GRANBY, CT — Democrat Kim Becker is seeking the 62nd House District seat, with state school funding, property taxes and electric bills among her priorities.
Becker, a Granby selectwoman, is challenging Republican state Rep. Mark W. Anderson. 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:
Kim Becker
What office are you seeking?
State Representative
Age:
55
District:
62
Party:
Democratic
Campaign website:
Occupation:
Granby Selectwoman
Family:
My husband Chris and I have been together for 31 years and have two adult children. My eldest child recently graduated from college and the youngest is a college student. We moved to Granby to be close to my family, especially my father, stepmother, and brother.
Does anyone in your family work in government?
No one else in my family has served in politics or government.
Previous public office:
I serve on Granby's Board of Selectmen and as a Justice of the Peace. I served previously on Granby's Commission on Aging.
Why are you seeking this office?
Much of my adult life has been purposefully spent uplifting community and centering people to solve problems and build strong foundations now and for the future. Government at all levels needs mission-driven people who understand their communities' needs and hopes, who will collaborate with others to find solutions, and who will drive implementation to benefit those who matter most — our constituents, ALL of them.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
As I speak to people throughout the 62nd district, taxes are a huge concern for most. At the same time, our public schools are burdened with unstable and inadequate state funding. Municipalities across the state had difficulty passing their budgets due to real fears about rising mill rates coupled with rising household costs like food, gasoline, and heating oil. Many seniors want to support our schools but feel the crunch of ever increasing bills and property taxes. By fully funding the state's portion of the ECS grant, schools would have the funding they need to educate our children and pay our teachers, as well as stabilize our property taxes.
With the blue ribbon education commission due to give its recommendations on January 15, I want to ensure that the 62nd and other small towns are at the table as these issues are discussed and the funding structure developed into a bill. In addition, the commission will have special education recommendations that will impact small towns differently than larger communities. Small town voices must be heard as the legislature redesigns these important pieces of our communities and town budgets. As your state representative, I will fight for equitable funding and a special education plan that addresses the challenges our communities face.
Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?
Diversifying our energy sources is needed to bring the cost of our Eversource bills down. This means investments in renewable energy such as solar and wind to reduce the state's dependence on natural gas. The chaos from the federal government makes this task harder but not impossible. For example, Connecticut successfully fought to finish the Revolution wind project that will be operating at full capacity shortly.
Additionally, Eversource must pay for much needed grid upgrades and maintenance. Ratepayers cannot continue to subsidize Eversource's business plan as they "earn" record profits for their shareholders and executives. PURA must hold Eversource accountable to ratepayers and ensure that Eversource is providing good service now and building for the future, including the grid's capacity to online solar and renewables. I will work hard to bring the "public" back to "public utility".
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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 isn't a buzz word, it's the reality in a high cost state with the added pressures rising gas, food, heating oil, mortgage, and other costs. The federal government cutting funding for healthcare, SNAP, and other vital programs leaves Connecticut with a $2 billion shortfall and our residents without needed supports and services.
The state needs to strategically use the $500 million fund set aside to offset some of the federal cuts. For example, investing in our residents' food stability and healthcare will help keep people healthier, provide access to needed medications, and allow people to see their doctors rather than going to the (incredibly costly) emergency room in crisis.
The legislature and the Governor also need to work together to provide tax relief in the form of pausing taxes on necessities like food and gasoline. A little extra in people's pockets can mean better meals, paying off a bill, or having enough for medical copays. It's also an acknowledgement that times are tough right now and the federal government's cuts are hurting our residents, especially seniors, children, and veterans. These will be difficult decisions to make and our communities deserve a voice in that process. As your state representative, I will work hard address the affordability issues that our families are facing.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Here in Granby, I had a proven track record of public service and leadership long before I was elected to the Board of Selectmen. I have worked tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for our students and town with the Granby Education Foundation, reported about the Board of Education for the Granby Drummer, and lead a new compliance program at Valley Pre-School when my kids were there. After my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, my focus shifted to our seniors, and I joined the Granby Commission on Aging, Granby Ambulance Association, and currently lead Granby Homes for Senior Citizens which operates Stony Hill Village. I am also honored to be a founding board member of the new Farmington Valley Food Co-op in New Hartford.
These roles enlightened and prepared me to step into elected office. Being a State Representative requires the ability to learn and ask questions as well as work collaboratively across the aisle. The most important job though is to advocate for what benefits our residents and fight legislation that negatively impacts our small towns. I speak to people on their doorsteps and at the grocery store and listen to public comments during town meetings. I know your worries and hardships are real and ever-present in this turbulent era.
We need representation that puts people first and protects and improves what is special in our towns: our farms & small businesses, our schools & libraries, our natural environment & the wild and scenic Farmington River. I ask for your vote so I can continue to serve our communities with you and your family at the center of my advocacy.
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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