The Voters Guide is an annual initiative by the League of Women Voters of New Canaan to provide timely, unbiased information about candidates ahead of each election.

Candidates tell us:
​
1. How they feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19;

2. The three things that need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would they would do to facilitate that;

3. Two social issues that they expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what their positions are;

4. What committees have they been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would they plan to serve on; and what have they accomplished and/or do they plan to accomplish in such roles;

5. Write up to two questions they think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state their position on those issues; and

6.  A video response: Voter apathy is highest in the 18-35 age bracket. What message do they have for those voters that will inspire them to go to the polls and vote?​

state representative Candidates
​142nd district

LUCY DATHAN
​(D) INCUMBENT

FRED WILMS
​(R) CHALLENGER

Biography - Lucy Dathan
My husband Matt, our three children, and I call Silvermine home. I have spent my business career as a CFO, helping to devise strategies for technology companies to ensure they are working collaboratively and efficiently with all stakeholders. Connecticut needs a comprehensive and stable vision for its fiscal future and I have deftly applied the expertise acquired in 25+ years in the finance and accounting sectors to this end.
​
1. How do you feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19? Lucy:
 
During COVID-19, my priority has been our physical and fiscal wellbeing. I have worked with the relevant agencies to secure resources like food and healthcare, fix issues with unemployment applications, and help businesses apply for financial aid. We in the legislature have expanded tele-medicine, brought additional COVID-19 testing sites to our community, opened a COVID-19 recovery center at Silver Hill Hospital, expanded affordable childcare options for front-line workers, and delayed due dates for state income and municipal property taxes. I worked directly with the Board of Realtors, Governor Lamont, and DECD Commissioner Lehman to ensure the functioning of real estate transactions during the State’s shut down. While we continue to be guided by public health experts, we have an opportunity to build a stronger state and I am focused on our state’s financial health. Businesses must have the appropriate access to testing and PPE so that they can operate safely.

2. What three things need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would you do to facilitate that? Lucy:

It is vital we reinvest in Connecticut to encourage businesses to remain in the state and purchase their equipment and materials here. This hinges on our ability to update our transportation system, which is the single most important factor in alleviating poverty and wealth inequality, and also benefits our environment while reducing congestion on our roads. Also, improving job training opportunities by investing in vocational and technical trade schools to prepare workers for the 21st century jobs employers are looking for when they consider where to headquarter their businesses, while guaranteeing community colleges across the state are debt free. Finally, reinstating the Angel Investor Tax Credit to foster new business opportunities. This is the time to be encouraging investment into our biotech sector, as medical technology companies race to invent COVID vaccines. One method of financing a business-friendly environment is to provide sales tax reimbursements for investments up to $500,000. 

3. What two social issues do you expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what are your positions? Lucy:

Lucy: I believe in affordable, accessible healthcare to meet all residents’ needs. We must have a public option for those without access to private healthcare. Quality healthcare is especially important for seniors, particularly during COVID-19. I am a defender of health equality within the state, sponsoring multiple bills that support women’s reproductive health, as well as capping the cost of Diabetic supplies including insulin. I have continued to fight for mental health parity, and am working on peer recovery support legislation.
 
 The urgency of protecting our planet cannot be overstated. We must protect our finite supply of natural resources. To this end, I have taken a stand against the utilization of single-use plastics. I also introduced a bill requiring the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a conclusive study reporting on the consequences of Climate Change. I have sponsored bills calling for bans on Styrofoam and PFAS chemicals, which are dangerous environmental pollutants. 

4. What committees have you been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would you plan to serve on; and what have you accomplished and/or do you plan to accomplish in such roles? Lucy:

Lucy: Bringing my finance expertise to Appropriations, I have maintained tax exemptions to Social Security and pension income; rejected the Governor’s proposal to shift teachers’ pension costs to the towns; repealed the business entity tax; expanded the Angel Investor Tax credit; increased the Rainy Day fund to $3.0B, all of which resulted in the increase in the State’s bond rating with Moody’s.
 
While a member of Human Services, I have fought the proposed Medicare Asset Text keeping Seniors access to Medicare unchanged; ensured viability of Meals on Wheels program; increased funding for the Center for Medicare Advocacy; and improved Transitional Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which lowered the age at which students can receive transitional services.
 
