Candidate Profile: Christopher R. Robertson, 16th Senatorial District

CHESHIRE, 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.

Christopher R. Robertson, 57, of Southington, is running for election to Senate District 16 to represent Prospect, Southington, Wolcott and parts of Cheshire and Waterbury.

Campaign website

https://chrisforct.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Wagner College B.A. Business

Occupation

Regional Sales Manager, National Chemicals Lavatories -22 years

Family

I have lived in Southington the past 28 years with my wife Nancy and 3 children. I coached little league baseball when my son was younger. My 3 children attended Southington Schools. Prior to living in Southington, I was raised in Cheshire.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, I was a member of the Cheshire Roads and Sewer commission and a Southington Fire Commissioner.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running because I am tired of the district not being represented properly. I have watched the district not receiving the support it needs because our current state senator continues to not work with his 35 other state senators and continues with his own agenda versus the needs of the residents in the 16th district. I want to be a voice for all residents and stick to what they would like me to advocate for them. It is time for a change, to stop with the extreme views that are not representative of our district. My motto is your vote, your choice.

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

Protection of women's rights I will protect women’s rights such as equal pay, paid sick leave, reproductive rights, women and housing, land and property, domestic violence, and the continued effects of COVID-19 on the community. There are many other concerns that need to be addressed such as education, infrastructure and supporting public safety police, fire, as well as EMT's.

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

I will represent all of the constituents in the district, ensuring their voices are heard. I will work to protect women's rights. I will continue to supporting the teachers in the district instead of disparaging them with made up rhetoric. I understand the district much better than my opponent and what they need their state senator to do in Hartford to ensure the district receives it fair share from the state, as I will have a seat at the table unlike my opponent.

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

I believe the current state senator has failed the district by being too far right in his votes and representing the 16th district. He has extreme views. I understand how he votes know with the majority of republicans. What is troubling are his single no votes on several issues including, but not limited to mental health care for children, health insurance for newborns, no on domestic violence and hate crimes, no on breastfeeding in the work place, and only no on Juneteenth state holiday. These are only a few of his single no votes where the rest of the senate, democrat and republicans. My opponent fails at representing the 16th district, which includes Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Prospect and Wolcott.

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

Keeping the state in good financial standing with my decisions on the budget. There are many other concerns that need to be addressed such as education, infrastructure and supporting public safety police, and EMT's.

This past year Connecticut has seen the child tax credit help many families financially, I will work to continue this program. In addition, I will review and look to enhance senior citizen tax credits and Veteran’s rights who are often forgotten.

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

While I was a fire commissioner in Southington I worked with both parties for the good of our community. We were able to increase fire fighters, apparatus, and equipment to keep the firefighters safe. Southington has a combination fire department and I worked with all parties through the administration to ensure the fire department was well trained and both volunteers and career firefighters received what was needed at their stations to ensure a very good working environment.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I can give anyone is to always listen to others and work to solve problems through compromise. Be fair and honest and treat others as you would like to be treated.

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

In the 16th district, when I am your state senator, all the constituents no matter race, gender, political affiliation, religion, will be represented and not forgotten. This includes small businesses, police and fire departments and our education system to ensure the district receives its fair share.

When a bill goes through the process to become a law I will research and listen to testimony. My answer to a bill will not be no from beginning to the end nor will it be a yes. It will be based on listening to the constituents in the 16th district. I will not let you down and will work hard as your state senator, not for me, but for you.