototype that preceded the extant F-35 and its variants.

What caught my eye was how numerous aircraft, both in regard to fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft, had many of their components made in Connecticut, whether it was an airframe or an engine. I am fully aware that we still have a notable presence of military manufacturers, especially in producing jet engines, helicopters, and submarines.

Also recall that the world's first patented revolver was made right in Hartford! While I'm skeptical that offering tax breaks will lure in company offices (or discourage relocation), I nevertheless wonder how we can protect this remarkable Connecticut asset, and maybe even expand our manufacturing in other realms.

For one example, a specialty automaker known as Callaway Cars is headquartered less than five minutes from my house.

Max Engel

East Lyme