GRANBY, CT — Republican state Rep. Mark W. Anderson is seeking reelection in the 62nd House District, with property taxes, electricity costs and health care expenses among the issues he addressed in Patch's candidate questionnaire.
Anderson, a retired Army Reserve officer and Army civilian, faces Democrat Kim Becker, a Granby selectwoman. The district includes Granby, Barkhamsted, Hartland and New Hartford. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Here are the candidate's responses to Patch's questionnaire.
Candidate's Name:
Mark W. Anderson
What office are you seeking?
State Representative
Age:
65
District:
62nd House District
Party:
Republican
Campaign website:
https://www.Mark4ct.us
Occupation:
Retired Army Reserve Officer and Army Civilian
Family:
Mark resides in Granby with his wife Carole and her daughter Leanna. Together we have three daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren (#6 due this month!).
Does anyone in your family work in government?
Not applicable.
Previous public office:
President, Indian Orchard Citizens Council (Massachusetts)
Why are you seeking this office?
Following my Army career, I felt called to continue public service as an elected official.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
The number one issue in Connecticut is affordability. This is evidenced most notabily in high property and car taxes. To take the pressure off property and car taxes, I have consistently supported shifting more funding to town education aid.
Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?
Electricity bills should not be used for hidden taxes paid by ratepayers. These hidden charges support more expensive energy sources and subsidize those who cannot or do not pay their bills. Rather than use the electricity bill to tax, the legislature should debate these policies openly. Unrealistic carbon reduction goals are driving up both the public benefit and supply portions of electric bills. For long term grid resilience, electricity produced by natural gas and nuclear energy remain part of the solution. As solar and wind energy costs come down, these can be significant part of the mix, but need to stand on their own without subsidies hidden in the electricity bill.
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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 needs to be the first consideration in all proposed legislation. Property taxes and electricity have already been mentioned. For health insurance, we need to stop adding coverage mandates and allow association health plans as an alternative to polices offered on the exchange. The certificate of need law, which reduces the supply of health care, should be repealed.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have represented the 62nd District for 6 years/3 terms. Responsiveness to constituents that are dealing with state agencies has been foremost among my priorities. I have consistently fought for affordability, defended the rural character of the district, and championed individual liberty and economic freedom.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
All four towns of the district host a portion of the upper or lower federally-designated Wild and Scenic Farmington River, including Salmon Brook. I am proud of three bills that I introduced or cosponsored, that all passed, to help protect this waterway. This past session, I co-chaired the Vegetated Riparian Buffers Working Group to help formulate policies to better protect all waterways in Connecticut.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
Editor's note: Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues facing the state. The responses below were submitted by the candidate and reflect the candidate's views.
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