As Vice-chair of Insurance and Real Estate, I have fought for mental health parity; codified pre-existing conditions coverage into law; ensured telemedicine is covered by insurance; and capped insulin and diabetic supplies. (149 words)

5. Write up to two questions you think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state your position on those issues. Lucy:

What is an immediate action to help lower Connecticut’s high cost of living?
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Eversource’s rate hike coinciding with their botched response to Isaias revealed the company’s corrupt business model harmful to every single resident, particularly our most vulnerable. Connecticut has the third highest utility costs in the country and a rate hike, during a pandemic, despite adequate delivery of services, in untenable. We must hold them accountable with the Take Back Our Grid Act, while considering alternatives such as burying lines, a public option and greener energy.
 
Describe work you have done to improve K-12 education.
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My school recess bill, which has received national attention, preserves unstructured play time and sets up a study task force. Recess is often overlooked yet integral to promoting children’s social skills, physical development, and emotional well-being while allowing students to burn off energy, resulting in increased productivity and learning in the classroom.

Biography - Fred Wilms
​I was honored to be your State Representative from 2015 -2019. I have a unique finance background: of the 187 legislators I was the only one who was a banker plus chaired their town’s fiscal authority. I started my banking career on Wall Street after graduating from Northwestern University and the University of Michigan. I am currently a Senior Vice President at Webster Bank, working with small businesses in lower Fairfield County.
 
 1. How do you feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19? Fred:
​
​We need to continue to follow the CDC guidelines for the COVID virus, and continue our balanced, measured approach. That means wearing masks and social distancing, while at also looking for ways to further reopen our economy. With our COVID cases low, reopening our schools with an in-person/online hybrid model makes sense. Next we need to keep taking measured reopening steps for our restaurants, health clubs, salons, spas, etc.
Switching gears, with COVID putting many out of work or on reduced earnings, it made no sense for the State employees to receive a $350 million pay raise this July. Out of basic fairness, I would have voted to suspend the increase. Lastly Governor Lamont recently extended his emergency powers through February 2021. Because I believe in checks & balances, the full Legislature should vote then on next steps. 
 
2. What three things need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would you do to facilitate that?  Fred:

​We need to get our fiscal house in order. The State budget has billion dollar structural deficits, plus over $100 billion in unfunded retirement liabilities. COVID has made these worse. We need to restructure the state employee union contracts in line with the private sector. Second we need to make our tax code and regulatory structure more business friendly. We can achieve this without always increasing taxes– as our 2017 GOP budget showed. I have a unique finance background; in addition to my banking career, I chaired my town’s fiscal authority for eight years. I was involved in negotiating union contracts and outsourcing government services. Because of those municipal experiences, at the State I was tapped to be the sole GOP member on the pension sustainability commission. I was made the ranking member of the Appropriations collective bargaining subcommittee plus was a leading architect of the 2017 GOP budget.
 
3. What two social issues do you expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what are your positions?  Fred:

Crime & Social Justice. The New Canaan police are nationally accredited, have served us well and deserve our support. While most of the police reforms in the recent legislation were good, I support restoring qualified immunity for our police officers. Taking that away only hurts good cops. The way to handle bad officers is through reform of the binding arbitration process, so mayors/police chiefs are not overridden by unaccountable arbitrators.... America has always been a nation working towards a better tomorrow. However it has become clear that we need to redouble our efforts in creating more opportunities for all. To that end I support a major expansion of Charter schools, which bring educational opportunities to underserved families. I also support further outreach for minority owned businesses. I believe we create a more just society by fostering more opportunities, more possibilities and more hope.
 
4. What committees have you been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would you plan to serve on; and what have you accomplished and/or do you plan to accomplish in such roles?  Fred:

I previously served on the Appropriations, Transportation, Public Health and Planning & Development committees. On Appropriations, I was a leading member behind the 2017 GOP budget that did not raise taxes, beefed up the Rainy Day fund plus implemented the Constitutional Spending Cap. On Transportation, I took the leading role in making the Transportation Fund solvent for the next five years via transfer of the car sales tax. On Public Health, I took a leading role in confronting the Opioid epidemic.
 
