Election 2022: Meet 102nd House District Rep. Candidate Robin Comey

BRANFORD, CT —The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Robin Comey, a Branford resident and the incumbent, is running for State Representative, 102nd House District.

Campaign website

https://www.robincomey.com/

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

I am a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, earning a Bachelors of Arts in Corporate Communications. I recently became Level 1 Certified Coach for Community Heart & Soul and have a Facilitative Leadership Certificate from the Interaction Institute for Social Change

Occupation

Connecticut State Representative, House District 102, 2019-current.
Starprompt, Owner of a family-owned small business for the past 30 years.
Executive Director, Branford Early Childhood Collaborative Sep 2012 - Dec 2020
Associate Producer, Projects for a New Millenium (P2k), Jan 1999 - Sep 2014

Family

Just celebrated 24 years with my husband David. Two children, Maddie(20) and Michael(16).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

56

Previous public office, appointive or elective

State Representative for 102nd District Jan. 2019-Present
Branford Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Dec. 2017- April 2019
Branford School Readiness Council, July 2014 - Present
Branford Historical Society, Jan. 2020- Present
East Shore District Health Department Community Health Improvement Project Board Member (CHIP)
Aug 2018 - Present
Nurturing Families, MIECHV Advisory Board Member
Oct 2017 - Present
Civic Association of Short Beach June 2016- June 2018
Yale-New Haven Hospital Behavioral Health Patient and Family Advisory Council Sep 2015 - Feb 2019
Food Allergy Education Network Executive Board
Mar 2009 - Nov 2018
John B. Sliney School PTA - Executive Board 2011-2015
Girl Scout of Branford - Executive Board 2009-2015

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for office because I have experienced first-hand the positive impact that state government can provide during difficult times. I also believe that as lawmakers and representatives of our community, we have a responsibility to be a conduit between our residents and state agencies. We also act to ensure our local leaders and organizations have the necessary resources to support our town and the people who live here.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is our children's education and providing the mental health support they need to succeed. As we focus on the implementation of the historic investments we made in this area, we have to continue our work to ensure the law is being implemented as intended and having the desired results. This includes identifying areas that are working and scaling them, while acknowledging additional gaps and barriers to care which will drive future policymaking. Family stability plays a key role in children’s health, and it's important to create safe and secure environments where children can thrive.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I’ve had more than a decade of experience in state policymaking, as an advocate for my own child’s education and health issues, as well as the area of early childhood. I have a broad knowledge of the complex issues facing the state, like our economy; children’s health and safety; healthcare; and the environment. I have a strong relationship with thousands of constituents from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Many reached out to me during the pandemic and after, providing help in navigating state agencies. They trust I will advocate for state policies that serve the needs of all the residents of Branford. Because of my record and results for the people of Branford I've received wide support from teachers, social workers, healthcare workers, firefighters, environmentalists, gun safety and women's reproductive care advocates.
It's simply not enough to just tell people to call someone else. The key part of this job is actually to make the connections, be a bridge, an ally, and an advocate to the state, on their behalf.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

n/a

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

We need to continue with our efforts in making our state more affordable for families and seniors. Our phasing out of the state taxes on pensions and annuities for many people is impactful. Additionally, this year's child tax credit for families was helpful, and I will work with my colleagues to make this permanent. Increasing affordability for safe, quality childcare is always at the very top of my list and something I will continue to fight for. The impact of a lack of childcare and its connection to our labor crisis is critical. We can't minimize how this has impacted Connecticut's business growth. Removing barriers for parents and investing in affordable childcare options is a win-win. A full economic recovery, without women in the workforce, simply cannot happen.

Finally, we need to continue to focus on the responsible fiscal budgeting we have put in place. We've paid down over $6 billion dollars of pension debt, which will save the taxpayers $440 million dollars each year for the next 25 years. With $3.3 billion dollars in our Rainy Day Fund and an improved bond rating, Connecticut is on the right path. I am excited to continue my work to support small businesses better while reducing the barriers to employment, such as transportation, affordable housing, and affordable healthcare.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

During my first year in office, I led the passage of a stock epinephrine bill allowing access to this life-saving medication in public spaces. I've fought year after year for more affordable access to medication through my role on the Insurance committee. My efforts to make early care education more affordable in this state have led to an increase in families qualifying for Care4kids and increasing funding for the teachers. The children's mental health bill made historic investments in mental health care for children and adolescents and is another highlight of my career. Additionally, during the pandemic, I made a special effort to outreach to our large and growing Branford Nepali community to secure vaccines during Covid. I also worked with CT's federal delegation to ensure they had the opportunity to give voice to the situation their families overseas in Nepal and India were facing during Covid and secure the resources they needed during a very dire situation. I have proven I have the grit and determination needed to be an effective legislator and to fight for all my constituents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"You gain more by listening than by talking."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It’s been an honor to be your state representative for the past four years. I’ve been given an incredible opportunity to be a leader during an unprecedented time in our state. As I reflect on the past four years, I’m most grateful for the relationships I’ve made with so many of you. Working with you personally through the difficulties we’ve all faced over the past few years, has been most rewarding. Together, we’ve been able to make real progress in our state.

The policies that mean the most to me are the ones that I've witnessed first-hand helping you and your family. Laws like raising our minimum wage, Paid Family Medical Leave, making historic investments in the mental health of our children, and putting our state on the strongest fiscal footing in decades.

I’ve proven to you that I am a responsive problem solver, who leads with a thoughtful mind and an open heart. As your public servant, I am here to represent you and your loved ones. I hope you will continue to consider me your partner in State Government and know that my door is always open.

Branford is a great community with many assets and opportunities, and Connecticut is the greatest state in the nation. I’m honored to be your State Representative in Hartford. I humbly ask for your vote on November 8th. Thank you.