ENFIELD, CT — Democrat David Kiner is seeking the 7th Senate District seat, with lower electric bills, increased state school funding and property tax relief among his priorities.
Kiner, a former Enfield town councilor and state representative who now leads Educational Resources for Children, is challenging Republican state Sen. John A. Kissel. Election Day is Nov. 3.
The district includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield and Windsor Locks, along with parts of Ellington, Granby and Windsor.
Here are the candidate's responses to Patch's questionnaire.
Candidate's Name:
David Kiner
What office are you seeking?
State Senate
Age:
42
District:
7
Party:
Democrat
Campaign website:
https://www.kinerforsenate.com/
Occupation:
Executive Director of Educational Resources for Children (ERfC)
Family:
Wife, Gina and Three Daughters, Juliet, Siena and Lucia
Does anyone in your family work in government?
Mother, Enfield Board of Education Member
Previous public office:
Enfield Town Council: 2007-2010 and Enfield State Representative (D-59) 2010-2016
Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking this office because I believe the families of North Central Connecticut deserve a government that works harder to make their lives more affordable and their future more secure.
As a father of three daughters, I am running to help build a community and state that is stronger, more prosperous, and full of opportunity for the next generation. I want my daughters, and all of our future generations to inherit a Connecticut that is better than the one we found.
That starts with addressing the rising cost of living. I am running to fight for lower electric rates, restore funding for public education, and reduce the property tax burden on hardworking families. Our residents deserve relief, and our communities deserve investment.
For 34 years, Enfield and North Central Connecticut have been represented by the same State Senator. I believe our district deserves new energy, fresh ideas, and a stronger voice in Hartford, one that listens to the concerns of working families and fights relentlessly for meaningful results.
I am running because I believe we can do better. I want to bring practical solutions, accountability, and a renewed sense of urgency to state government.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
As I campaign across our district, the number one issue I hear from residents is affordability - particularly the rising cost of electricity. Families and seniors are struggling to keep up with everyday expenses, and high electric bills are putting additional pressure on household budgets.
Connecticut residents deserve a state senator who will stand up for them in Hartford. My opponent is a corporate attorney for Eversource and has recused himself from energy-related legislation. I believe our district needs an independent voice advocating for ratepayers and holding Eversource accountable.
I will go to Hartford prepared to fight for more affordable and reliable electricity, hold utility companies accountable, and push for policies that put Connecticut families, not corporate interests first. My commitment is simple: to make sure the voices of ratepayers are heard and represented when decisions about our energy costs are made.
Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?
The first action I will take as your senator will be to introduce a bill that bans legislators from working for Eversource while serving in elected office. It is simply not possible to serve them while also serving us. It's a gross conflict of interest, and it must stop. We are supposed to hold Eversource accountable, and that is simply not possible if the legislator's compensation is directly tied to Eversource profits. That is morally wrong, ethically outrageous, and it should be illegal.
Second. I will tackle the public benefits charges that we see on our bill. What they cover is often good policy, but that good policy should not be paid for solely by residents. If the policy is good, it should be debated and put into the general budget. Period. This is a no-brainer. We need to transition good energy policy back to the general fund where the expense on individual Connecticut families is reduced.
Third, I will form a bipartisan "Utility Accountability Caucus" with at least three democrats and three republicans to work on and draft bi-partisan legislation to reduce the cost of energy in our state. It's time people had a senator fighting for us in Hartford.
Editor's note: In his own questionnaire submitted to Patch, Kissel wrote: "As a part-time attorney with one of Connecticut's utility providers, I recuse myself on some energy matters to avoid any appearance of a conflict in interest." Kissel also said he voted to move what he called the "community benefits charge" from electric bills into the general fund, but the majority rejected the proposal.
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Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?
Affordability starts with giving Connecticut residents some relief from the rising cost of living. My focus would be on property tax reform, particularly ensuring that our local districts receive a greater share of state education funding. By shifting more of the responsibility for funding education to the state, we can help ease the burden on local property taxpayers.
I would also advocate for eliminating the car tax, which places an additional financial burden on families, and supporting a temporary gas tax holiday while fuel prices remain high. These steps would provide meaningful relief to residents who are struggling to keep up with the cost of housing, transportation, and everyday necessities.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I believe my accomplishments demonstrate that I have the experience, perspective, and commitment to do this job well. I served two terms on the Enfield Town Council and three terms as a State Representative, where I gained firsthand experience in public service, policymaking, and working to address the needs of the people I represent.
In 2016, I made the decision not to seek reelection so that my wife, Gina, and I could focus on starting a family. Today, we have three daughters, and being a husband and father has shaped my perspective in ways that go beyond any title or elected position. I understand firsthand the cost of childcare, housing, groceries, healthcare, and the everyday expenses that put pressure on working families. These are not just policy issues to me; they are the realities families like mine navigate every day.
I also run a nonprofit, which has given me a practical understanding of the challenges organizations face in trying to serve their communities while managing rising costs. I know how difficult it can be for nonprofits and small businesses to afford healthcare for their employees, attract and retain good people, and operate successfully in Connecticut. I understand the importance of creating an environment where businesses can grow, nonprofits can thrive, and working people can build a secure future.
My experience in local and state government, combined with my work in the nonprofit sector and my life as a husband and father, gives me a well-rounded understanding of the challenges facing our communities. I bring both the experience of having served in public office and the perspective of someone who understands how policy decisions affect people in their daily lives. I believe that combination will allow me to approach this job with practical knowledge, empathy, and a commitment to getting things done.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I humbly ask for your vote and the opportunity to bring a new voice and new energy to Hartford. I'm ready to fight for our district, deliver results, and make sure our community has a strong voice at the table.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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