Candidate Profile: Mike Demicco, 21st House District

FARMINGTON, 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 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 over Republicans in the House, 97-54, and in the Senate, 24-12.

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

Democratic state Rep. Mike Demicco, D-Farmington, is running for another term in the House of Representatives, 21st House District. He is running against GOP challenger Joe Capodiferro.

The House seat serves much of Farmington, but not all of it.

Age: 64

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Legislator--Connecticut General Assembly--10 years

Education: Bachelor of Arts —College of Social Studies —Wesleyan University

Previous elected/appointed experience: State Representative: 2013 to present. Farmington Town Council member: 2006-2013.

Family: Wife, Brenda. Married for 35 years. Two grown daughters, Emily and Katie.

Campaign website: https://DemiccoForCT.com

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My wife has been a State of Connecticut employee for over 30 years.

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe that elected officials have a solemn responsibility: to work every day to make people's lives better. I believe I have fulfilled that responsibility with integrity, compassion and a balanced approach to legislating and would like to continue to serve my constituents in that capacity.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the erosion of trust in government. The "blurring of lines" between fact and fiction, no matter what the issue, has led to cynicism about government's ability to address our problems, distrust between neighbors and a coarsening of our political process. I will continue to demand from myself, my colleagues, my rivals and my constituents, a strict adherence to the truth and a commitment to work for the common good.

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

I believe I have a record of accomplishment for my district and the state that cannot be matched by my competitors.

This would include bringing millions of dollars to Farmington in the form of municipal aid, education funding, grant money, bonding money and reimbursement dollars for special projects (such as the new Farmington High School).

In addition, my colleagues and I have consistently balanced the state budget, maximized the "rainy day" fund, paid down significantly on legacy debt obligations and provided tax relief for parents (child tax credit), homeowners (property tax credit), car owners (gas tax suspension), and senior citizens (phase-out of taxes on pension and social security income).

For workers, we have increased the minimum wage, enacted paid family and medical leave, banned gender and age discrimination, expanded workforce development programs and increased retirement security.

For children and families, we have protected reproductive rights, protected marriage equality, expanded protections for domestic violence victims, enhanced gun safety, enhanced access to quality child care, increased funding for school security and expanded behavioral health and addiction services.

For patients, we have expanded insurance reimbursement for telehealth services, preventative screenings, and women's health services.

For voters, we have increased access and safety.

For those with disabilities, we have expanded employment opportunities, housing opportunities, day services and health care access.

For public safety, we have increased funding for police training, equipment, mental health services and enacted juvenile justice reforms.

For the environment, we have increased incentives for recycling, adopted stricter "clean energy" goals for transportation, building construction, and energy production, promoted renewable energy sources and provided funding for climate change resilience and adaptation.

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

I intend to focus on my record of accomplishment (detailed above), and on the pressing issues of the future.

These include: protecting reproductive rights, ensuring that election results are accepted, promoting gun safety, protecting public health, advancing climate change resilience, incentivizing renewable energy, providing affordable housing, advancing clean transportation, promoting business retention and expansion, providing meaningful tax relief, and making health insurance, prescription drugs and higher education affordable for all.

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

(See detailed list of accomplishments in answer to a previous question.)

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be honest, be compassionate, work hard.

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

I truly believe that public service is a noble profession, and that government, at its best, can do great things to help people. I appreciate the trust that my constituents have placed in me.