Candidate Profile: David Yaccarino 99th District

CONNECTICUT — The 2020 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 presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut’s congressional seats 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 with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Dave Yaccarino, an East Haven resident, is running for House of Representatives District 99.

Age: 37

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family:I live with my fiancée, Stephanie

Occupation:I have worked for 13 years as a molecular biologist focused on clinical genetic testing. It has been a great feeling to contribute to improving cancer risk screening and treatment. Over the summer I worked on a project to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing. I am proud to say I have played a role in the fight against this virus.

Previous elected experience:None

Family members in government:My father is the State Representative for Connecticut’s 87th District. My sister is the Chair of North Haven’s Zoning Board of Appeals and both are moderate Republicans. If elected, my father and I would be on a short list of family members who have served in the legislature at the same time. And the only example I could find where they were affiliated with different parties.

Campaign website: http://www.daveforeasthaven.co...

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

Wealth inequality. The middle class rightly feel that they are being exploited by the rich and left behind by the state. Their wages aren’t rising as fast as their insurance premiums or out-of-pocket health care costs. On top of that they are dealing with sky-rocketing electric rates and a tax code that favors the wealthy in Connecticut.

I plan to fight insurance companies to cap out-of-pocket costs and to establish a public healthcare option for small businesses. I would also like to move towards community-owned power sources like the popular system in Wallingford. And I want to fix our tax structure to ease the burden of the middle class and see the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. We need a new deal for people in Connecticut so that everyone can live, work and retire with dignity.

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

Unlike my opponent I have not been a politician for the last decade. I bring a fresh perspective and the new energy that is needed right now. I also understand the needs of East Haven residents on a deeper level. My fiancée and I have actually gone through the struggles that middle class people in this town face. Finally, I have spent my whole life finding common ground with my Republican family. We have a great amount of mutual respect for each other and I would work across the aisle with my father in the best interests of the state of Connecticut.

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

Earning my master’s degree in Molecular Cell Biology while working full-time. Near the end of the program I was laid off from my job. I was fortunate to find a new position in Stamford, but the commute added even more hours and more stress to my schedule. Although it was difficult, I was proud to finish on schedule. Being a State Representative will involve long hours and a lot of unexpected adversity, but I know from experience that I can handle that.

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

Absolutely. UI and Eversource should be accountable to their customers, not their shareholders. East Haven residents and seniors should not lose hundreds of dollars of food and medication because of prolonged outages. Every time these storms happen the utilities apologize for the inconvenience but do not change a thing. We need immediate reforms to cap rate increases and to mandate compensation for food and medication loss.

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

The state should coordinate with the federal government to provide direct financial assistance and protective equipment. This is a uniquely difficult crisis and we need to keep local businesses running while keeping customers and employees safe. A business owner I met put it plainly, “tax deferments and loan are fine but how am I going to pay them back when I’m already behind?” Full economic activity will not return until there is a vaccine and/or treatment that makes people feel safe.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Public education is very important to me. As a product of public schools and a friend to many educators, I understand it is a difficult and important job. I want to make sure our schools are fully funded again and that the staff are well compensated.

The environment is another key issue. East Haven is a shoreline town and has seen the devastating effects of storms like Hurricane Sandy and Tropical Storm Isaias. I want Connecticut to transform our infrastructure to green energy

Finally, I am a strong supporter of labor and the fundamental right to collectively bargain. Unions were a key factor in building this country’s middle class and their decline has led to the massive inequality we see today. I want to make it easier to joins unions and to bargain for fair pay and safe working conditions.

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

My favorite part of this campaign has been knocking doors and listening to people’s concerns. I am not getting into politics as a career, but to represent the middle-class people of East Haven. We are in a difficult time but there is a lot of opportunity for big ideas and actual change. I am asking voters to send me to Hartford to fight for that change.