Candidate Profile: Kevin O'Leary, 89th House 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.

Kevin O'Leary, 33, of Prospect, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 89th District.

Party affiliation

Democratic

Education

Juris Doctor- University of Connecticut School of Law, Master of Science in Justice Studies- Southern New Hampshire University, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology- Central Connecticut State University

Occupation

Attorney and Partner

Family

Wife- Kelsey and 2 year old daughter- Alaina

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Previous- Town Council (Prospect), Inland Wetlands Commission (Prospect), Past Prospect Mayoral Candidate 2021. Current-Prospect Democratic Town Committee Chair and Justice of the Peace.

Why are you seeking this office?

To ensure fair allocation of state budget funds to the smaller municipalities to lower taxes and allow for additional hiring of law enforcement officers to combat crime.

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

Economy and Crime. The state assembly needs to prioritize tax relief to the citizens and reallocate current funding towards police hiring and retention.

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

I have a strong legal and criminal justice background that will greatly aid in ensuring community policing initiatives are funded and state funding is being provided to the smaller communities to prioritize infrastructure and recreation projects.

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

As a member of the Town Council, I assisted in the preparation of the town budget. Additionally, as a practicing lawyer, I have experience in researching and applying state statutes in real life scenarios. I understand how legislation passed affects everyday life of the resident of the state.