Brendan Saunders

Biography

Brendan Saunders lives in Clinton today, but got into politics young. While growing up in Westbrook, he distributed lawn signs for Ed Munster’s Congressional Campaign and volunteered on the committee to elect Town Clerk, Tanya Lane. He helped former State Senator Art Linares and former State Representative Jesse MacLachlan.

He received his MA from Capital Seminary in Maryland. As ordained minister,  he founded Lighthouse Community Church, Westbrook, and stepped down to create the Fusion Podcast for young adults. He is  a self-described Reagan Republican and tireless advocate for freedom, fairness and opportunity for district’s residents and businesses. 

1. What do you believe are currently the three most pressing issues in the state of Connecticut?

1. High Cost of Living

High taxes, fees, regulations, electricity costs have made it expensive to live and operate a business in this state.  

2. Business Climate

The pandemic made the situation worse. Prior, CT business climate was poor. Large companies left and small businesses suffered under the high cost of doing business here. 

3. Policing

Since passing the Police Accountability Bill (6004), recruitment is undermined and the relationship between the state and police officers is tenuous.

2. From the three issues you cite in your response to Question 1, identify the one that you think is the most pressing and explain your choice. Then expand on steps you believe should be taken to resolve it and how you could contribute to that resolution process.

The issue of the Ct’s high cost of living must be met head on. Raising taxes must stop.  Adding additional taxes must be curtailed.  Fees must be rolled back.  At the same time, Hartford must trim spending.

Basic economics teaches that we cannot tax our way to prosperity.  The current migration of people out of New York City and into Connecticut is an example of this.  On the other hand, lowering the cost of living creates an inviting environment for business and individuals.

If elected I will work to roll back taxes and fees that have hurt small businesses like the Pass-Through Entity tax and excessive LLC filing fees.  I will work to restore the R&D tax credit and expand the state’s apprenticeship tax credit program.  I will not vote for tax increases or adding the sales tax to additional items or services.  I will work to find areas of government to cut with a goal of streamlining and creating efficiency in our agencies and departments. 

3. What personal characteristics do you embody that justify why people should vote for you?. 

Honesty and compassion.  I  served in ministry and am known as a man of my word.  I seek to unify, and not divide.  I have not used negative attacks against my opponent or deceptive tactics to erroneously describe his views.

David Rubino

Biography

I am a lawyer who has worked nationally and internationally for most of my career in support of people in need. I have operated at the highest levels of government globally, working with legislatures, parliaments and presidential administrations throughout the world.

Currently I sit on the Old Lyme Economic Development Commission. I am a small business owner with my own law firm on Halls Road in Old Lyme.  My wife Alecia is an English teacher at Daniel Hand High School in Madison.  We have two daughters, Bea (9) and Frida (5) in the Region 18 public school system.

1. What do you believe are currently the three most pressing issues in the state of Connecticut?

The primary concern heading into the next session has to be responding to COVID.  This is a moving target. We have no idea where we are going to be in October, never mind January. And there are a lot of issues to cover. I am a parent, the husband of a teacher and a small business owner.  So I have a lot of skin in the game.  I would say that we need to be vigilant about a surge in cases and be sure to appropriately protect our frontline medical workers, teachers and students.  This means ensuring that we have ample PPE and that resources are directed to hospitals and medical providers.  With regard to schools, I think that we need to be smart and follow the science.

Secondly, and relatedly we’ll need to look to sustain and grow Connecticut’s economy.  We are likely to be facing a lengthy recession due to COVID and it is imperative that we take the appropriate actions to protect and grow our small businesses.  This means ensuring that there is support in place for businesses that may be suffering as a result of the virus and likewise ensuring that workers who either lose jobs or have reduced hours can make ends meet. It also means investing in our economy to stimulate job growth.

Finally, I think in the wake of all this, we cannot forget about climate change. Though there is a lot going on in the world, the country, the state and the district, climate change remains an existential threat. We need to set aside political differences and embrace clean energy policies to protect the environment, while creating crucial opportunities for job growth and economic stability.

