Candidate Profile: Erik Smith, 118th 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.

Erik Smith, a Milford resident is running for House of Representatives District 118.

Age: 42

Party affiliation: Republican Party

Family: Parents are Calvin Smith Jr and Marie Smith. Sister Michelle (Smith) McAvoy and brother-in-law Tim, plus a niece and nephew.

Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Family members in government: No

Campaign website: SmithforMilford.com

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

Connecticut’s most pressing issue is affordability. As a real estate agent, I have spent my career working closely and talking with families. On many occasions, I sit with them at their kitchen tables, discussing their real estate needs; and more often than not, the conversation turns to how difficult it is for them to live in Connecticut. They comment on the high taxes, stagnant economy, and companies moving out of the state.

In this new COVID-impacted world, these issues have now become a crisis. When elected, I will stand up against the constant tax increases. The last two administrations have burdened the people with historic tax increases. A top priority of mine is to have Connecticut become a more business-friendly state so that we can experience job growth rather than job stagnation. We need to show our businesses that Connecticut is their ally so that they will stay here long-term. For too long, Connecticut has had one solution—raising taxes on the people and businesses. This path has led us to failure. It is time for new voices and new solutions so that we can make a better Connecticut.

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

I bring a new and independent voice to the table, which our state desperately needs. For too long, our state politicians have had one-party control. Hartford severely lacks the alternative viewpoints that come from differing parties. All voices need to be represented at our state capital if we hope to find better bi-partisan solutions.

As the Republican and Independent Party candidate, I will bring a new, independent approach to our state. In my career, I work closely with people from all walks of life; because of this, I am highly qualified to navigate the variety of challenges I am sure to face in Hartford. I will work to restore the balance our state is currently lacking so that we can find better solutions.

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

I bring a unique and diverse background of experience. Before my career as a full-time real estate agent, I spent nearly 15-years working in the corporate environment, where I developed many of the skills that have led me to success.

As a marketing manager, I was responsible for maintaining and forecasting multi-million dollar marketing budgets. During my time in the corporate environment, I am most proud of balancing my full-time career while also attending Fairfield University as a full-time MBA graduate student.
Also, as a real estate agent, I work directly with families. I understand the impact and stress that buying or selling a home has on their lives.

That is why I take my job as seriously as I do. During my real estate career, I have won many awards. In both 2019 and 2018, I was a recipient of Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Circle Club award, which recognizes the top 6% of agents internationally. In 2017, I received Coldwell Banker’s International Sterling Society award. The acknowledgment I am most proud of was in 2015 when I received Weichert Realtor’s regional “Rookie of the Year” award. This award showed me that I was ready on day one for a thriving career in the real estate industry.

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

I share with so many the frustration of ever-increasing electric bills. There are many contributing factors as to why we have had such massive increases, and we need to examine each one.
Connecticut has some of the highest electric rates in the country. Reducing this burden on our residents needs to be a top priority moving forward. We need the state and the electric companies to work together to find solutions.

State and local governments need to work together to find areas to bury new electric lines, as well as replace old ones wherever possible. These steps will go far in reducing the impacts from storms, such as Tropical Storm Isaias, that struck this past summer, causing too many people to go days without power.

Our state government also needs to examine its policies that have placed restrictions on the electric companies and how these restrictions have led to residents paying premium rates. Our state needs to take into account steps to protect our environment, while also thinking about the impact it has on our residents. Especially seniors that are on fixed incomes.

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

People and businesses desperately need a more affordable Connecticut. I strongly support rolling back the unnecessary tax increases that Democrat-led lawmakers have placed on the people.
We must eliminate taxes on groceries and PPE supplies. In a COVID-world, we should not be taxing items that keep us safe and healthy. We also need to roll back the burdensome taxes and regulations which disproportionately harm small businesses. Our small-business friends have suffered immense monetary losses during the lockdown. Many small business owners have invested their whole livelihoods into their business, and it is up to the state to help them recover.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Law & Order:

I stand in solidarity with our police officers who selflessly run into harm’s way to keep our community safe. I was honored and humbled to receive the endorsement from the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police. I strongly oppose state lawmakers stripping away police officers’ Qualified Immunity. Politicians have subjected our police officers to the possibility of frivolous lawsuits.

Transportation:

NO TOLLS!!! Our roads and bridges are in desperate need of repair. For too long, state lawmakers have raided the Special Transportation Fund so they can finance their pet projects. We must stop this behavior. We must spend the funds in the SPF the way it was originally intended—on transportation. I will never support tolls as another tax revenue for politicians, burdening the people of Connecticut with yet another tax.

Protect the Long Island Sound:

As a person that grew up in Milford and lived here my entire life, I have a great appreciation for and love of the Sound. We must take proactive measures to protect the Long Island Sound. In doing so, we can ensure that our sea life continues to flourish and our future generations can enjoy the water as much as we do today.

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

I will be a true independent voice and will work to pass bipartisan legislation. My only priority will be to find solutions that are best for the people of Connecticut.