2006.11.03: November 3, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Acorn Online: Gian-Carol Peressutti writes: Shays is an outstanding representative

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Fiji: Special Report: Former Congressman Chris Shays: RPCV Congressman Chris Shays: Newest Stories: 2006.08.31: August 31, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: New York Times: Congessman Chris Shays Shifts to Favor an Iraq Timetable : 2006.10.21: October 21, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Danbury News Times: James Cotton says: Shays not afraid to differ with Bush : 2006.11.03: November 3, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Acorn Online: Gian-Carol Peressutti writes: Shays is an outstanding representative

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Gian-Carol Peressutti writes: Shays is an outstanding representative

Gian-Carol Peressutti writes: Shays is an outstanding representative

"This year's election is centered, quite literally, on issues of life and death. The war in Iraq has dominated the headlines and the attention of our nation. As he has always done, Christopher Shays has worked tirelessly to master every detail of this very complicated struggle half a world away. He has traveled to Iraq 14 times since the war began because he believes it is his duty to provide oversight. So when Christopher Shays speaks of events on the ground, he speaks from direct experience. When the situation warrants it, his words are hopeful and when it doesn't, they are not. The war in Iraq is not a static affair. It changes and shifts but Christopher Shays is always honest, forthright and reasoned." Congressman Chris Shays of Connecticut served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji in the 1960's.

Gian-Carol Peressutti writes: Shays is an outstanding representative

ELECTION: Shays is an outstanding representative, says columnist

By Gian-Carol Peressutti

As residents of Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District, Ridgefielders benefit from having an outstanding representative in Congress. Christopher Shays was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives because of his unshakable integrity, his tireless work ethic and his impressive grasp of public policy. Our district has changed over the years, but Christopher Shays, our voice in Washington, has only gotten stronger.

In nearly every major debate, Christopher Shays has led with an independent minded approach that consistently puts the interests of his constituents first. Christopher Shays continues to do this - he makes difficult choices and takes tough stands for what he believes is best for Connecticut and for America regardless of political pressure from either party. At the end of the day, our Congressman always thinks first about Bridgeport, Stamford, and Ridgefield instead of Republican, Democrat and Independent.

' ' '

Predictably, Christopher's opponent is running the same race that's been run against our Congressman for over a decade. The names and faces have changed but the campaign rhetoric is always the same. 'Vote for me because Chris Shays has changed.'

In 1996, Chris was really a man named Newt Gingrich in disguise. In 2004, Chris was joined to the hip with Tom DeLay. And now, anyone with a television or a telephone or a mailbox is subjected to the absurd notion that Chris Shays and George Bush are really just one and the same. Whether the opponent is actually named Bill Finch or Stephanie Sanchez or Diane Farrell, year after year voters are inundated by this same tired refrain. And today it remains as untrue as ever.

This year's election is centered, quite literally, on issues of life and death. The war in Iraq has dominated the headlines and the attention of our nation. As he has always done, Christopher Shays has worked tirelessly to master every detail of this very complicated struggle half a world away. He has traveled to Iraq 14 times since the war began because he believes it is his duty to provide oversight. So when Christopher Shays speaks of events on the ground, he speaks from direct experience. When the situation warrants it, his words are hopeful and when it doesn't, they are not. The war in Iraq is not a static affair. It changes and shifts but Christopher Shays is always honest, forthright and reasoned.

' ' '

The value Christopher Shays provides to his constituents is most apparent when he's contrasted with his opponent. Diane Farrell was elected and then reelected as first selectman of Westport. Most voters know this. What many don't know is that Diane dared not run for a third term due to the disastrous property revaluation over which she presided. When real leadership was required in our neighboring town she passed the buck, governed by committee and left Westport with a dubious distinction. By the time Farrell left office, Westport residents became the highest taxed citizens per capita in the entire State of Connecticut. With these credentials, Diane Farrell then became a candidate for Congress.

Now, after 11 face-to-face debates, voters have seen and heard the differences firsthand. Christopher Shays gives direct responses to questions and real solutions to the complex issues of the day. Diane Farrell criticizes, attacks and refers to the old playbook on guilt by association. Especially on Iraq. When Chris Shays speaks it's from that same independent spirit that compels him, time after time, to look into things for himself and attain direct knowledge. Unfortunately, when Diane Farrell speaks it's from the talking points her party has provided her.

People don't always agree with their elected representatives. They often don't agree in their own households. But they respect Christopher Shays for who he is: a man truly dedicated to serving.

Our Congressman is an honorable man and a humble public servant. He loves his district and works for our best interests every day. On Nov. 7, let's stand with Christopher Shays and return him to Congress.

Gian-Carlo Peressutti is corresponding secretary of the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee. This column os part of a series provided by the Republican Town Committee





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Story Source: Acorn Online

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