2. From the three issues you cite in your response to Question 1, identify the one that you think is the most pressing and explain your choice. Then expand on steps you believe should be taken to resolve it and how you could contribute to that resolution process?

I think the economic response to COVID is tantamount.  People social-distance, they wear masks, they wash hands.  In general we are better situated to combat the “physical” side of the virus than we were six or eight months ago.  Moreover, if a vaccine is available in the coming months, the public health concerns will be able to be reduced even further.  But that is simply not the case with the economic effects.

The economy has been hit and it has been hit hard.  So we need to do all we can to address the repercussions.  For me the first step will be to look at Governor Lamont’s executive orders and determine which ones we need to codify.  To date we have been reactive to the virus. It’s time to get proactive.  We need to help those who are struggling and for that we need revenue.  Therefore, I would look at increasing our sources of revenue and widening our tax base. With regard to the former, I would advocate for pursuing the legalization, regulation, and taxation, of marijuana in our state.  We are currently losing revenue to neighboring states, and getting ahead of the inevitable national legalization of marijuana will allow us to quickly take advantage of upwards of $100 million/year in tax revenue.

Finally, I would look to take advantage of the “new normal.” One upside of the virus is that we have seen that remote work is now an acceptable part of our cultural fabric. Industry is less location-dependent and an office in New York or Boston is no longer a prerequisite to success. Suddenly our state, and our district, has a business allure that it arguably never had before. I envision an economic future that involves attracting small business and entrepreneurs via incubators and co-working spaces, and will propose that the state invest in a solid marketing campaign to leverage all that we have to offer.

3. What personal characteristics do you embody that justify why people should vote for you?

I have spent the better part of my career fighting for the rule of law, for human rights and for Democracy. I know what good governance looks like, because my job for over a decade was to promote it.  But I think perhaps my greatest strength – especially for the moment we are currently in – is my track record of responding to adversity.

I have lived and worked in many developing countries and the crux of my work focused on human rights, women’s rights, anti-corruption, human trafficking, elections, and legislative reform. I have decades of practical, real world experience overcoming difficult and often unprecedented challenges.  I have helped to draft legislation for various countries on issues of national and international import.  I have specifically designed programs geared toward creating environments for small businesses to grow and thrive.  Fighting the kind of fight we are in has been my life’s work.

Significantly, all of my international work was bipartisan in nature – supported by funding from the Bush administration, then the Obama administration, and finally by the Trump administration.  Some American values know no party affiliation.  I hope to adapt this apolitical approach to problem-solving to my work in Hartford.  We have a lot of work to do to bring this country back together and it starts right here in our own backyard.

Martha Marx

Biography

Martha Marx has been a resident of New London and a registered nurse for 30 years. She has the experience, energy, and dedication to be an effective leader and representative for our communities in Hartford. Martha’s responsiveness, wisdom, and empathy make her the best choice to be our next State Senator.

A former New London City Council member, Martha led the Public Works, Finance, and School Buildings/Maintenance Committees. Martha listened to a wide range of constituents before making decisions that improved public health, affordable housing and home health care in the area.

1. What do you believe are currently the three most pressing issues in the state of Connecticut?

Fighting COVID-19 by following science, not politics

There is only one way to battle this virus: follow scientific expertise. When the nation puts politics above science, we only prolong the suffering that we are all sharing. As your voice in Hartford, I will not compromise our health policies by putting the needs of special interests and skeptics above scientific truth.

Improving everyone’s access to quality healthcare

Healthcare should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Whether it is a yearly checkup, a new prescription, or an emergency surgery, every person should be able to cover the bill without demolishing their hard-earned savings. I support removing barriers and obstacles to make quality healthcare accessible to everyone.

Establishing a living wage 

Our communities have depended on the heroic work of essential workers during this pandemic. Many Americans put their lives on the line everyday putting food on grocery shelves, disinfecting classrooms, and providing countless other services that keep our towns running. It is our responsibility to make sure that all workers are paid the wages that they deserve- now and in the future. No one should have to work two or three jobs just to make rent. As your state senator, I will fight to make sure all workers are paid a living wage.

