Shaban: Jobs, Economy Top Issues in CT

Redding's John Shaban wants another term in Hartford.

Shaban, a Republican, is running against Democrat Leon Karvelis, also of , to represent the 135th District in Hartford. Karvelis . 

“I decided to run for State Representative in 2010 because I wanted to help improve the lives of all citizens in Connecticut,” Shaban told Patch. “I was concerned about the direction our state was—and is—heading, and felt that I had to put myself in a position to help.”

Shaban, who is a partner in a law firm and has volunteered in the community, said he’s learned “what government can and should do to promote a free and successful society, and what government should not do.”

“I take my position seriously and am happy to say that I have earned the respect of both my Republican and Democratic colleagues,” Shaban said. “I hope to be able to continue my service in this fashion.”

Shaban said his opponent is a “good man” and deserves credit for his willingness to serve.

“We simply have a fundamental disagreement about the appropriate size and role of our state government,” he said. “I believe that the more government tries to do, the less it does well. Our state government must function within its means and must operate in a measure and predictable fashion. Sadly, we have not done so.”

Shaban said that Hartford’s Democrats are “clearly responsible for contributing to our state’s current financial woes” and that the Republican platform is one which will help Connecticut grow in the future. 

“Last year, the governor and majority Democrats increased spending by almost a billion dollars a year, and sought to support this spending by passing the largest tax increase in state history—increasing income, sales and estate taxes, and levying new taxes on everything from children’s socks to nonprescription drugs,” Shaban said. “The result of this ‘government comes first’ approach is the current state deficit projection, a downgrade in our bond rating, and a continuation of the poor job and business growth we have seen for decades. Simply put, I think Leon would help those who are dragging us down the wrong path.”

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Problems facing Connecticut

Jobs and the economy are the most important issues facing Connecticut, Shaban said.

“As our economy continues to stagger and limp toward recovery, we have to concentrate on getting people back to work by encouraging growth and stability in the business community.  When our business community succeeds, everyone succeeds,” he said. “Unfortunately, our state government continues to burden businesses both large and small with new taxes, new regulations and new pro-litigation laws that do more harm than good.“ 

Shaban said Connecticut also needs to focus on education reform.

“While our local schools are excellent, too many Connecticut children suffer with inferior educations,” Shaban said. “Education reform should not be a partisan issue or an election year slogan. I will continue to support and work with those who are serious about the issue." 

More information on Shaban is available on his website.