​5. Write up to two questions you think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state your position on those issues.  Fred:

How will you serve New Canaan’s interests better than your opponent?

Regardless of how you feel about national politics, local issues have a different dynamic. Our State is controlled by legislators from Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport in alliance with the state employee unions. These legislators (who happen to be democratic) have policies that are opposed to New Canaan interests. In 2019 my opponent, Lucy Dathan, voted with them 97% of the time. She voted with them to raise taxes by over $1 billion, approve lucrative state employee union contracts plus take away qualified immunity from the New Canaan police. I would have voted the opposite on all. You can count on me to vote for keeping New Canaan control over New Canaan schools. Further there are new proposals calling for State override of New Canaan zoning laws. You can count on me defend New Canaan.

State Representative candidates
​125th District

Tom o'Dea
(R) incumbent

Biography - Tom O'Dea
[Biography not provided]

1. How do you feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19? Tom:

Connecticut now has one of the lowest infection and hospitalization rates in the country. We need to allow businesses to open up to 25-50% of capacity with continued mask wearing in public indoors and outdoors when social distancing not possible.

We need to make Connecticut more appealing to small business. See below.

2. What three things need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would you do to facilitate that? Tom:

We need to make Connecticut more small business friendly. We had the most anti-small business legislative session in 2019 in our history. Three things we need to do are:

Limit paid leave to businesses of 50 or more, similar to the federal governments unpaid FMLA;

We need to slow down the rapid March to $15 minimum wage and stop the automatic increase;

We need to eliminate the CHRO and allow the Federal Government's EEOC to handle all claims under the CHRO jurisdiction. The CHRO has been weaponized and will make it very difficult for even good small businesses to survive.

3. What are two social issues that you expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what are your positions? Tom:

The most important social issue facing us today, in my opinion is school choice. The lack of a quality education in our cities is causing immense harm to our youth.

Another social issue hurting our communities is a breakdown of the family unit and a rejection of faith. Let's support our non-profits, particularly those that encourage family and faith, all faiths.

4. What committees have you been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would you plan to serve on; and what have you accomplished and/or do you plan to accomplish in such roles? Tom:

I have been a Deputy Leader at Large, first from New Canaan and that has allowed me to be involved in most legislative initiatives that we bipartisan.

As a member of the Judiciary, Transportation and Environment Committees, I have been able to take an active role in many legislative initiatives including criminal justice reforms, preventing tolls and preventing the elimination of turf fields while promoting green energy and green initiatives for our environment.

5. Write up to two questions you think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state your position on those issues. Tom:
​
How would you make CT more business friendly?

How would you make CT more friendly for retirees?

6. [Video not provided.]

State SEnate candidates
​26th District

WILL HASKELL
(D) INCUMBENT

KIM HEALY
(R) CHALLENGER

Biography - Will Haskell
​I grew up in Westport and was elected to the state Senate in 2018. I spent my first term leading efforts to enact common-sense gun regulations and invest in transportation improvements for Fairfield County. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, I successfully fought for a no-interest loan program for small businesses, promoted expanded absentee ballot eligibility, and helped constituents make it through the crisis with student loan assistance, mortgage moratoriums, and other emergency programs. 
 
1. How do you feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19? Will:

Science – not politics – must be our driving force in dealing with the public health and economic effects of COVID-19. The path is clear: our economy cannot fully reopen until we get the virus under control. This effort requires widespread testing, mask-wearing, social distancing, and responsible leadership. In the meantime, government must step in to help families and small businesses financially survive widespread closures. I’ve fought for a no-interest loan program for small businesses and supported a mortgage moratorium and rent relief program here in Connecticut – all while embracing comprehensive public health initiatives. With a second wave likely on the way, we must continue to support our first responders, halt the spread, and provide financial assistance to those in need. Only if we take the virus seriously can we fully reopen and get our businesses back on their feet – sooner, safer, and stronger.
 
