CT Patch Candidate Profile: Frank Smith 118th District

MILFORD, 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.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Incumbent Frank Smith, 67, of Milford is running for the 118th State House district.

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Democratic

Education: Bachelor’s

Occupation: State Rep

Family

Married to Diane D. Smith
5 children, 5 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Son in government relations

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, State Representative, Milford Alderman, various appointed boards and commissions.

Why are you seeking this office?

To best serve as an advocate and representative of my community in the State Capitol.

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

Environmental climate change. Seek to accelerate environmental protections and remediation including coastal resiliency projects and renewable energy

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

Assign a greater emphasis to climate change and environmental measures, protecting women’s right to reproductive choice, secure and free access to voting,

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

Bi-partisan enhancement of civics education. Animal protection. Locally directed affordable housing planning. Reduced reliance on property taxes.

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

Years of local advocacy and responsive constituent service. Record of bi-partisan collaboration and accomplishment. Long service to environmental, animal rights, historic preservation, library and public improvement causes.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always seek advice from your elders.

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

I come to this office in retirement in order to devote all my time to representing the district and my constituents.