Candidate Profile: Danette Onofrio for State House District 108

Danette Onofrio, a New Fairfield resident, is running for State Representative District 108.

Age: 60s

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: I married the late Charles Onofrio and together we blended two daughters, Michele, and Lisa, two sons, Robb and Ryan, and grandchildren, Gavin, Cara, and Lucy. The Onofrio family has been rooted in New Fairfield for 35 years.

Occupation: Business owner and consultant who works with government, schools, and nonprofits to improve effectiveness at lower costs.

Previous elected experience: I am a board member of the New Fairfield Public Library. I also worked for an elected legislative body for 20 years working with and writing legislation, managing legislator’s committee work, and providing constituency services. I have also taught elected and other public officials on budgeting, managing finances, program planning and evaluation and public policy.

Family members in government: No one in my family works in government.

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

COVID-19 is number one on people’s minds. They are concerned about their and their family’s health, keeping affordable healthcare, their children’s safety in school and the impact on businesses and jobs. They want their utility rates down and reliable service and want problems fixed on Candlewood Lake and protect other nature resources. I intend to communicate science-based information to businesses, ensure first responders, healthcare workers, students, teachers and essential workers have PPE and COVID-related resources, work toward a public health insurance option and provide resources to businesses to get them through the pandemic and grow. I will help to transform government services to make Connecticut more affordable and grow the economy. And I will make sure Eversource is accountable.

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

I act. I contacted thousands of residents to ensure they are okay during COVID and helped those who needed help. I asked about their concerns and gave them my phone number. I made 300 masks for public health agencies and the public during the shortage. As a business owner and business advisor for Western Connecticut SCORE, I have helped businesses to start, expand and reinvent themselves. And, when there were problems this summer on Candlewood Lake, I visited the lake communities, attended town meetings, called the Candlewood Lake Authority, and talked to officials. I brought experts together to answer resident’s concerns and commit to legislation to curb pesticide and herbicide run off into the lake, seeping septic systems and to incentivize initiatives to address invasive species. My platform is action oriented and clear.

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

I have an education and experience in public service. I have 20 years’ experience working for a legislative body, hold a Master of Public Administration and am a candidate for a Doctorate in Management. I am experienced at coordinating both a viral epidemic and an opioid crisis and have worked with local, state, and federal government. In my business, I work with public entities to implement better strategies at lower costs and know how to manage large budgets and taught public officials how to do that at Marist College School of Management. I worked for a school district to put into place strategies that improved student outcomes. I am a business owner and volunteer as a business advisor for Western Connecticut SCORE.

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

Absolutely. That is why I brought the voices of residents in the 108th district to Hartford. I attended the full 10-hour public hearing of PURA, submitted testimony against Eversource, and spoke to public officials. I support rate freezes, penalties for long outages, compensation for food and medicine and to compel performance. I support a minimum in state staffing and better coordination of storms are essential and Eversource must be held accountable to the people instead of shareholders.

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

During COVID-19, I will work to cut costs of government so that businesses have more capital. I will bring together businesses with resources to get through COVID financially and retain workers. I will work with businesses to start, expand, and reinvent themselves, cut red tape, and work to streamline approvals to ensure people are working and have opportunities to better themselves. I will also work to shift the balance to include a more equitable tax system that takes the burden off middle classed residents.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I will also ensure that safety and environmental concerns are addressed on Candlewood Lake and other natural resources due to increased use caused by COVID. I believe in fully funding schools and providing resources for educators to ensure

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

I have always given back to my community. I was a 4-H Leader, helped to start a nonprofit organization to help children and adults with learning disabilities, and advocated for women’s issues. I currently serve on the board at the New Fairfield Public Library and am a member of the Friends of the Library. I am an active member of the Womans Club of Danbury/New Fairfield and am Secretary of the New Fairfield Democratic Town Committee.