Patch Candidate Profile: Martin Foncello, 107th State House District

BROOKFIELD, 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.

Martin Foncello, a Brookfield resident, is running for State Representative, 107th District.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: B.S., Chemistry, Boston College; MBA, Finance, Boston College

Occupation: Retired; Prior to Retirement, Intelligence Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security - 16 years

Family: Mary Ann - wife, Dept. Chair at Immaculate High School; Martin - son, Attorney

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes. First Selectman, Brookfield, CT (2 terms, 1999-2003)

Age: 69

Why are you seeking this office?

This will give me the opportunity to provide additional service to my community and my state at a time when they need experienced people to serve.

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

The economy with 9% inflation and soaring prices for essentials is crushing our families, especially our senior citizens. If elected, I will fight back by offering balanced budgets and by reducing taxes to provide relief to Connecticut residents of all ages and to Connecticut businesses.

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

I have many years of experience in service to my community and my country as a First Selectman, a senior Army Officer and as a senior officer within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. I also have the education credentials with a B.S. in Chemistry and an MBA in Finance. I am experienced at collaborating with officials at the Federal, State and Local levels. I have also received the following endorsements: Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police, Connecticut State Police Union, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), Rob Simmons, former U.S. Congressman and Retired Army Colonel, George Logan, Candidate for U.S. Congress (5th District), 1st Selectwoman Tara Carr, Brookfield, CT, State Senator Tony Hwang (28th District), State Senator Eric Berthel (32nd District), State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (106th District), State Representative and Candidate for State Senator Steve Harding (107th District) and the Republican Town Committees of Bethel and Newtown.

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

Support to law enforcement - fighting crime; support to businesses - creating jobs; support to education - improving student performance; opposing mandates.

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

Served as First Selectman for 2 terms - developed and managed budgets, managed operations, completed key projects ahead of schedule and under budget, worked collaboratively with residents, commissions, federal, state and local governments for the benefit of the town; Founded and managed the Greenridge Tax District and Water System - worked collaboratively with state and local officials and united the community to take control of and operate the community water system; Worked as a Federal Officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security collaboratively with a myriad of federal, state and local officials as well as principals in the private sector to establish my department's operation in New York City.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Help those who need your help.

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

I have the proven ability to work with others and to get the job done.