An Important Thanks

By DAN MALLOY

As I’ve traveled across the state this year, it’s been clear that the economy has meant continued tough times for many Connecticut families.  Amidst our concerns about the future, we should take this Thanksgiving as an opportunity to appreciate what we do have, and to consider what we hope the year ahead will bring.

For me, I’ve been thankful for the opportunity to meet and visit with many of you, and for the hope and promise we’ve shared for Connecticut’s future.  Our expectations are based on fundamental ideals that we all share — like protecting our most needy community members, looking out for one another’s well being, and believing that together we can create a better state and country for our children, and our children’s children.  Our future depends on our ability to transcend our own daily lives to connect and care for those around us — and as I’ve met with each of you, I’ve seen the power that kind of compassion can bring to bear.

There is still much to be done.  As a state, we need to focus on those common ideals and move past the partisan bickering, working towards more practical and lasting solutions.  But for today, I am thankful for the hope and belief that together, we can create a better tomorrow.

With much gratitude from my family to yours.

We Stop to Honor

By DAN MALLOY

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who made enormous sacrifices for our country and to pay tribute to the brave men and women who tirelessly and selflessly serve overseas. We pray for their well being as they give of themselves on behalf of their families and friends at home.

This year especially, my thoughts and prayers are with the service members and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. Our duty to honor those who give of themselves for our country and the recognition of the personal sacrifices they make on our behalf should ignite the support of every person on every day, but on this day, we express our deepest gratitude.

We honor each of you, America’s veterans and military professionals, who served and continue to serve so honorably.

May you have a meaningful Veterans Day and may we all look forward to greeting our sons and daughters as they each arrive home, safe and sound.

Leadership, Experience, Results

By DAN MALLOY

As you’ve no doubt heard, Governor Rell announced yesterday that she will not seek another term.  I’d like to thank her for her years of service to the State of Connecticut and I wish her and her family all the best.

We now know one thing for certain: Connecticut will have a new Governor in January of 2011.  The most important question is this: Who is best positioned to govern and lead our great state back to prosperity?

Connecticut is at a historic crossroads.

It’s not just about acknowledging that we are dead last in job growth, or that we pay some of the highest taxes in the country, or how young people flee our state to take jobs elsewhere.  It’s about choosing a better path, and a smarter, clearer vision for the future.  And it’s about choosing a leader who possesses the experience, skill, and courage to get the job done.

Connecticut needs a leader with practical, hands-on experience creating jobs, providing access to health care, building affordable housing, improving and rebuilding our education system and lowering crime rates — all so that we can build a safe, healthy, and economically secure and vibrant community.

This is about much more than running a company or heading a state agency. It’s about understanding the values of the people, forging a vision guided by those values, and implementing initatives that work.  Those principles have guided me as mayor of Stamford for the past fourteen years, and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in that role.

It’s no secret that we face an uphill battle.  Change doesn’t come easy, but we can’t allow ourselves to be distracted by the same old and tired political games.  It’s time to start a new chapter in Connecticut’s history — one based on leadership, experience, and results.

Together, we are moving forward.

If you’re inspired by the possibility of what we can accomplish, then stand with us today.  Consider donating $5, $15, $25 or whatever you can afford to Dan Malloy for Connecticut.

I want to thank you for being part of the team that will build a better Connecticut.  I look forward to 2010 when we will celebrate a new dawn in our state, together.