Patch Candidate Profile: John Kissel For 7th Senate

EAST GRANBY/GRANBY, CT — Republican state Sen. John A. Kissel is seeking reelection in the 7th Senate District, with affordability, school funding and utility costs among the issues he addressed in Patch’s candidate questionnaire.

Kissel faces Democrat David Kiner. The district includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield and Windsor Locks, along with parts of Ellington, Granby and Windsor. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Here are the candidate’s responses to Patch’s questionnaire.

Candidate's Name:

John A. Kissel

What office are you seeking?

State Senator

Age:

67

District:

7th District

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://johnkisselforsenate.com

Occupation:

Attorney

Family:

Sons Nathaniel and Tristan

Does anyone in your family work in government?

no

Previous public office:

State Senator 1993-Present

Why are you seeking this office?

I care passionately about public service to the community and helping to make their lives better.

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

Affordability is one of the biggest concerns I hear from residents across the 7th District. Connecticut needs to do more to help taxpayers, homeowners, and local businesses manage rising costs.

I will continue to fight for more state funding for our local schools, including special education, so towns are not forced to rely so heavily on property tax increases to cover rising expenses. I also support tax relief that allows residents to keep more of their hard-earned money, along with efforts to reduce unnecessary regulations that drive up costs for businesses and consumers.

We must also be responsible with taxpayer dollars, eliminate wasteful spending, and make sure state government is using its resources effectively. My goal is to help make Connecticut more affordable while strengthening our communities and giving residents and businesses a better opportunity to succeed.

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

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. However, that does not mean that I step back entirely. Just this year, I voted in the Senate to remove your community benefits charge from your bill and put it in the general fund. The majority voted that down. I will continue to fight for this.

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

I believe government should spend responsibly, respect taxpayers, and keep Connecticut affordable. Every bill should be evaluated for its impact on affordability, and the state must rebase the Education Cost Sharing Grant to better support our towns and taxpayers.

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

During this past legislative session, I introduced and successfully passed legislation unanimously approving the transfer of three acres of state-owned land to the Town of Somers, with the town responsible only for transaction costs. This land will allow for the construction of a communications tower to improve emergency communications for first responders serving Somers and Enfield.

I also introduced three additional bills that were successfully passed into law, addressing important issues involving public safety, consumer protection, and fairness.

• Public Act 26-5: Makes performing female genital mutilation on a minor a felony offense. This legislation passed unanimously in both chambers.
• Public Act 26-119: Establishes digital defrauding as a criminal offense, providing greater protection against digital exploitation and fraud. This legislation passed both chambers with only one dissenting vote.
• Public Act 26-92: Requires the Department of Correction to return the remaining balance of an inmate's trust account within two weeks of release, ensuring individuals receive their funds in a timely manner. This legislation also passed both chambers with only one dissenting vote.

These laws reflect my commitment to addressing real issues, protecting individuals, and working across party lines to pass meaningful legislation.

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

I am a faithful watchdog of your precious tax dollars and rights.

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.