2.  From the three issues you cite in your response to Question1, identify the one that you think is the most pressing and explain your choice. Then expand on steps you believe should be taken to resolve it and how you could contribute to that resolution process?

Providing access to high-quality healthcare for seniors and low-income parents 

As someone who has worked in healthcare my entire life, I know that you can’t predict when a loved one is going to fall ill. In these times it is painfully obvious that medical care is a necessity- not a luxury. When you are sitting in a hospital bed, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether you can afford to be healthy. We must protect our most vulnerable neighbors and guarantee seniors and low-income parents access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

We can start with passing a public option for health insurance. There has been a researched complete bill sitting on Comptroller Lembo’s desk for years and has not been implemented due to insurance industry lobbyists lining the pockets of Republican party leadership.

A public option would be less expensive and provide better care for all patients. The Working Families Party will be leading the charge on this policy and I will join them in that fight.

3. What personal characteristics do you embody that justify why people should vote for you?

“Martha loves her community. She has proven through her career as a nurse and city councilor that she is a champion for the middle class and working people. She is very strong, has a huge heart, and she doesn’t back down. She is ready to face the obstacles that will come up in Hartford and that’s the kind of person we need there,” – State Representative Joe de la Cruz.

Martha Marx has the experience, energy, and dedication to be an effective leader and representative for our communities in Hartford. Martha’s responsiveness, wisdom, and empathy make her the best choice to be our next State Senator.

State Senator Paul Formica

Biography

Paul Formica has served as state senator since 2015. He is the proud father of four grown children and has been owner and operator of Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant for 35 years. Paul is a co-founder of the Tourism Caucus and ranking member of the Appropriations Committee and Energy & Technology Committee.

He has been an advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, foster care youth, mental health and substance abuse treatment, women’s health care, and energy ratepayers. Prior to serving in the legislature, he was the First Selectman of East Lyme from 2007-2015, and long serving municipal official.

1. What do you believe are currently the three most pressing issues in the state of Connecticut?

Above all, recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic is the most pressing issue.  We need to manage the second wave of the virus by protecting residents while working to safely get people back to work and address the social crises that have emerged during this difficult time. While Connecticut’s response has led the nation in many regards, there is much that can be done better and more work ahead.

Recovery must span every facet of our livelihoods. Policies must preserve public health, including the health of our most vulnerable residents like seniors and those in nursing homes who have suffered greatly in our state. Additionally, we must work to restore jobs, open businesses and help CT’s economy get back on its feet.

Secondly, we must make Connecticut more affordable for all people. Current leadership is forcing tomorrow’s taxpayers to mitigate the damage of record deficits and unfunded liabilities. The shortcomings of the current state of our finances have been identified time and again, and the pandemic has made it especially imperative to mitigate the problems without tax increases on working- and middle-class families. Connecticut families are stretched to their limit between job losses and the ever-rising cost of necessities like electricity and health care. We need to make health care more accessible and affordable, and we must reduce burdens that put even more strain on family budgets. These matters require bipartisan communication and collaboration to render lasting solutions.

Connecticut must also prioritize creating opportunities for all people to succeed and stay in this state. Ahead of 2020, Connecticut faced an exodus between the “brain drain” and older residents fleeing for warmer temperatures and lower taxes. The state must make a significant investment in workforce development and education. High school students must be keenly aware of the many opportunities to gain career training without the singular track of needing a college education. We must support fair education funding to help our children and teachers as they try to fulfill the needs of all students, with the additional wrinkle of remote learning.

2.  From the three issues you cite in your response to Question1, identify the one that you think is the most pressing and explain your choice. Then expand on steps you believe should be taken to resolve it and how you could contribute to that resolution process?

