Republican Candidate Harding Sets Sights On Robust Economic Recovery as Prime Legislative Goal

Republican Candidate for 107th State Assembly District will pursue pro-growth agenda to get Connecticut out of the economic doldrums.

Report by Paula Antolini
February 13, 2015 9:53AM EDT

A young Republican attorney, Steve Harding, graduated from law school less than three years ago and is now challenging a veteran Democratic businessman/politician, and former Brookfield Selectman, Howard Lasser for the seat as representative from the General Assembly’s 107th district. The position became available less than three months ago when veteran GOP Rep. David Scribner resigned. Now voters will select a representative again in a special election on February 24, 2015. Read about his campaign platform below.

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From the office of Steve Harding:

Recognizing that Connecticut’s economic recovery continues to lag behind many other states, Steve Harding, Republican candidate for the 107th State Assembly District, said that he is eager to work with both Republican like-minded Democratic legislators to promote free-market solutions and private sector initiatives to get the economy out of the “protracted funk” where we currently find ourselves. “Raising taxes is not going to fuel the engine of economic growth,” said Harding. “The prime objective of state government should be curbing its insatiable appetite for sending while creating an environment that will enable Connecticut to both attract new businesses as well as encourage current employers to confidently expand their in-state operations.”

Commenting on the current economic malaise, Harding said, “We have one of the highest educated workforces in the country. When businesses set up or expand operations in Connecticut, they don’t need to recruit skilled and motivated workers. They’re already here. State government needs to ensure that our policies and programs promote business expansion rather than stymie growth.”

Yet, Harding noted that the state’s overly onerous regulatory environment is often a barrier to economic development. He cited the proposed acquisition of five Connecticut hospitals by Tenet Healthcare. The deal, which would ensure both the continuation of quality healthcare and associated jobs across a wide swath of Connecticut, was on track until the state’s Office of Health Care Access set 47 conditions on Tenet’s acquisition of Waterbury Hospital alone — along with 21 more from the Attorney General’s office. Tenet walked away from the deal, butis now back at the negotiating table. However Dallas-based Tenet said it will walk away again — and probably for good — if they cannot reach a workable comprise with the state.

“This situation is not just limited to healthcare,” said Harding. “These kinds of scenarios continue to play out across Connecticut’s business landscape. No one is debating the need for a sane and sensible regulatory environment — that’s a given — but regulations that put business in a straight jacket are not the hallmark of a pro-growth agenda. The state legislature — both the Assembly and the Senate — needs to put pressure on the Malloy administration to ensure that the Tenet acquisition comes to fruition. If it fails, one or more of the hospitals will likely close or curtail their operations. Connecticut legislators need to ask themselves: Is this kind of regulatory oversight really serving the public interest?”

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About Steve:
Steve harding is a near life-long resident of the 107th District. He graduated from Brookfield High School and Albertus Magnus College. He received his J.D. degree from the New York School of Law and is currently in private practice in Danbury. Steve is a volunteer member of the Brookfield Board of Education and is active in community affairs, most notably youth sports programs.