Three CT State Representative Candidates for 2nd District Answer Same Question

“Thank you for your patience as we work to solidify our platform in order to best serve the constituency of District 2. I initially had planned to research bills and legislation for my freshman year in order to have statistics and data to back up further legislation, however after extensive research I think I will be able to hit the ground running. I have multiple plans for how I can improve the lives of Bethelites.

“Since I was young, I have always had the opportunity to work very closely with the Bethel Senior Center and Bethel Health. This allowed me to learn very early in my childhood how to be empathetic to the needs of our senior citizen community. Not only that, but when I first returned home from war I found it easier to speak with WWII veterans than adults my own age. After speaking with many seniors I have realized that after a lifetime of work in a career they now are returning to Bethel to retire. This town is such a beautiful secret that instead of flocking to warmer weather, seniors are living their golden years walking around Greenwood Avenue. I will immediately begin working with both state and private agencies to improve senior access to Medicaid with the Department of Social Services. After extensive cuts in the past five years in senior care, I look forward to reversing that trend to support our senior population.

“Which brings me directly to another goal I have for Bethel. We are lucky to have wonderful industrial campuses and I look forward to utilizing this developed area. I plan on supporting legislation that provides tax credits to incentivize businesses to relocate or open in Bethel. This will allow businesses to save capital which will enable them to expand or hire more employees and therefore continuing to stimulate our local economy. In addition to this, I plan on working with the businesses and other corporate sponsors to work with the district’s High Schools and Universities to help keep recent graduates in the area. Bethel has the opportunity to continue to grow while staying dedicated to our roots and I look forward to facilitating that in the General Assembly.

“In addition to just Bethel, the tax credit incentive will allow Danbury to grow as well. My goals for Danbury can be discussed further if you like, but I also have plans for how I can help Newtown and Redding.

“As a representative of the beautiful town of Newtown I know I have a responsibility to protect our children. That is why I would reverse our district’s voting trend of not supporting gun control legislation. I would vote to expand background checks and training requirements for gun owners. I am a proud gun owner myself and support the Second Amendment, but the government has a responsibility to monitor individuals through training and certification.

“In Redding, I would work to maintain the 30% of open land and fight to not expand development into these lands. I am also hopeful as my ability to draft legislation that we will put Redding back on a central part of the Danbury Rail Line, which will improve property values in the town dramatically.”