CT Patch Candidate Profile: Peter Sherr For 151st House District

GREENWICH, 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, plus one U.S. Senate seat, 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.

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

Peter Sherr, a Greenwich resident, is running for State Representative in the 151st House District.

Campaign website

https://petersherr.com

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

BA - Poli Sci, University of Connecticut & MBA -Finance, New York University

Occupation

Software Company Executive

Family

Married to Karen for 30 years and have 3 children - Audrey, Hayden and Georgia

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

58

Previous public office, appointive or elective

12 Years - Greenwich Board of Education (2009 to 2021). Elected 3 times.
4 Years - Greenwich Representative Town Meeting. Elected 2 times.

Why are you seeking this office?

I love Connecticut and have been dismayed by the economic and demographic decline in the state over the last three decades. The state has become unaffordable for many families particularly the young and old. Many of the causes are poor policy choices made by our government in Hartford. We have had one-party rule for decades and are now ranked at the bottom in many national economic and social measures.

I'm certain we can restore Connecticut to the vibrant and growing economy and society it once was. If we get our economic house in order, strengthen K-12 education, make our communities safe, and return decision making to our towns and cities, we can thrive again. I'm running to make this happen and stand up for my community.

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

Fix Connecticut's Economy and Taxes. Many Greenwich households have been crushed by the failures of the Biden Economic Program - Inflation, 401k declines, exploding interest rates, and rising taxes. Governor Lamont's tax increases have only made the situation worse.

To spark economic growth and provide relief to families, I would flatten and reduce the income tax, eliminate bottom 200 taxes that only generate 0.22% of state revenues, eliminate the car tax, and enforce the balanced budget law. I will also work to block the Democrat plan for a new statewide property tax.

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

My focus is economic growth, strengthening K-12 education, tackling rising crime, and maintaining local control of zoning and development.

The Democrats stated priorities are reproductive health, banning guns, and expanding energy restrictions for climate action, and social justice reforms.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Open seat with no incumbent.

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

I am also very concerned about the Hartford Democrat majority's comfort and demonstrated propensity to restrict free speech and individual liberties. Connecticut Yankees have always been a pragmatic and independent people who respected and championed the founders original principles. It's what has made Connecticut the great state that it is. We need to preserve these principles and values.

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

I've served as an elected volunteer for almost 20 years in Greenwich. Meanwhile, I've been leading groups of people to business success for more than 25 years.

Working with others in Greenwich Schools, we built new schools, invested to modernize learning, and set clear strategies to improve our schools for all Greenwich children. This only happens if one is a principled, thoughtful, collaborative and fearless advocate that focuses only on results. This is my record.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

First, be humble and listen. Then, advocate strongly.

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

My positions are mainstream at the center of the Greenwich community. I've always been clear that elected government means representing your constituents and not advancing any personal agenda. I'm also clear that I would not be elected to represent a political party or the rest of Connecticut. The job is representing and advocating for the citizens and neighbors of the 151st District. Period.