Letter: Murphy, not McMahon, Shares Our Values

Well, now we know that Linda McMahon is just a deadbeat. I read with interest the articles in the Connecticut Post, which reported that she filed bankruptcy years ago, owing approximately $1,000,000 to individuals, companies, and yes, the IRS. Having practiced law in the bankruptcy field for about 30 years, I know very well that debts discharged in bankruptcy do not have to be paid. Most people who file bankruptcy suffer an event in their lives that makes it virtually impossible to pay bills -- a medical issue, loss of job, an entrepreneurial  event that didn't succeed, are just a few. It may very well be that the McMahons at the time were in just one of those situations. 

However, none of my clients have run for the United States Senate.  And I highly doubt that any of my clients later achieved hundreds of millions of dollars in wealth, that enables this candidate to spend upward of $50,000,000 on a campaign for a position that pays a mere mini-fraction of that in compensation. 

Ms. McMahon has had 30 years to repay her creditors. Her excuse was that she could not locate her creditors, but a third party was easily able to do so. She is now repaying some creditors, but she's only doing so due to the political pressure. What about small businesses who may have taken a loss?  And more importantly, was the IRS paid? If not, she should stand up and pay the tax, the interest and the penalties. Surely a Senator should not be a tax beater. 

It may be legal not to pay these debts, but is it right for a bizzilionaire, seeking high office? Isn't she just the wrong kind of politician we need in Washington -- one who admits a mistake only when she's caught?  Linda McMahon does not possess the good values of the citizens of Connecticut, no matter how much she now tries to pay back. She is not doing it of her own choice. She would have no idea how to represent the good people of this State.

Chris Murphy, on the other hand, may have had some tough economic times in his life, but he slugged it out, and voluntarily, without anyone looking over his shoulder, paid his debts -- late in some instances, but paid. I'm voting for the candidate that holds good American values -- work hard, pay your obligations, take care of your family, commit to your job honestly and competently.  I'm voting for Chris Murphy.

Ellery Plotkin

Chair, Fairfield DTC