NEW FAIRFIELD -- Republican Richard Smith andDemocrat Ken Neal Jr. are in accord on many of the things that should happen in Hartford during the next legislative session.
- Reducing the cost of government
- Reining in the spending
- Rebuilding the economy
- Both also favor expanding passenger rail service
- oppose allowing municipalities to impose new levies
- Regionalization of Operation of towns to lower local budgets.
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CANDIDATES IS IN THE SUPPORT OF THE DEATH PENALTY.
Neal, who for the past three years has worked as an aide to Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan, said unhesitatingly he would obey the wishes of voters if legislation is raised in the upcoming session to repeal capital punishment.
Overwhelmingly, voters he has spoken to while going door-to-door in the district, which covers Kent, Sherman and parts of New Fairfield and New Milford, support the death penalty, Neal said.
Smith a practicing attorney, said his Christian values leave him on the fence on the issue.
While some murderers, involved in crimes such as the killing of three members of the Petit family in Cheshire three years ago, merit execution, the Bible preaches forgiveness, Smith said.
"Right now, I'm not there yet," he said.
