What People Say to Bob About His Work in the Senate

Not everyone in Norwalk and Darien has occasion to meet their state senator.

Some contact me asking for help in dealing with a state or local municipal issue. If that’s not you, you should know I have a reputation for taking immediate action to help resolve the big problems and the little ones too. Other folks meet me through various civic and business organizations because that’s where you usually find me, discussing issues important to the people of Norwalk and Darien.

In fact I've lived in Norwalk all my life. And generations before me. My roots are here. So is my heart. I've been standing up for you for the past nine years. If you haven’t met me yet, here are some folks who have and this is what they had to say to me about my work …

Your support for the renovation of our Norwalk building to provide residential treatment and supportive housing for women and children has been truly remarkable. Because of your support this project has gained substantial momentum.

Numerous studies show a direct correlation between family stability during a child’s pre-school years and the prospects of the child achieving social and academic proficiency by grade 5. I supported this program because the family is the very foundation of our society. It is with strong families that we, the people of Norwalk and Darien, will prevail over these difficult economic times.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend the legislative breakfast meeting. I know your constituents appreciate meeting you and having the opportunity to talk with you about issues that will impact their businesses.
On behalf of the Connecticut Society of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, I want to thank you for your support and interest in the issues that concern the practice of acupuncture.

As a business man myself, I know how critical a healthy business climate is for every one of us. I leave the talk about jobs, jobs, jobs, to the politicians. You’ll find me spending a lot of time with Connecticut business organizations because it’s from them that I learn what needs to be done to improve our economy.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Members, thank you for your vote yesterday against the proposed biennial budget for the State of Connecticut. We know it wasn’t easy for you to break ranks with your party and we applaud you for making it possible to begin the serious budget discussions.

My job is to do what’s right for the people who hired me – the residents of Norwalk and Darien. That means I will sometimes disagree with the majority vote and sometimes even with my own party. I have and will always vote against unfair and unnecessary taxation.

I'm a registered Independent and 95% of the time I vote Republican. You are the only Democrat I vote for 100% of the time. The reason? Your responsiveness to citizens' requests. You just did it again. So thank you again.

I respond personally to every email I receive. Just so you have it, my email is Bob@BobDuff.com. I'd love to hear from you. A lot of independent voters recognize and appreciate that I'm not about party politics. I craft laws for the good of the people of Connecticut and I cast my vote in the Senate with the same purpose in mind.

I would like to thank you greatly for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to me and show me the legislative process. The Capitol is truly a beautiful place and reflects the professional personalities of legislators like yourself. Seeing the Senate floor and meeting the Lieutenant Governor was truly a remarkable honor. This was an unforgettable experience and has solidified my goal to someday become involved in the government.

I majored in Political Science at Lynchburg College. I was honored to deliver the commencement address this year and I urged the graduating class to find a way to serve others, whether that be in their workplace or at home. Obviously my heart is in serving through public office. So I'm always delighted to introduce students to the many fine people I work with at the Capital.

Thank you for your support in clearing my situation with a local home heating oil contractor.
Thank you very much for your assistance last month. I spoke with you when my son was dealing with the Department of State’s authentication office. Your aide, Dean, was very helpful – invaluable, in fact, and we are most grateful to you both.
We met briefly at the East Norwalk train station and I wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to meet with constituents and for your continued advocacy.
Reading your recent newsletter with recognition of DOT’s efforts caused me to realize that your own efforts deserve recognition as well. I am acutely aware that you cannot please everyone all the time & sometimes must say no or give the bad news when in a position of responsibility. Thank you for representing us so well and especially for being so responsive to constituent communications. I am confident that you are well informed & looking out for the greater good in your office. What more could voters possibly ask of their representatives?
Thank you for your response to my letter in concern of the future of J. M. Wright Technical School in Stamford. I truly appreciate your concern, and support regarding the future of my high school. I am a committed student who has a plan for my future and do not want the State Board of Education to ruin my opportunities.

I deal with the largest and most politically powerful special interest group in the state – the People of Connecticut. When I'm not writing laws or studying the ones we already have, I'm listening to the concerns of the people of Norwalk and Darien and working to solve their individual problems. If you don’t feel politically powerful because you’re just one person, contact me and I’ll show you just how much clout you do have.

The volunteers express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the holiday open house you and your wife hosted. Your dedication to our needs is certainly a noteworthy human gesture. We will pray that this new year is a blessed one to you both you and your family.
How do I begin to thank you for all you did for the Toy Drive this Christmas. Not only did you both personally donate and support the Drive, you also opened the door to others to be generous. Thank you for designating us as one of the charities during your ‘Open House' on December 20th - snowstorm and all, you collected an amazing amount of toys. We are very fortunate to have your support not only at the Holiday Season, but throughout the year.

When I count all the wonderful business and personal relationships my senatorial office has allowed me to establish, I can only feel blessed. My wife and I return those blessings by connecting people – people eager to give of their time, talents and financial blessings … to others. Very cool!

So there you have it …

A few quick snapshots in ‘a day in the life' of your state senator.

Election day is Tuesday, November 2. The future of our state rests with you – the voter. The choices you make are very important, not only for you and your neighbors, but for your children as well.

I believe the more informed a voter you are, the more confident you will be when you cast your votes on election day.