Our top priority must be to successfully recover from the Covid-19 pandemic

I want to first extend a sincere thank you to all healthcare workers and first responders who have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic. Governor Lamont managed the virus well on the statewide scale, however our nursing home and assisted living populations make up a disproportionate share of the infections and fatalities. The struggles faced by nursing home workers, residents and their loved ones are a clear example of why the state needs to adopt a comprehensive plan to prevent and prepare for future outbreaks, ensure safe family visits can occur to stop the severe damage of social isolation, and look at ways to improve testing, facility infrastructure, PPE supplies and protocols. I hear directly from constituents affected by this issue and lawmakers like myself who have a boots-on-the-ground perspective need to work together to identify what the state has done well and what we need to do better to help the most vulnerable and prevent the virus from taking more lives.

Connecticut workers and businesses have also suffered a tremendous blow. I commend those employers who have stepped up to the challenge and are making incredible changes to the way they do business to maintain their staff’s and customers’ safety – from physical changes to their facilities to embarking on web-based delivery of goods and services. We need to continue to support small businesses by reducing burdens they face and hearing their concerns. As the areas of the state start to see a rise in cases, including in the 20th district, I also appreciate the way the administration is communicating with higher-infected towns and allowing local communities to make certain decisions on a town by town basis.

Finally, the legislature needs to be ready to address the social crises that have emerged including increased substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, and education issues. I have worked to address these difficult issues with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the past and now more than ever we have to continue that work together.

3. What personal characteristics do you embody that justify why people should vote for you?

Common sense, collaboration and a focus on the issues – not the politics – impacting the citizens of Connecticut are essential to move the state forward.

I always strive to put people above politics and have a track record of working in a bipartisan manner to get results for the people I am honored to represent.

For example, as chair of the Appropriations Committee in 2017 and 2018 I worked to bring lawmakers together to pass two consecutive, bipartisan no-tax-increase budgets. Those budgets protected our most vulnerable, eliminated the tax on social security making it easier for seniors to remain in CT, ensured core functions of government, and implemented historic fiscal policies including spending and bonding caps that have led to a historic level of funds in the state’s rainy day fund today. 

I’ve also worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to increase renewable, efficient energy sources, while securing jobs at Millstone, maintaining our base load supply, and implementing ratepayer protections.

I’ve been named a “Children’s Champion” by the CT Early Childhood Alliance and have been proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to increase access to prenatal care, by making pregnancy a qualifying life event, so that expectant mothers can obtain health insurance.

I listen to every constituent who comes to me and work hard to give people a voice who are not being heard.

Finally, as a small business owner I understand the struggles of Connecticut’s job creators and workers. I know the importance of balancing a budget so that the people who rely on you can support their families and be successful in life. State government should operate in this same way. Decisions should never be based on politics. They should be based on the people who rely on you, and in state government that’s every single resident in Connecticut.

With your support, I will continue to help change how we do business in Hartford.

State Rep. Devin Carney

Biography

I have served as State Representative since 2015. I currently serve on the Transportation, Finance, Revenue and Bonding, and Planning and Development Committees and various bipartisan caucuses. In the community I serve on the boards of The Kate and Old Saybrook Senior Housing, am a member of the Old Saybrook Rotary Club and the Old Saybrook and Lyme-Old Lyme Chambers of Commerce and am an alternate on the Old Lyme ZBA.

I’m a lifelong resident of the district and live in Old Lyme with my significant other Lisa. I work for Coldwell Banker and John A. Bysko Associates.

