Candidate Profile: Steve Meskers 150th District

GREENWICH, CT — The 2020 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 presidential 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 with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.

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

Steve Meskers, a Greenwich resident, is running for State Representative 150th District.

Age: 62

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: My wife of 31 years, Monica, and my three children: Christian, Victoria and Isabel; they are all graduates of our public school system.

Occupation: Retired international banker (35 years)

Previous elected experience: RTM member for 18 years/State Rep 2 years

Family members in government: No

Campaign website: stevemeskers.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Economic growth and sound fiscal management. I sit on the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee and was rewarded with the position of Vice-chair because of my extensive financial background. I have worked to promote economic development and tax credits to encourage urban redevelopment. That is the key to resolving our financial challenges, the state economy needs faster growth. I have work to reduce electric surcharges particularly from our most vulnerable residents. I am advocating for a reordering of the rate payer based system at Eversource to lower distribution charges and change the metrics on how rate are adjudicated with Eversource and PURA (the public regulatory authority).

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

My focus is one of constituent service in both 18 years of local service on the RTM and these two years of legislative service at the CT State House of Representatives. I am advocate for our schools and their budgets. My opponent chose to support cuts to that budget. Most importantly I am able to engage with the executive office of the governor as a member of the majority party and deliver solution to my constituents. I have a seat at the table to influence policy where others may not be able to.

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

I was able to defend my town interests when we had the threat of barges off our shoreline. That I achieved with the help of our federal officials, the Department of Environmental Protection and our governor. I have helped all our non-profits in dealing with COVID-related challenges. I have personally resolved multiple cases on unemployment insurance issues. I think I have delivered a strong level of service to my constituents.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?

We need a full reform on the metrics for approving utility distribution rates. There is a breakdown in responsiveness to the individuals in our state and to our town leaders. We saw that in the last storm. There is a lack of accountability to ratepayers was obvious to me. We have allowed them to give to high a priority to shareholders. The metrics for both rewards (the electric charges we pay) and the dividends and pay of executives need to vary based on the level of quality service. The current construct leaves my constituent at the end of the line resulting in high costs and mediocre service.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

We need to streamline government regulation actively market our state to the influx of executives exiting the NYC market and hold the line on taxes or reduce where possible as the tri-state area will surely raise theirs. Given their huge operating deficits contrasted with our record 3 billion reserve fund we are well positioned to weather the economic impact of COVID. We will need to reduce spending, but we are starting from an enviable position versus our surrounding states.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I was a banker for 35 years I understand commerce and the need to grow our state economy. I also believe a progressive agenda on social issues is not in conflict with that. A pro-growth strategy is what we need now to lift the tide in our cities and reduce the reliance of Fairfield County as the tax base for the state.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe this job as State Representative is the most wonderful job I have ever held. I love the constituent engagement and personal help I was able to render. I feel very honored to serve and it would be a great honor to be allowed to serve again.