time to leave ct (New Haven, Hartford: health insurance, military, income)

[Golden1]

The Hawaii cost of living was off unless it was refering to a time in their lives where they lived on a Military base and housing was cheap/free.

BUT I gotta agree that a lot of big businesses are leaving CT and have been leaving CT over the last 10 years. I know you want names Jviello and any example I give you'll name one that is supposedly thriving but let's face it Hartford WAS the insurance capital of the U.S. and many of them have headed South. There are a lot of prime examples where politics in CT knocks out growth such as getting a sports team or the issue down in Uncaseville area with that major theme park that can't get off the ground. There are jobs in CT. No doubt about it. But the competition is thick and there is no job security (I guess that's anywhere in the private sector now). Hartford is hardly a sprawling metro area like San Francisco/NYC, maybe it'll cycle back that way but for now I'd say it is some what like rats leaving a sinking ship. Politics is pretty weird around here and taxes are rough.

[skytrekker]

Golden1

there is NO job security anywhere
Hartford has more then the national average Your assertion 'headed south' where? Same old axiom headed south-for what- the bible?
I have been hearing this for years 'The south' for what?
Right wing regressive social attitudes-
Oh yes it is cheaper here- well not that cheaper
C'mon lets look beyond the narrow- the south is what it has been- white male conservative

[Golden1]

I said there is no job security anywhere. Look at my post.

Before this thread turns into "CT is great and North Carolina sucks" thread my mentioning the South had to do with the Delaware area as corporations are finding their stance on taxes to be more suitable than many states.

Here is the trend on this CT board. A couple of people cite their opinions on issues in CT and a couple of people say "not true" and their opinion is correct and theirs only. I'm a pretty objective person and can tell you what is good about something and what is bad. Jumping into this thread without concrete names and examples leaves me open to naysayers who demand proof. Let me put it to you this way... anyone who thinks CT and it's cities are thriving/booming come on and post. Anyone who thinks the job market is not all that great here come on and post. I'm a middle class guy who works for the state. Have you seen the numbers of people with education applying to be corrections officers? What does that tell you about the economy? 15 - 20 years ago, you couldn't get people to take those jobs. Now people with masters degrees are trying to get in to entry level prison guard positions. Yes, there are white collar jobs in CT and yes, there are jobs but it is not a booming market and the competition is as thick as it gets.

So here it is... forget the weather, forget taxes, forget the culture... if you think CT is a haven for jobs and I'm wrong let me know. If you think things are not as wonderful in the job market and you need to head to places like North Carolina or Texas or whatever because their area is booming - jump in and let us know. Also if you have statistics on companies leaving the area come on in. Be advised we're talking middle class to white collar jobs. If you used to work at a gas station in New Jersey and now you work for one in Middletown CT more power to you but that's really not what we're talking about.

And here's food for thought and some evidence. During WW 2, CT was a major place for weapon and ammo factories. Waterbury used to be called "the brass city." Much of the economy was built on making you name it for the military. A lot of downsizing happened over the years hence Waterbury having issues. Pratt & Whitney lays off thousands. And what about pharm' companies like Phizer which is in the process of laying off thousands? Yes, most states/ counties are feeling this crunch. Michigan is in sorry shape. But CT could and should be doing better than it is and big companies are leaving....

Oh wait, here's an example! Lego in Somers CT. They are in the process of shutting down and moving to China of all places. Why? More cost effective. There you go.

[Golden1]

Kaiser permanente... where'd they go? A friend of mine was one of the hundreds they laid off a couple of years ago. Thank god for "big box" retail places like Home Depot and Walmart to help absorb the people laid off from the big businesses.

[skytrekker]

I had Kasier years ago

they had more then adequate health care at an affordable cost. Non profit.
Left the NE -lost money. What do we have now? Health care is the Trojan Horse of the US economy.

[bobsmith319]

I agree with you, I moved to CT in July 2004, and hate it. I from Chicago, and CT just isn't the same. However, compared to Arkansas, CT might be better. I think it's the poorest state in the U.S.. Try IL or WI, they are great places to live!

[JViello]

Originally Posted by Golden1

The Hawaii cost of living was off unless it was refering to a time in their lives where they lived on a Military base and housing was cheap/free.

BUT I gotta agree that a lot of big businesses are leaving CT and have been leaving CT over the last 10 years. I know you want names Jviello and any example I give you'll name one that is supposedly thriving but let's face it Hartford WAS the insurance capital of the U.S. and many of them have headed South.

Who...what large insurance corporation moved their headquarters South? The Hartford? Aetna? United Health Care? Hartford Steam Boiler? Travelers? The Phoenix? Metlife? Cigna? Which one moved?

Carrier? Otis? Pratt? Hamilton Sunstrand? Loctite? Gerber Scientific? Sikorsky? Electric Boat? Did they move?

You site manufacturing jobs leaving the state - HELLO they are leaving this COUNTRY.

Originally Posted by bobsmith319

I agree with you, I moved to CT in July 2004, and hate it. I from Chicago, and CT just isn't the same. However, compared to Arkansas, CT might be better. I think it's the poorest state in the U.S.. Try IL or WI, they are great places to live!

You are right CT is nothing like IL. Thank God.

"You know the crime and congestion here in NYC isn't so bad - but it's just not cold enough...lets go West"

How Chicago was started.

[maggiemay]

I'm a Southerner: female, liberal, not religious.

[Golden1]

Maggie, where did that come from?

[maggiemay]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Golden1

Your assertion 'headed south' where? Same old axiom headed south-for what- the bible?
I have been hearing this for years 'The south' for what?
Right wing regressive social attitudes-
Oh yes it is cheaper here- well not that cheaper
C'mon lets look beyond the narrow- the south is what it has been- white male conservative

I was responding to skytrekker's post.