Candidate Profile: Quentin ‘Q’ Phipps, 100th District

MIDDLETOWN, 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.

Quentin "Q" Phipps, a Middletown resident, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives District 100.

Age: 36

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Occupation: Director of Advocacy and Policy for Excellence Community Schools, 6 years and Adjunct Professor at University of Hartford, 1 year

Previous elected experience:Ct House, 100th District

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/qphip...

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

Keeping everyone healthy and providing resources for quality, affordable healthcare.

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

I have an extensive history of working with community and charitable organizations and take great pride in my involvement in each. I've served on the Middlesex Substance Abuse Action Council Board of Directors and as an active member in Cross Street Zion A.M.E.Church, The Community Foundation of Middlesex County Live Local Give Local 365 Fund, and the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Alliance. I am a former Columbus House (formerly Red Cross) Chocolate to the Rescue event Chair. I have also served on the board of directors for Middlesex United Way, Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, Middlesex Historical Society, Mount Saint John Academy, Middletown Racial Justice Coalition (steering committee), and was president of the Connecticut Young Democrats.

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

In my inaugural term, I've continued to work collaboratively to pass an array of bills including: early voting, paid family medical leave, raising the minimum wage, and the elimination of state income tax on social security benefits. My office takes pride in providing assistance with: Workforce Development, Healthcare Access, Senior Care, Resources for Youth, and Transportation and Infrastructure.

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

Our community greatly relies on secure, affordable, and consistent delivery of energy to communicate with loved ones, work, and keep to valuable food and medicine safe. Eversource failed our community and it’s long overdue in investigating how Connecticut’s public utilities are delivered equitably, sustainably, and fairly priced.

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

We should be investing in our local independent businesses through grants and low-cost lending.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Helping our businesses rebuild our economy and get people back to work; Supporting our schools to make science-based decisions that protect students and staff; Expanding voting rights through automatic voter registration, ending prison gerrymandering, and absentee voting for parolees; Making affordable high-quality health care available to everyone.

See also: Candidate Profile: Tony Gennaro, 100th District