CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jeffrey Parkin For 118th House 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.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers

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

Jeffrey Parkin, 72, a Milford resident, is running for the State House of Representative 118th District seat.

Campaign website

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering - Cornell Univ.; MSME Mechanical Engineering - Univ. of Texas; JD - Western New England

Occupation

Nuclear Engineer 6 years; Airline pilot 28 years

Family

Married, 3 children, 2 step children, 8 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Served two terms as Selectman in Kent, CT c. 2016

Why are you seeking this office?

I've always been actively interested in politics and political theory. Rather than continue to complain and object to current political environment I'm committed to do as much as I can to participate in correcting the problems facing our State which are numerous.

The most important issues facing my constituents is ___ and this is what I intend to do about it:
Cost of living including the enormous - second worst in the country - tax burden on our citizens. I will work to implement permanent tax reductions instead of temporary, short term reductions which are gimmick intended to garner votes.

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

My intention is to evaluate all proposed legislation through the lens of my principled views promoting liberty, property rights, and the notion that people succeed when given the freedom to do so without interference from the government. Never will I be a sycophant toeing a party line.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

My opponent has voted almost uniformly in strict alignment with his party position.

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

In addition to the economy and taxes I consider public safety and support of our policy to affect everyone in Connecticut including my district. Another key issue is support for parental rights; the right to raise their children without government interference and be fully involved and apprised of their public education. This specifically includes complete transparency on curricula and educational mandates.

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

My background includes significant corporate management responsibility and leadership experience. Importantly, my engineering background uniquely qualifies me to deeply engage in energy, technology and related scientific areas.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

When asked if you can do a particular job just say yes and dig in to learn how to do it.

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

My efforts in the legislature will remain true to my principles and I'll strongly resist any push to compromise those principles. I believe in personal liberty as the hallmark of being a citizen of Connecticut and the United States of America.