My name is Matt Ferrier and I am petitioning to run as an independent for U.S. Congress in the 2nd District. As a retired Naval Reserve Officer with deep roots in Eastern Connecticut, I will bring a unique blend of leadership and experience gained from a 32-year career spanning both the Navy and commercial industry.

A frequent question I get since I have announced my candidacy centers on what I will do differently than our current representative, Congressman Joe Courtney. I think some examples best show what I want to change. On June 25, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 7120 — George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, by mostly party line votes with only three Republicans supporting the measure. The bill has 230 sponsors, all Democrats, including Congressman Courtney.

The Republicans have a competing bill with only Republican support.

These efforts will fail because neither party will work together to get a bill that can make it through the Democrat-controlled House, Republican-controlled Senate, and Republican president. Congress does not exist to draft bills; we should measure its accomplishments by the laws enacted. Good leaders will work hard to discuss issues with people who do not share their views to find common ground, especially on topics as important as HR 1720.

Likewise, Congress continues to shirk its duty to pass a budget this year. They will likely push the same-as-last-year continuing resolution button rather than hammer out a compromise deal. As of July, Congress has all but acknowledged that it will not pass a budget for the government fiscal year starting on Oct. 1. Without a budget, the government cannot ramp up new programs and close out programs that have ended. If we had true leaders in Congress, they would complete these vital tasks.

In November, regardless if you vote for a Republican or Democrat for Congress, you are voting to perpetuate this broken process. A vote for me, the independent candidate, will send a signal that we need to change from the you win, they lose party dynamics and move to a collaborative environment to accomplish change. Voting for me, the person, will bring needed leadership, someone to work with both parties to craft legislation and budgets that get signed into law, not just get shelved until the next election.

If you agree with the need to bring leadership back to Congress, please consider signing my petition to get on the ballot. See mattferrier.com for details about me and how to sign my petition.

Matt Ferrier lives in Mystic. He works at Sonalysts in Waterford supporting submarine combat systems development.