Candidate Profile: Randy Raines, 103rd 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.

Randy Raines, 73, of Cheshire, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 103rd District.

Campaign website

https://rainesforct103.com

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

BS Economics and Business Administration

Occupation

Owner of The Connecticut Microwave Corp 33 years

Family

Married 45 yrs., 2 Sons, 5 Grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Oldest son is a High School principal in Massachusetts

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Currently Constable Town of Cheshire

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe the state needs people with small business manufacturing experience in the state legislature

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

The high cost of living. Fight to prevent expensive wasteful projects such as the baseball field recently built in Hartford. Rich guys don't need tax payer dollars to house their teams. Especially, since the taxpayers recently built one for them a few miles down the road in New Britain

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

I don't believe my opponent ever voted against a spending bill, or tax increase during her tenure. Most recently the increase in the diesel fuel tax. Not only will that drive up the cost of delivering goods, but it will likely not produce the revenue predicted as truckers buy fuel in neighboring states

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

You can't blame one person for the high cost of living in Connecticut, or the crime we experience. Rather it's the agenda of her party and her willingness to go along with them

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

Support the police, support clean energy research but not subsidizing the wealthy (ie tax breaks for $100,000.00 cars). Support Orderly, lawful immigration. Term Limits. I am unequivocally in favor of politicians serving one term. I believe that politicians are compromised by running for a second term. Both from fund raising and the desire to vote to please everybody

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

I owned and managed the Connecticut Microwave Corp for over 30 years. In that time I never failed to pay a bill in time, and never laid anyone off. I believe that I can bring that record of success to state government

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you keep cash flow positive. You will never go out of business! Truer words were never spoken!

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

My car is 12 years old, my truck 14, my boat 22, and I'm still with my 1st wife. I have never needed the "new shiny thing." I believe the voters of the 103rd district can trust me to manage their tax dollars with the same care