2. What three things need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would you do to facilitate that? Will:

For too long, lawmakers in Hartford authorized wasteful spending that entrenched Connecticut in debt. In my first term, I fought to shrink the size of state government to 1950s-levels and protect the $2.7 billion in our rainy day fund to support CT in times of hardship. Moving forward, we must embrace three central tenets: continue to eliminate wasteful spending (I wrote and passed a bill to incentivize state employees to cut costs), support fair tax rates that bolster business growth (I fought to repeal the business entity tax, which placed an undue burden on small businesses), and build a modern workforce in CT (as Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, I constantly speak with business owners about the training their prospective employees need). I will continue to fight for these efforts to ensure that we mobilize during this crisis and foster long-term growth in Connecticut. 
 
3. What two social issues do you expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what are your positions? Will:

We’re approaching the most consequential election in a generation. My Republican colleagues in Hartford have diminished voting access by blocking an amendment to permit early voting and seeking to prevent mail-in voting during COVID-19. But I believe that no voter should have to choose between their health and casting a ballot. That’s why I’ve promoted legislation to ensure that all CT voters can vote by mail in November. I’ll continue to expand access to absentee ballots, support early voting, and modernize our election system to enhance accessibility.
Furthermore, no woman should face discrimination or encounter barriers to her reproductive freedom. I’ve fought – and will continue to fight – to close the wage gap, combat sexual harassment and assault, and ensure that a woman’s fundamental right to choose and make decisions about her body is preserved in CT, regardless of federal efforts to take this away.
 
4. What committees have you been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would you plan to serve on; and what have you accomplished and/or do you plan to accomplish in such roles? Will:

As the Senate Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I dramatically expanded college access and leveled the professional playing field by bringing debt-free community college to CT. I’ve committed myself to making our state a desirable, prosperous location for young people to start their professional careers and purchase their first homes. This goal is directly tied to my work on the Transportation Committee, through which I’ve established a partnership with AT&T to provide high-speed internet access on MetroNorth trains and supported the CT 2030 Plan. The plan would shave 15-20 minutes off of the commute from New Haven to Grand Central and modernize our roads, railroads, ports, and airports, making our community ideal for businesses and families. I’ll continue the fight to bring CT’s transportation infrastructure into the 21st century.
 
5.  Write up to two questions you think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state your position on those issues. Will:

Specifically, how will you hold Eversource accountable for its continued energy failures?

When Hurricane Isaias hit CT, Eversource took days to restore power. Eversource holds a monopoly over my constituents, and without oversight and accountability, they have no incentive to act efficiently after a storm. That’s why I support the Take Back Our Grid Act, which requires Eversource to prepare for storms and modernize our energy infrastructure. I’ll continue to hold public utilities companies legally and financially responsible for leaving us in the dark.
 
What legislation would you propose to curb gun violence?

You cannot advocate for public safety without embracing smart gun regulation. Gun reform is not about destroying the Second Amendment – it’s about taking action to keep our kids and communities safe. I’ve cosponsored a ban on Ghost Guns and supported Ethan’s Law for safe firearm storage, and I remain committed to modernizing and strengthening background checks.

Biography - Kim Healy
​I am a wife, mother of four, an accountant, former auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Treasurer of the Wilton Library. My husband and I raised our family in Wilton. I have volunteered with AARP preparing taxes for seniors and also for low-income families.  I am running to repair Connecticut’s economy and ensure there is a brighter future with better opportunities for our children in our beautiful state.  I will represent OUR community’s interests  not special interests.
 
1. ​How do you feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19? Kim:

Local solutions are typically the most expedient way to address issues as they arise.  We should empower our local officials to make decisions for their towns as the specific needs and concerns of each may differ.  Connecticut should incentivize local manufacturing of PPE and testing materials and equipment that are needed to address Covid-19 to ensure an adequate supply going forward for our first responders, nursing homes, and the general public. 
 
 Even with government assistance, many families are struggling and individuals are suffering from isolation and depression due to Covid-19. While it is beneficial to outline general safety guidelines, businesses must be allowed to safely open again.  Nutmeggers want to work and support their families. Too many of our residents have been financially compromised.  We must safely and prudently restart Connecticut’s economy to deal with the inevitable problems in the post-Covid economy. Relying on a bailout is not a plan.
 
2. What three things need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would you do to facilitate that? Kim:

Governmental bureaucracy stifles innovation and is a barrier to entry for new companies. I will make CT business friendly by eliminating overburdensome regulations and licensing requirements.
 
