Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Pat Boyd, 50th House District

MANSFIELD, 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.

Pat Boyd, a Pomfret (House District is 7 Towns including Mansfield) resident, is running for State Representative 50th House District

Campaign website

https://www.BoydForCT.com

Party affiliation

Democratic Party

Education

B.A - Eastern Connecticut State University, M.A. Sacred Heart University

Occupation

Dean of Students & Teacher (19 Years)

Family

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

Age

41

Previous public office, appointive or elective

State Representative (2017-Present)
Member, Fire District Board of Directors, Pomfret (2015-Present)
Deputy Emergency Management Director, Pomfret (2014-Present)

Why are you seeking this office?

Since joining the Legislature in 2017, we have implemented some of the most significant reforms that have improved the fiscal health of Connecticut. At the same time, we have provided tax relief to the middle class and retirees and worked to modernize state services. Over the years, the Quiet Corner has been underrepresented. Since taking office, I have worked hard to change that. Still, much more work is needed, and I welcome the challenge and want to return to Hartford to build on past success and move forward with other priorities to grow Northeastern Connecticut and make it more affordable.

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

The single most pressing issue facing Connecticut is inflation and its effect on the economy. This year we have suspended the gas tax, offered a significant Child Tax rebate to the middle class, removed income tax collections on Social Security and certain retirement income, and curbed the cost of healthcare, including putting a cap on insulin. All in an attempt to put more money back in the pockets of residents. More must be done, including the suspension of the tax on diesel fuel and the repeal of the highway use tax. Long-term affordability is essential to make Connecticut an attractive alternative compared to New England's other high-tax states.

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

I have experience and a clear record of getting things done. Since first going to Hartford six years ago, I have worked to bring people together to solve complex problems. My skillset as an Educator, Non-Profit Business Operator & Emergency Manager has served me well in the State House.

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

I am the incumbent

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

Economic Development, Affordability, Protecting Community Health and Public Safety, Supporting Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Dairy Farming, Preserving Open Space and Farmland, and Access to affordable Healthcare in Rural Connecticut.

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

On the local level serving on the Fire District Board, we lowered the mill rate, and retired debt, while adequately funding operations and planning for the future. I have brought this approach to Hartford over the last six years. I have been a key player in preventing tax increases and had a direct hand in establishing major fiscal reforms that have improved Connecticut's fiscal health. I have served as the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs for the last two years. In that role, I have worked successfully with Democrats, Republicans, and the administration to support Veterans and our active-duty Military personnel across Connecticut.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

As a Boy Scout, I was taught to "Be Prepared," and that motto has served me well in life.

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

I believe that most Americans are politically center-right or center-left. As a centrist or moderate, I have found the work is done in the middle. That's where collaboration and compromise take place to make effective policy that will serve the most, the best.