Candidate Profile: Tony Gennaro, 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.

Tony Gennaro, a Middletown resident, is running for election to the House of Representatives District 100.

Age: 43

Party affiliation: Republican Party

Family: Father of 3 to Michael (14) Addyson (12) & Anthony (10)

Occupation: Police Officer 20 years. Served in numerous positions. FTO, SRO, Detective Evidence Officer

Previous elected experience: City Common Council / Deputy Minority Leader

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

Making CT a better place to work, live and raise a family and retaining residents from leaving because of high cost and tax burdens. We need to grow the tax base, reduce taxes and get investors to want to come here again. Surrounding states have flattened taxes while CT is still increasing.

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

Experience. I am not one sided in party ideals and will bring a pragmatic approach to solving issues help stop partisan politics.

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

My experience as a police officer, detective and SRO and my experience serving as a council member/ Deputy Minority Leader. I’ve served in many different capacities and commissions from economic development to finance and government to help provide support to community and business. My history and experience helps me understand and be in tune to what the community needs. Education, health and the safety and welfare of the community is very important for a city to grow and prosper.

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

Yes. Oversight needs to happen and by experts who can expose the problems so we can determine how to correct the issues and provide effective services and affordable rates.

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

Businesses need to be helped to stay in business. My experiences on economic development provided loans to businesses which kept them afloat and provided rates affordable enough to help them remain in business and grow.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I will put people before politics and do the right thing for the right reason, so we can always back the outcomes with positive bipartisan support.

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

I’m fiscally conservative, and pro Public Safety in schools and our communities. I'm for supporting education and our teachers. I’m for lowering taxes, however doing so by being efficient enough to Maintain the level of services people expect. I’m pro business and economic development to help our city grow in a manner that will benefit the community for decades to come.

See also: Candidate Profile: Quentin 'Q' Phipps, 100th District