Many post-COVID-19, employees have increased flexibility to work from home, and employers also have greater flexibility in determining where their offices are located. We need to reduce tax rates to encourage more businesses to move to Connecticut, which will increase net tax revenue. I will advocate to make Connecticut’s personal and corporate tax rate competitive with other states. 
 
The Democrat supermajority policies of the last 40+ years have not brought marked improvements in economically struggling urban neighborhoods. We can create more economic opportunity zones.  I will work with industry leaders from our seven towns to facilitate partnerships for entrepreneurship, private capital funding, and mentoring within economically disadvantaged communities. Our future is bright when it is built on finding common purpose, not division.
 
3. What two social issues do you expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what are your positions? Kim:

Equality of access to education is an imperative for ALL students statewide. We must address the failures of at-risk districts to appropriately educate students.  The solution is to emulate successful school districts or give parents better options. If the schools their children attend cannot perform, we should allow for new schools to compete like many other states.    
 
The Democratic Party’s proposal to seize planning and zoning power from our town would overburden each town’s infrastructure, reduce their ability to manage costs, and harm the local character of our 169 towns/cities. Worse, it does not address income inequality or fix failing schools. The most direct way to address these important issues is to provide better employment opportunities. We must encourage commercial growth and entrepreneurship in Connecticut. The legislature must eliminate unnecessary red tape and unfunded mandates, reduce taxes on businesses, and create opportunity zones in economically depressed communities.
 
4. What committees have you been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would you plan to serve on; and what have you accomplished and/or do you plan to accomplish in such roles? Kim:

As State Senator, I will advocate for the interests of OUR towns through my legislative committee work. I aim to address critical issues facing our state and not dismantle what is already successful and attracts new residents to our communities. Given my professional audit experience and the needs of our towns, I would prefer to serve on: 
 
 Appropriations Committee. This is the budget and money disbursement committee and we need experienced professionals to get our fiscal house in order.
Housing or Planning and Development Committees. Each addresses some aspect of local zoning and 8-30g-based low-income housing. I will advocate for local control.
Transportation Committee. There are 8 train stations in the district and improving these lines ensures that Fairfield county will flourish into the future. 
Education Committee. I would encourage districts to emulate the most successful schools and advocate for better education options for parents. 
 
5.  Write up to two questions you think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state your position on those issues. Kim:

How will the Democratic Party’s proposals to regionalize school districts or create subsidized housing address income equality in Connecticut? 

I oppose the State’s seizure of our local planning and zoning authority.  We need to fix problems where they exist.  Economically-disadvantaged urban areas in CT should be the centers of smart reform and job growth. Post-Covid Connecticut is well positioned to grow and bring new residents and money into our cities. We cannot afford to waste this unprecedented opportunity.
 
How will you make Connecticut more affordable for  residents to stop the flight to lower-taxed states?

I will work to eliminate tax on estates, social security income, and gifts.  This will encourage seniors to remain and invest in Connecticut when they retire. We should lower the highest income tax rate to encourage our highest income earners to stay.  The loss of even one of them dramatically reduces our revenue.

State senate candidates
​36th district

RYAN FAZIO
(R) challenger

ALEX KASSER
(D) Incumbent

Biography - Ryan Fazio
I grew up in our district and attended the Greenwich public schools. After receiving a degree in economics from Northwestern, I returned and worked in renewable energy. I've volunteered in our community, tutoring in inner city schools for seven years, and delivering meals to seniors. I've written extensively on economic policy in CT and am an elected member of the Greenwich RTM. I love our community and want to serve it in the state Senate.

1. How do you feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19? Ryan:

​Moderation and prudence. The goal of public health policy should be to protect the most vulnerable and limit the spread of COVID while protecting jobs, personal freedom, and ensuring kids are educated. In practice, that probably means limiting large indoor gatherings, promoting masks, and focusing resources on nursing homes, while opening schools with precautions and avoiding heavy-handed lockdown policies. This is the balance born out in evidence around Asia, Europe, and the US.

2. What three things need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would you do to facilitate that? Ryan:
​
Lower Taxes - CT has the 2nd-highest tax burden in the country. Next term, Democrats will push even higher taxes. I will oppose any new taxes and advocate for a tax reform plan the simplifies the tax code and cuts the income tax rate across the board without significantly altering the deficit. 

