CT Patch Candidate Profile: Lucy Dathan For 142nd House District

NEW CANAAN, 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.

Lucy Dathan, a New Canaan resident, is running for State Representative 142nd State House District.

Campaign website

http://www.lucy2022.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

BSC in Business with Major in Accounting from Santa Clara University

Occupation

A CPA who is a Consultant CFO with over 28 years experience in Finance and Accounting

Family

My husband Matt and I have three children: Will 19, Alex 17 and Beatrice 15. We live in Silvermine with our two dogs Poppy and Tilly.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None of my family works in politics.

Age

51

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I currently serve as the state representative in the Connecticut General Assembly's 142nd house district.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have loved representing Norwalk and New Canaan for the last three and a half years and would love to continue and build on the accomplishments of the last two terms. In my business career as a CFO, I help devise strategies for technology companies, to ensure they are working collaboratively and efficiently with all stakeholders. In Connecticut, I have been working with my colleagues for a comprehensive and stable vision for our fiscal future and I have deftly applied the expertise acquired in my 25+ years in the finance and accounting sectors to this end as the Vice Chair of Appropriations.

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

I am a strategic planner who thinks about longer term results, and not someone who is focused on short term outcomes. I believe that we can be fiscally responsible whilst also being socially minded, to ensure that Connecticut's residents are thriving and building a better state for the future.

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?

We had a great session in 2022 for environmental priorities and I see that there is additional room to build upon this. Two issues I am most energized about are clean air/renewable energy and waste management. We need to assess our energy sources, and continue to convert to cleaner supplies and rely less on fossil fuels. This will require investment, but there are several opportunities for federal funding here. We also must develop new waste management systems in light of the MIRA plant’s closure, and evaluate investments that address compostable waste, especially food, as this is a significant portion that heads to the incinerator. We are responsible to our community and our planet’s future to prioritize conservation and clean energy.

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

After a short tenure in the legislature, I have been appointed to be vice chair of two committees including the largest committee, Appropriations. I am also chair of a Medicaid Committee, the Care Management committee and was appointed an alternate on the Financial Advisory Committee to oversee any changes to the state budget. As a CPA and my various tenures as a CFO for small companies, I understand the importance of strong strategic financial skills and bring this to my work as a state legislator.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Learn as much as you can, everyday, as no one can take away your education from you.

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

I believe a rising tide raises all boats. In seeking my third term, I am continuing to focus on ensuring the rights of all people, including those who are typically disenfranchised, so that everyone in our community has an opportunity to thrive.

Whether it is access to affordable health care, environmental justice, or reproductive rights, every year some Republican members of our Connecticut General Assembly propose laws that are restrictive - for example, limiting access to reproductive heath care, requiring ultrasounds, or requiring parental consent. These proposals all aim to restrict reproductive freedoms. In situations of rape or incest, this may mean that people are not able to access care and have to look at dangerous alternatives. We must fight against these legislative proposals and protect our state and its people from the real harm these bills would impose.

I will always work to ensure the equal rights of all members of our society.