CT Patch Candidate Profile: Kathy Kennedy For 119th 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.

Kathy Kennedy, a Milford resident, is running for State Representative 119th District, which represents parts of Milford and Orange.

Campaign website

Party affiliation

Republican, endorsed by the Independent Party

Education

Amity Regional High School, Southern Connecticut State University

Occupation

Legal Administrative Assistant, 38 years

Family

Proud mom of Rebecca (27) and Brett (23) Huber. My fur babies Bodie, Spencer and Sebastian.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

65

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Two-term State Representative 119th

Why are you seeking this office?

I am passionate about the needs of all my constituents. I am concerned about our children, making sure they are safe in school. I am running for a more affordable Connecticut to ensure our families can afford to stay in their homes, keeping every dollar of their hard-earned money by reducing the income tax, repealing the highway use tax, eliminating those taxes and fees that cost more to collect then the revenue they generate. As a legislator it is my responsibility to put forward responsible legislation and watch every tax dollar spent. I am committed to the people of Milford and Orange.

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

Affordability. Many people/families are living paycheck to paycheck and having to adjust their budget every week. Heating costs, especially oil prices are on the minds of all, followed by rising food costs. I will fight to eliminate the highway use tax (goes into effect 1/1/2023), eliminate those non-essential taxes, reduce the income tax.

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

I have and will continue to listen to each of my constituents, putting their needs first. Unlike my opponent, I am not a political insider or political advocate for any special interest group. My priority is and always will be to serve the people I represent in Milford and Orange, each and every day.

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

We need to tackle serve issues. Homelessness is on the rise, food insecurity, housing, climate change and protecting our communities. We need to update our civil preparedness and public health emergency statutes to reflect modern realities.

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

I have and will continue to fight for tax relief for working families. I fought for immediate relief of soaring energy costs. I believe in building a safer community and will continue to work with law enforcement to provide them with the necessary tools for them to be able to do their job, including restoring qualified immunity by providing law enforcement officers with immunity protection if they have acted reasonably while performing their duties. I will continue work on climate change; support and empower families and parents to make decisions for their children. I proudly serve on the women’s bipartisan committee and have championed women’s healthcare and wellness issues, protecting our health freedoms. Additionally, I will continue to advocate for equality for our LGBTQIA+ communities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My grandmother immigrated here from Italy. While her English had a thick accent she always told me the importance of treating people with respect and kindness and most importantly to always be polite.

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

I love what I do and the people I have met along the way. Giving back to my community is everything to me.