CT Patch Candidate Profile: Stephen Meskers For 150th State House District

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 3 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and city.

Stephen Meskers is running for the 150th State House District, which covers a portion of Greenwich.

Candidate's Name:

Stephen Meskers

What office are you seeking?

Connecticut State house representative for the 150th district

Age:

68

District:

150th District

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://stevemeskers.com

Occupation:

Retired Banker

Family:

I have three children and a spouse. My children are Christian age 33. Victoria31 and Isabel aged 29.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No, none of my children or my spouse are affiliated with government work or politics

Previous public office:

I have served for approximately 20 years with the RTM in Greenwich

Why are you seeking this office?

It represents a unique time in my life, the opportunity to give back. To serve my community.

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

The long-term issue is the cost of energy. Needs to resolved with use of nuclear solar, wind storage and potentially a new gas pipeline to reduce the kilowatt charge per hour. Current rates are too high, and it represents a burden for industry and manufacturing. It also negatively impacts residential consumers and affordability is a key issue for the. The problem is that there are no quick fixes to our energy constraints but at the margin there’s a lot to be done. That have long-term benefits.

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

We need to take a multi brand approach two energy and recognize that the problem did not occur overnight and the solution is a couple of years in the making. I believe my answer in prior answer explains my approach..

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

Most of the rising gods are direct result of tariffs an imported goods and services that raises the price of car repairs they raise the prep price of steel and all the inputs and construction. The other pressing issue is healthcare. We’re spending two or three times what they spend in Europe with similar outcomes and yet we seem wet to system that doesn’t impose cost constraints on or pharmaceutical companies and when I talk to residence with high achieving children, the stress difficulty of entering medical school is absurd we constraining the number of doctors were limiting service up our cost in that area as well. That’s the local level. I will strive to shift some of the burdens in the electric bill into the general fund in order to reduce the public benefits charge which coincidentally currently is currently negative because of our long-term contract for nuclear energy and the rising price of oil given the Middle East conflict. Ultimately, we need the federal government to engage in sponsoring the construction of nuclear power more gas, pipelines, and subsidies akin to what was done in the 1930 and 40’s with the Tennessee Valley electric authority.

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

I was able to successfully negotiate to increase the reimbursements for school construction from the state to our town, returning money to our residence. I was able to work with my coach of commerce to push forward a new transfer act which is released based and should allow for economic development throughout the state on properties that were formally locked in environmental reviews with no resolution.

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

Despite a lot of partisan, rhetoric at election time I’m dedicated to reach across the aisle. Every bill I brought forth on the commerce committee has had broad bipartisan support.. I’m ever conscious that the job is a privilege and an honor to serve you my constituents. I’m grateful that you entrust me with this responsibility and I take it seriously. This is the most rewarding job I’ve had in my life.