Greenwich Post Endorses Jim!

Greenwich Post, Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Editorial: Himes, Malloy are right choices

Two years ago the Post proudly endorsed one of our own to represent the 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives and once again, we endorse Jim Himes, of Cos Cob, for a second term.

Mr. Himes has been the voice this district has needed during difficult times. His support for continuing the Bush tax cuts for the country’s wealthiest is a mistake, though it shows that he doesn’t always vote the party line, demonstrating tough decision-making for what he feels will best suit his district. His record includes strong support for a sensible energy policy, curbing climate change and, most importantly, making sure all Americans get access to health care.

Mr. Himes’ opponent, state Sen. Dan Debicella (R-21), is in favor of repealing the health care bill, a disastrous idea that plays right into the hands of big insurance and leaves Americans vulnerable. Voting for health care and the stimulus were the right things to do, and Mr. Himes should embrace this record while moving forward on job creation during a second term.

While Mr. Debicella has a lot of support in town, most of it seems focused on being an anti-Himes vote, blaming him for supporting the “Pelosi agenda.” Few reasons are given for why Mr. Debicella is a better choice.

In the gubernatorial race, the choice is former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy. The state is in dire need of help, and Mr. Malloy has a strong record in not only turning around one of the state’s major cities but of working to build consensus and create solutions that benefit the whole and not just his fellow Democrats. Mr. Malloy has a record of working well with state Rep. Livvy Floren (R-150), whose district covers parts of Greenwich and Stamford, and our town’s Republican first selectman as well.

Mr. Malloy rightly wants to close tax loopholes that allow people to pay less than they should, while the state suffers the costs. As he did in Stamford, Mr. Malloy will bring in the businesses that will create jobs as he also focuses on high energy costs and the transportation gridlock we feel daily here in Fairfield County.

Mr. Malloy is ready to face these deep challenges with an approach that worked in Stamford and we believe will work on the state level. He has the experience and the ideas we need at this time.