1. What do you believe are currently the three most pressing issues in the state of Connecticut?

1. COVID-19 and the recovery from it. COVID-19 has changed our lives and maneuvering through the pandemic and its effects will be a major priority next year. 
2. Economy and Jobs. Even prior to COVID-19, our job recovery was lagging behind the nation and our economic outlook wasn’t stellar. The legislature must do a better job attracting employers to Connecticut by reducing taxes and burdensome regulations – and also training a viable workforce to fill in-demand jobs like in manufacturing or clean energy. If the jobs are here, the people will come and participate in our state and local economy. The plan from the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth needs to be revisited as it had a lot of good ideas to improve our economy and improve job growth. The legislature must take a break from passing new mandates on our municipalities and businesses and really work to reduce costs – whether it be property taxes, energy costs, or costs borne by excessive regulations and too much government oversight. Government should be a partner to private sector growth, not a hindrance. We also must do what we can make it less expensive to retire here, which I have consistently worked towards.
3. State Budget. We have had budgetary challenges for years, but I was proud to support a bipartisan budget in 2017 that created a lower spending cap, a lower bonding cap, and a new volatility cap that has allowed our rainy-day fund to grow to over $3B. However, the government continues to spend beyond its means and continues to land us in debt, which has been exacerbated due to the pandemic. Currently, we are facing a $1.3B deficit for the current fiscal year and, potentially, $2B deficits for each of the follow two. The legislature must do what it can to get the state’s fiscal house in order, which also includes tackling our long-term debt as a result of unfunded pension liabilities. As a member of the Finance Committee, I will be able to participate in budget discussions and advocate for more fiscally responsible changes.

2. From the three issues you cite in your response to Question1, identify the one that you think is the most pressing and explain your choice. Then expand on steps you believe should be taken to resolve it and how you could contribute to that resolution process?

The most pressing issue facing the state is the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery from it. COVID-19 has affected so many aspects of our daily lives – from our economy, to our workforce, to education, to healthcare. 

The state will need to do what it can to ensure our economy is stable. This will require partnering with the federal government to provide ongoing small business relief, tourism/entertainment relief, unemployment assistance, and support for our local communities. It will also require the legislature to find where savings can be made. Like many private businesses have had to do, the state needs to do a full inventory of its operations to see how agencies can reduce their budgets. This doesn’t mean laying employees off, but rather where services can be streamlined, outdated jobs can be eliminated through attrition, or costs can be saved by people working remotely – at least in the short term.

Some private sector jobs will never return, so it is vital that the state has plans in place to provide job training or partner with job creators in order to get people back to work. At the same time, the pandemic showcased cracks in the Department of Labor and the legislature will need to address missteps taken.

In terms of healthcare, the state must ensure that we have the proper protocols in place to protect our seniors and most vulnerable. I proposed convening a working group of stakeholders to create ‘best practices’ guidelines for nursing homes and assisted living facilities in order to better protect residents and employees. Recently, we passed extending and expanding telehealth capabilities – further expansion may be necessary. Once a vaccine is available, the state must have plan in place for delivery.

In terms of public education, we will need to assess cracks in the system and who was left behind. Getting students back up to speed will be critical to ensure our kids have the tools they need to succeed.  In terms of higher education, some difficult decisions may need to be made in order to keep our institutions afloat.

3. What personal characteristics do you embody that justify why people should vote for you?

Bipartisanship. Throughout my six years as State Representative, I have always reached across the aisle and worked in a bipartisan fashion with my colleagues. I’ve formed bipartisan caucuses such as the Young Legislators’ Caucus and the Clean Energy Caucus in order to move our state forward in a way that works to benefit the most people. I’ve been endorsed by the Independent Party and the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters because of my ability to be an independent-minded legislator and one who puts people over politics. I am someone who always works towards consensus.

Experience. I’ve served as State Representative since 2015 and have gained a lot of experience on various committees and within the Capitol. I understand how the legislative process works in Connecticut and have made strong connections within agencies that affect the constituents of the 23rd the most such as DOT, DOL, and DMV. Serving through COVID has created a unique perspective and one that will allow me to best represent my constituents next year as we deal with next steps.

Commitment to Community. My commitment to the four towns within the legislative district is unwavering. Two of my biggest successes as a legislator have been stopping the federal rail bypass and stopping state forced school regionalization. We deserve a legislator who will stick up for the people of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook against power grabs from the federal or state government. As a volunteer with countless organizations, I am extremely dedicated to service and working to improve the communities I represent. 

Knowledge of the District. As someone who was born here, was educated here, lived in three of the four towns, works here, and volunteers here, I feel I have a unique understanding of this area. My knowledge of the district and its people has helped guide my decision-making. Because of my extensive time here, I’ve created strong relationships with so many people within the four towns, with major employers and non-profits, and with municipal and state leaders.