We need to do more than tolls to improve our standing. We consistently finish at or near the bottom of state rankings, with the exceptions of health and education. Starting with government accountability, both major parties have been negligent.

The issue, can people trust their government? The answer is apparently no! Our financial mess is a result of mismanagement of funds. For decades the state failed to contribute to its own pension fund. If the state were a corporation, this would have generated an investigation by the U.S. Attorney. The exception was Governor Malloy's last term in office.

The state lottery money goes to "impact" cities that are 50 to 90 miles from casinos. That money should go to education and senior citizens, as other states do.

Other issues are troubling as well. Bonding without statewide referendums, sweeping money from the environmental fund, money spent from the state gasoline tax. There is no rhyme nor reason to this madness. Our cost of living is 24 percent above the national average, approximately 24 percent of our citizens receive state or federal aid. Citizens are leaving at an alarming rate and we continue to try to tax our way out of this mess. 

James L. Miller

Salem