Candidate Profile: Heather Maguire, 17th House District

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 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 over Republicans in the House, 97-54, and in the Senate, 24-12.

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

Avon Republican Heather Maguire is running for a term in the House of Representatives, 17th House District. She is running against incumbent State Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, D-Avon.

The House seat serves part of Avon and Canton.

Age: 60

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Before having children, I was on the management team at Lord & Taylor. During the time raising my family, I have volunteered extensively in multiple community organizations.

Education: Salve Regina University, Newport, R.I. Bachelor of Science in Management and Economics

Previous elected/appointed experience: Avon Board of Assessment Appeals (2013-14) and Avon Town Council (2013-present) Avon Town Council Chair (2017-21)

Family: Jeff Maguire, husband of 32 years. Maggie Maguire, 22, graduate of Avon High School (2018) and Northeastern University (2022), Sean Maguire 18, graduate of Northwest Catholic (2022) and freshman at Fairfield University. Matthew Maguire 18, graduate of Northwest Catholic (2022) and freshman at the University of Rhode Island

Campaign website: https://www.Heather17.com

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

Since I arrived in Avon almost 25 years ago, I have worked tirelessly to be a positive force in the community.

I have had the opportunity to meet and engage with our citizens on many different levels.

I have a long-standing record of volunteerism in the town. As I listen and understand the concerns of Canton and Avon residents, I believe I can work to enhance the quality of life for all in the community.

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

Affordability, the large majority of the constituents that I speak with find Connecticut to be one of the most expensive states in the country.

Families are forced to make tough choices to keep food on the table and gas in the car, while small businesses are being forced to close down or leave the state.

I will work to lower the taxes that make it difficult for our residents to live in Connecticut and the taxes and fees that drain small businesses

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

Serving as a municipal leader provides me with valuable experience and insight to the needs of our communities.

How municipal government works and their needs will allow me to represent their interests better in Hartford.

I pride myself on the ability to represent all constituents. I have a record of working across party lines to meet the needs of the community.

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

Public safety is a major issue for my campaign. Our communities are continuing to experience car thefts and break-ins.

I want to ensure our police officers, firefighters and EMTs have the tools and support they need to do their job effectively in order to protect the safety of our town and residents.

Maintaining local control of our cities and towns is critically important.

Over the last few years, we have seen the state dictating an ever-increasing number of mandates without consideration for town government, local character or cost issues, including attempts to forcibly regionalize schools, bypass local zoning laws and impose heavy financial obligations on towns to suit political agendas.

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

As a member of the Avon Town Council and chair for four years, I have had the responsibility of leading our community through the Covid pandemic.

I have successfully navigated difficult community conversations including, but not limited to, annual budgets, a public safety communication system, open space acquisition, development of a new town center, public safety, turf field with the addition of lights.

Prior to that my experience within the PTO’s as president and chair of various committees has provided me an opportunity to lead projects including fundraising and building a new playground, initiating activities for our students, chairing school book fairs and running Project Graduation to name a few.

These highlight my personal commitment to education of the youth in our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Leave your D’s and your R's at the door and do what is best for your constituents.

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

I have a history of working across party lines.

I have the municipal experience that will focus on the needs of constituents, rather than focusing on a larger political narrative.

I value the important role local government plays in meeting the needs of the community to ensure all voices are heard and respected.