Reduce Debt Spending - The most important public policy issue in CT is the debt and unfunded pension liabilities, which are the highest in the country. Democrats made them worse this term, allowing a 5.5% pay increase for state employees. I will advance direct reforms of benefit packages via the legislature to make them fair and sustainable. 

Regulatory Reform - CT is the 5th-highest regulatory burden in the country. I think the state should audit major regulations with a cost-benefit analysis, and improve or remove the worst of them. 

3. What are two social issues that you expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what are your positions? Ryan:

​Stop School Regionalization - Leading Democrats started pushing school regionalization last year and will continue their efforts if they maintain large majorities in the state Senate. The politicians who have harmed the state economy have no right to assert more power over New Canaan schools now. I will oppose school regionalization and the rise to Senate leadership of anyone who supports it. 

Protect Local Planning and Zoning Prerogatives - A vocal assortment of Democrats around CT have begun advocating for state controls over planning and zoning in towns like New Canaan. State bureaucrats and politicians in state government have not earned the right to take more power from town governments. I will fight to preserve home rule and also create economic opportunity for all around the state by reducing cost of living and creating jobs.

4. What committees have you been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would you plan to serve on; and what have you accomplished and/or do you plan to accomplish in such roles? Ryan:

​Energy - I have worked most of my career in renewable energy and understand the challenge of meeting both economic and environmental needs. This is especially important in light of the failure of Eversource and state oversight this summer. The politicians who have had complete control over the electrical utilities for years have failed to ensure the reliability and affordability of electricity in our state. I will advance an all-of-the-above clean energy strategy that includes more affordable options and also limits Eversource's monopoly power. 

Healthcare- There is a good opportunity to increase the accessibility of health care and jobs in the state. Several temporary orders Gov. Lamont has introduced to increase capacity this year should be made permanent in law. That includes ending onerous Certificate Of Need laws, expanding the scope of practice for some medical professionals, and expanding telemedicine access.

5. Write up to two questions you think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state your position on those issues. ​Ryan:

​Have you ever voted or will you ever vote to raise taxes?
​
I will never vote to raise your taxes. My opponent already has (SB1) by over $650 on the average family in New Canaan. It's a clear difference of opinion. The state economy will become the biggest issue in the state Senate next term. Given the enormous tax burden our families are already paying, we cannot tolerate any new taxes. 

What is your position on the policing bill that just passed into law?

I would have voted against it. My opponent voted for it. Another clear difference. The bill, with 46 different sections, was radical and rushed through the state legislature in two weeks with a single public hearing conducted over Zoom. It risks the safety of our most vulnerable communities because it will cause a pullback of policing and good police needed to protect those in need.

Biography - Alex Kasser
​I am a graduate of two Connecticut schools – Wesleyan and Yale – and was a corporate lawyer at Skadden Arps. I’m a fearless advocate for economic growth and social progress and won an “impossible” seat by advancing proven solutions. As Senator, I’ve passed ground-breaking legislation on Clean Energy and Infrastructure. I introduced “Jennifer’s Law” to prevent Domestic Abuse. I fight against taxes and for people -- for a safe, peaceful and prosperous future for every person.
 
1. How do you feel CT should balance economic development and health/safety in response to COVID-19?  Alex:

​The success of our economy depends on maintaining public health. The first shutdown was necessary and I hope another will never be needed. But we learned a lot from this pandemic and we can definitely “build back better” by easing regulations for businesses and eliminating red tape wherever possible. For example, we should continue to allow outdoor dining to permanently transform downtowns into thriving destinations. We need a more resilient power grid and reliable utility service. We should continue to eliminate obstacles and make it easier for individuals and businesses to succeed. Any transaction that can be done online – from notarizing documents to applying for absentee ballots – should be allowed. These adaptations will modernize our economy and draw more residents and businesses here. If we use this pandemic as an opportunity for growth and progress, we can make Connecticut the most desirable state to live and work in the country! 
 
