CT Patch Candidate Profile: Victor Alvarez For 125th 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.

Victor Alvarez, a New Canaan resident, is running for Connecticut State House of Representatives District 125 125th House District.

Campaign website

https://victorforct.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

BS from Boston University, MBA from Columbia University

Occupation

Business Controller, 20 years experience

Family

Wife Miki Porta, two sons ages 16 and 21

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

55

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I am currently serving on the New Canaan Board of Finance.

Why are you seeking this office?

Contested elections are important, I am giving voters an alternative at the polls. My opponent has represented me for ten years and I strongly disagree with his voting record and with recent comments that he's made publicly.

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

Affordable housing is the most pressing issue facing New Canaan and Darien constituents, I would seek to amend the affordable housing law 8-30G to lower the threshold of affordable housing stock to 5 percent, make it easier to renew the moratorium, and give residents a financial incentive to deed restrict their rental properties including Accessory Dwelling Units as affordable.

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

My opponent voted against the only abortion law to come before him in the 2022 legislative session, I would have voted for that law. My opponent received a score of 53 percent from the CT League of Conservation Voters for his record on Environmental legislation in 2022 (a failing grade), and he sits on the Environment Committee of the House of Representatives. I am a passionate environmentalist that will do more to protect the environment.

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

My opponent is veering too far to the right by joining extreme right wing social media groups, amplifying misinformation on his twitter account (ivermectin used as a cure for Covid), and stated at a New Canaan Board of Education meeting that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion should not be part of the school district's goals because they are "a pathway to a problem"

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

Keep CT on the right financial track, gun laws, term limits, voting access.

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

I have 32 years of experience as a financial professional in business and two years of experience on the New Canaan Board of Finance.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Love thy neighbor: nine dimensions of love are courteousness, generosity, good temper, guilelessness, humility, kindness, patience, sincerity, unselfishness.

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

I enjoy learning about American history and have read the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers and several biographies on the founding fathers.