Candidate Profile: Bryan Neil Anderson, 119th District

MILFORD, 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 and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Bryan Neil Anderson, a Milford resident is running for House of Representatives District 119.

Age: 65

Party affiliation: Democratic Party, Independent Party of CT, & CT Working Families Party

Occupation: Retired NYC Educator, (15 years), Small Business owner (2 years), Former REALTOR

Previous elected experience: Milford Alderman (2011-2019), New Haven Alder (Westville)

Campaign website: Bryan4Us2020.com

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

COVID is the most pressing problem immediately before us, because of its impact on the economy, our health and our loved ones, on education and our schools, and the decisions we make on a daily basis. Through prudent measures adopted by the Governor and the Democratic majority, the state’s Rainy Day Fund not only is intact and available coming out of this pandemic, but last year’s budget ended in a surplus as well. As Milford alderman, I’ve earned a record for year-after-year tax cuts. I will be looking to represent Milford and Orange with the same mindset. How we respond to Climate Change and the need for environmental sustainability is our longer-term challenge, but we don’t have much time.

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

I was honored to have been elected four times by residents of Milford’s Fifth District. I worked hard to communicate with my constituents, and to represent their priorities. From opposing the Pond Point 8-30g and working to change the Affordable Housing statutes to creation of an Open Space management position and cost savings of LED streetlights, I have had an influence on nearly all of the major policy decisions in Milford over the last decade. People know that I work diligently to tackle our challenges, communicate with constituents, and work to get results. I will take that work ethic to Hartford.

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

I advocated tax cuts and voted four times to cut the municipal budget in an attempt to slow the growth of local government so that people could afford to continue to live in their homes, especially retirees. As Public Works Chair, we paved miles of roads and installed sidewalks every year. I’ve worked to preserve Open Space and voted to improve parks, beaches, and recreational areas. I sponsored aldermanic legislation that protected our historic properties, secure public safety, preserve open space, and improve our schools. I will partner with constituents to have a similar impact in Hartford on their behalf.

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

I do. Clearly, there are differences in the response of the two largest electric companies, Eversource and UI, along with the interests of their shareholders and costs that are passed on to ratepayers. Residents are suffering from sticker shock, and feel they have little or no control over what they pay. As a state, residents need relief from ever-increasing costs of energy production and distribution. There will continue to be environmental challenges tied to climate, and unless we make decisions to create successful sustainable programs such as wind, solar, micro grids, and municipal options, costs will continue to rise.

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

There is a surplus beyond the Rainy Day cap which will be used to contribute to Teachers Retirement and state pension obligations. As residents know, every year there is a projected budget deficit. Unanticipated Wall Street earnings help to close that gap. Coming out of the COVID pandemic, aid to small businesses in the form of forgivable loans, tax credits for hiring new employees beyond the pre-COVID employment roster, the state using its authority to investigate supply chain slowdowns, and suspending certain fees would support recovering and reopening businesses. As a small business owner and former REALTOR, I am committed to being an advocate for Orange and Milford businesses.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I taught elementary and middle school children for 15 years in the Bronx, and commuted daily between Milford and NYC on I-95. Education and providing our families with the resources they need to make the best decisions for children will be Priority #1. Flexibility within a predictable framework is key. Transportation and an expansion of rail, bus, and air will define our economic future. My campaign welcomes support from those who feel marginalized. Our strength as a community comes from embracing the contributions of all who want to offer their time and talents.

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

Unlike my opponent who has voted 95% of the time with her party, is encumbered by her employment with the City of Milford, and is hesitant to share her views about issues affecting Milford and Orange, I will be an Independent leader for those whom I’d be honored to represent. I am proud to be the nominee of Independents, Democrats and the Working Families Party. I have always enjoyed Republican support, and this election is no different. I will work to find consensus on issues across partisan differences.