CT Patch Candidate Profile: Seth Bronko For 70th House District

NAUGATUCK, 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.

Seth Bronko, a Naugatuck resident, is running for State Representative House District 70

Campaign website

https://www.votebronko.com

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

BA in Business Management-Entrepreneurship and a Minor in Communications

Occupation

Real Estate Agent, 2 years. Co-Owner, Bronko Construction, 11 years

Family

Wife, Caitlin. Son, Jonathan (3)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Father, Mike Bronko--Burgess, Former Mayor

Age

33

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Bailiff, 2013-2015, 2017-Present

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running to make CT a better place for my three-year-old son. The direction we are currently heading in is very concerning. We need to reverse course now so we can make this state more affordable, safer, and put the control back in the hands of the people.

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

The major difference is I am the only candidate that will work to make this state more affordable through real tax relief, will support law enforcement to ensure the safety of our streets, and put control back in the hands of the people--not mandating how individual municipalities should operate from the state level.

I will work to restore qualified immunity for our police officers and reverse the Police Accountability bill that puts our law enforcement personnel at higher risk. I will work to deliver actual tax relief to our residents and lower the high costs of living in CT, and I will work to make sure government control stays at the local level.

I also believe parents are ultimately responsible for their children and should have not have the government replacing their role as parents. They should be able to determine what's best for their kids when it comes to their education and healthcare.

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

N/A

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

The top local priority for my campaign is responsibly developing our downtown area. We have a prime location along the river and rail line that we can take advantage of to create transit-oriented development on our vacant lots. As a legislator, I will work to ensure Naugatuck receives sufficient state funding to make these developments happen.

The only real way to make a significant impact on our mil rate is to attract businesses to ease the tax burden our residents face. Growing our tax base through business development will bring the relief Naugatuck taxpayers need.

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

1. I was on the Board of Finance so I know how our budget process works and what our needs are.

2. I'm on the Board for the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation. I know the prime areas for development and what the process requires.

3. I've been a local business owner since graduating college. I'm the co-owner of a construction company and a local real estate agent. I understand the struggles of running a business in a high cost state with a heavy tax burden. I know the importance of making this state and town more affordable. It's a necessity, otherwise we'll continue to lose residents and businesses to other states where the cost of living is less expensive.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will be rewarded if you do not give up.

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

I am a principled person who believes our best days are ahead. I believe Naugatuck has tremendous potential to be a vibrant community to live, work and play. We have everything we need--a great location, prime space for development, and a strong sense of community among our residents. Our community is always ready to respond to those in need.

I'm passionate about building the future of the borough into the destination I know it can be. We are trending in the right direction, and I believe we'll get there with the right policies. It starts with making CT more affordable, safer, and ensuring our kids receive a good education in our schools.

I'm Seth Bronko, and I'm running to ensure my son, and your children, have the best opportunities to become all they are meant to be. I'm running to secure that future. I hope to earn your vote on Nov. 8.