2. What three things need to happen for CT's economic expansion and what would you do to facilitate that?  Alex:
​
Connecticut is poised for economic growth. Thousands of new residents moved here during the pandemic, which increased your property values. This positive momentum could transform our state if more people and companies relocate here permanently. To achieve that we must PREVENT higher taxes and INVEST wisely in our SCHOOLS and INFRASTRUCTURE. Investing in our public schools benefits all taxpayers (even without children in school) because it enhances property values so mill rates won’t increase. Similarly, investing in infrastructure yields a positive return for taxpayers. Upgrading highways, trains and bridges, modernizing the power grid and expanding renewable energy, WiFi and cell service will draw more residents to Connecticut. Investing in our assets while pushing back on higher taxes and wasteful spending is the best way to grow the economy, build businesses, create jobs, generate revenue and lower your taxes. This is exactly what I’ve prioritized and fought for as State Senator.
​ 
3. What are two social issues that you expect to address in the state legislature in the next two years and what are your positions?  Alex:
​
In addition to growing our economy, I am committed to ensuring safety for all. I’ve been a leader on preventing gun violence and passed 3 gun safety bills. In the next two years my top priorities are 1) fighting Climate Change and 2) protecting victims of Domestic Abuse. If the legal definition of Domestic Abuse in Connecticut had included coercive control, Jennifer Dulos, who died tragically last year, could have received a protective order and might be alive today. That’s why I introduced “Jennifer’s Law” to seek justice for her and for thousands of other women and children who suffer at the hands of abusers. Environmental stewardship has always been my priority. Climate change wreaks havoc on our country and economy and will not abate until we address it. I’ve sponsored numerous environmental bills and galvanized a strong coalition of support to steer us to a green future. I’m committed.
 
4. What committees have you been involved in as a legislator, or what committees would you plan to serve on; and what have you accomplished and/or do you plan to accomplish in such roles?  Alex:

​As Chair of Banking, I’ve introduced legislation to 1) transform Infrastructure financing, 2) expand Wind and Solar projects 3) address cybersecurity and 3) reduce student debt. My bill, SB72, became the first law to reduce student loan debt and encourages CT college graduates to put down roots and buy a home years before they otherwise could. This bill was endorsed by CT Realtors.
 
As Vice Chair of Transportation, I have direct influence on how priorities are set. I’ve introduced bold policies to modernize transportation, reduce wasteful spending and allow public-private partnerships. I helped bring tangible benefits to New Canaan– new awnings at Talmadge Hill -- and fought to improve and expedite train service.
 
As Vice Chair of Judiciary, I’m at the forefront of policymaking to prevent gun violence, reform criminal justice, protect victims of assault/abuse and ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that no one is above the law. 
 
5. Write up to two questions you think voters should be asking General Assembly candidates and state your position on those issues. Alex:

What have you done to defend our Democracy?
​
Democracy depends on these basic rights -- to vote, to express views without retaliation, to have leaders who tell the Truth and serve the public, not themselves. I vigorously defend these principles and will keep fighting for voting rights with Early Voting and modernized elections systems. I’ve introduced numerous bills to make government more transparent and accountable. And create term limits! 
 
How have you stood up to your party leaders when you disagreed with them?  

​I’ve disagreed with political leaders privately and publicly. I unequivocally opposed Democratic efforts to regionalize schools. I oppose their efforts to legalize recreational marijuana. And I’ve disagreed with them on economic policy. I voted against the budget twice because it raised taxes. And I voted against union contracts that increase state spending. My record proves I am fiscally responsible, not a rubber stamp.

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​Learn more about the candidates by going to their websites and legislative records, which they were asked to submit:
​
Lucy Dathan
​   Legislative Record:  2019 Record,  2020 Record
    Committees:
    - Appropriations
    - Human Services​
    - Insurance and Real Estate, Vice-Chair

Fred Wilms

Will Haskell
   Legislative Record
   Committees:
   - Higher Education & Workforce Development, Chair
   - Government Administration & Elections, Vice-Chair
   - Judiciary, Environment, Transportation


Kim Healy

​Ryan Fazio
​
Alex Kasser
   Legislative Record ​
​   Committees:
   - Banking, Chair
   - Judiciary, Vice-Chair
   - Transportation, Vice-Chair
   - Executive Nominations
   - Legislative Rules and Regulations

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