Patch Candidate Profile: Ken Astarita, 134th House District

FAIRFIELD, CT — Election Day is Nov. 3, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Fairfield.

To help educate readers about the state's election, Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns, and about the issues that are facing the community and the state.

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Candidate's Name:

Ken Astarita

What office are you seeking?

State Representative

Age:

61

District:

134th

Party:

Republican & Independent

Campaign website:

https://www.voteastarita.com

Occupation:

Retired

Family:

My long-time girlfriend and I have lived in Fairfield since 2007. We love the town and we love Connecticut. Our hope is to happily spend out retirement years here.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

Representative - Fairfield RTM

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for State Representative to make the lives of the residents of Connecticut, and especially Fairfield, better and more affordable. I am committed to seeking common sense solutions to the problems our State faces. Residents in Fairfield work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules. They deserve a State government that is responsive to their needs and not some party ideology.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

Affordability and Overdevelopment are the biggest issues facing residents of Fairfield. I will work with anyone to make Connecticut more affordable for seniors, wage earners, property owners, and aspiring homeowners by supporting common sense property tax reform and eliminating all taxes on Social Security, tips and overtime and I will oppose any type of wealth taxes.

Additionally, I will work with anyone to fully restore local control of all zoning decisions to Connecticut's towns and municipalities. The residents of Fairfield know best how to maintain the character of their town, not bureaucrats in Hartford.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

In order to reduce energy costs Connecticut must increase the supply of power. I support using all available power generation methods including wind, solar, nuclear, or oil and natural gas. Connecticut already operates Millstone, one of the largest nuclear power plants in New England, and expanding its' output is a sensible option. Additionally, Connecticut must work with the Federal Government and the other New England states to compel New York State to allow completion of the Constitution Pipeline which would increase the supply of natural gas coming directly from Pennsylvania.

Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

Affordability needs to be addressed through property tax reform, as well as eliminating all taxes on Social Security, tips and overtime. Additionally, reducing utility rates by increasing Connecticut's power supply will also help.

However, the best thing Connecticut can do to address affordability is to attract good-paying jobs to the State. No government program and no level of government subsidies will make life more affordable in Connecticut in the long run. Only good-paying jobs that provide people the income they need can make life affordable.

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

I spent 40 years working in the private sector, the last 25 in the financial services industry. I understand what it means to deliver results and measure success. I intend to apply that experience to my approach to serving as State Representative.

I also served two terms as a representative on the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting. This experience has given me a view into how our State and local government works, while helping me understand the issues that directly affect Fairfield. Finally, I served for two years as president of the Southport Woods Condominium Association demonstrating that my neighbors had faith in my leadership and common sense judgement.

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

Connecticut has been my home for the better part of the last 27 years. During that time there have been a lot of changes in our State, some good, some not so good. We have lived through hurricanes, blizzards, stock market crashes, inflation and pandemics. As Nutmeggers we have always done the sensible things to see us through.

Like many of you I was too busy to pay much attention to the goings-on in our State Capitol, and like you, I had a life to lead. Lately though, I see a State Government that is becoming more and more detached from the people it represents. There is less common sense and more ideological nonsense in Hartford.

I am a recently retired financial services professional who has spent the last forty years trying to earn a living for his family. I'm not a politician and don't aspire to be one. I only want to do my part to make the lives of everyone in Connecticut, and especially those in Fairfield, better and more affordable and I think the best way for me to do that is bring my experience and common sense to Hartford.