Patch Candidate Profile: Bob Godfrey, 110th State House District

DANBURY, 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.

State Rep. Bob Godfrey, a Danbury resident, is running for re-election in the 110th District.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Attended St. Peter School and Immaculate High School, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

Occupation: I'm a full-time legislator, and an attorney

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I'm currently a state representative, since 1989. I served on Danbury's city council for five years before that.

Age: 74

Why are you seeking this office?

I was taught by my late parents that everyone must participate, according to her or his talents, in civic life. They were members of several commissions of Danbury, and supported my bids for elected office. For me, this is a vocation. I seem to be successful at representing my neighbors.

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

The Economy. Facing global inflation beyond the control of any state, I will continue to support tax breaks targeted at working families, extend the gas tax suspension, assist students with financial incentives, and keep the phase out of the state income tax on social security, pension and annuity funds for seniors. These and other fiscal incentives are designed to mitigate inflation.

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

I have the experience as a leader who has gotten Connecticut through recessions, the attacks on our rights, criminal activity, and many other challenges. I will continue to be a full-time legislator, serving my constituents by listening to them, staying in touch, and making our values Connecticut’s laws.

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

Health Care, Global Warming, Crime and Gun Safety, Public Education Funding, Defending Women Post-Dobbs, Protecting Free Elections and Voter Access, and Bringing State Funds back to my Hometown of Danbury.

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 of 2000;
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.
2021’s Election reforms to make voting safe and convenient; every vote counts, every vote is counted.
2022’s protection of Women’s reproductive rights

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My mother taught me: "I shall pass this way but once. Any good I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

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

I was one of Connecticut’s 7 presidential electors in 2016 for Hillary Rodham Clinton. I serve in a national leadership role as a past chairman of the Council of State Governments, a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing state officials in all three branches of state government. I annually sponsor and participate in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program, which brings high school students to the Capitol to simulate state government. I serve on the Board of Directors of APEX Community Care, which advocates for people with HIV/AIDS, mental health and substance abuse disorders. In the past, I managed the family pet shop, served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, was an executive with the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, and served for five years on Danbury’s City Council.