Candidate Profile: Bob Godfrey For 110th Assembly District

DANURY, CT — Democrat Bob Godfrey, 72, is the incumbent running for House of Representatives District 110, representing Danbury. He has served in the House since 1989.

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Covid-19. I will support science-based proposals that will protect the lives and health of all people.

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

Experience, compassion, empathy, being in touch, open-minded

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

Since my first election in 1988, I have been recognized as an impassioned advocate for many legislative initiatives. I am particularly proud of:

• 1990's Kids and Guns Act for which I was named Champion of Children by the Connecticut Coalition for Children;
• 1993’s Assault Weapons Ban for which I was named Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association;
• 1996’s constitutional amendment guaranteeing protections for victims of crime;
• My personal advocacy for working families for which the Connecticut AFL-CIO recognized me as Outstanding Legislator of2000;
• 2003’s Safe Schools Act to improve indoor air quality in schools;
• My commitment to increased public access to government and the legislature for which the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission presented me with its 2003 Distinguished Service Award, and the 2017 Bice Clemow Award from the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information;
• 2006’s Distinguished Legislator Award from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for my efforts to provide quality public education.
• 2008’s special recognition from the military veterans of western Connecticut for my long advocacy for my comrades-in-arms;
• 2009’s Probate Court Reform which made the courts more effective and efficient while maintaining their user-friendliness;
• Named Children’s Champion, by the CT Early Childhood Alliance, 2009-10-11;
• 2012’s H. Paul White Leadership Award by the Council of State Government’s Eastern Region;
• 2013’s Gun Violence and Children’s Safety Act and the Labeling of GMOs Act
• 2014’s Chronic Disease Care Act, and the increase to the minimum wage
• 2015’s restrictions on e-cigarettes;
• 2016’s update of the Limited Liability Company Act;
• 2018's AARP’s Capitol Caregiver Award; and
• 2019’s minimum wage increase, paid family and medical leave, and gun responsibility laws.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?

Yes. I'm eagerly awaiting the findings and proposed legislation from my colleague, David Arconti, chair of our energy committee.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

Many of the questions are still awaiting answers from the federal government. I condemn the lack of action by the US Senate. I look forward to the ongoing discussions with my colleagues as to the direction the state may have to take on our own.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Social justice, environmental justice, gun responsibility, state aid for education to Danbury, government transparency.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I've worked hard to represent the people of my hometown. I’ve kept in touch, listened to them, and worked with them. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to be their representative.

I was born and raised in Danbury. I was brought up by my parents, Rita and Doug Godfrey, to take on the responsibilities and labor of public service. Government must make things better for every one of us, they told me. We must especially concentrate on protecting and expanding opportunities for working families and the middle class. That’s why I was named an outstanding legislator by the Connecticut AFL-CIO.

It is also why I worked to pass last year’s increase in the minimum wage, and the creation of Connecticut’s paid family and medical leave program. It’s why I’ve dedicated my efforts to our kids and our senior citizens. We owe our kids the opportunity for a successful and prosperous future. We owe our seniors our gratitude, care, and respect.

While there will always be a lot of work left to do, I am most proud of our efforts to ensure our kids receive a great education. I’ve brought hundreds of millions of dollars in education funding back to Danbury, for students and teachers, and for additions to Park Ave and Shelter Rock schools, the Freshman Academy at Danbury High School, and Henry Abbott Tech, and funding for Naugatuck Valley Community College, and Western Connecticut State University. That’s why I’ve been honored to receive the Distinguished Legislator Award from the Connecticut
Association of Boards of Education, and as a Children’s Champion by the CT Early Childhood Alliance.

Because kids can’t learn if they aren’t safe, I have worked to protect them from gun violence, banning military-style assault weapons, making negligent storage of firearms a crime, prohibiting minors from having access to e-cigarettes, and protecting the air quality inside their schools. For efforts like these, I’ve been honored as Champion of Children by the Connecticut Coalition for Children, and as Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

I’ve also been a champion for our senior citizens. Most recently, I’ve worked to pass our Chronic Disease Care Act, ensuring seniors access to prescription drugs, and the paid family medical leave act. I was honored to receive the AARP’s Capitol Caregiver Award in 2018.

As a Navy veteran, I have always worked to make sure we never forget to give our deepest appreciation and our obligations to those who have served our country: our veterans. I’ve received special recognition from western Connecticut veterans for my work.

I’m committed to protecting and increasing public access to government and the legislature. I’ve received the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission’s Distinguished Service Award, and the 2017 Bice Clemow Award from the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information.

I’ve served as a leader in the Connecticut House of Representatives for many years. I’m currently the Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore. I’m a member of the Judiciary, Executive & Legislative Nominations, and Legislative Management Committees.

I was born in Danbury in 1948 and have lived here all my life. I graduated from St. Peter School and Immaculate High School in Danbury. I received my bachelor’s degree from Fordham University,
and a juris doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. I’m an attorney.