CT Patch Candidate Profile: Josh Shuart For 104th House District

DERBY, 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.

Josh Shuart, a Ansonia resident, is running for State Representative 104th District.

Campaign website

www.joshforrep.com

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

I spent some of the best 13 years of my life in college, earning a Bachelor's (Communications), Master's (English) and Doctorate (Sport Management). I have been teaching (at the rank of Full Professor) for the past two decades. I am the Director of Sport Management, and previously served as the Chair of Marketing for 8 years. My wife and I met at UConn, were married, decided to start a family, and moved to Ansonia.

Occupation

College Professor (21st Year) at Jack Welch College of Business and Technology - Sacred Heart University.

Family

Married for 20 years to Jen, who works locally as the Children's Librarian at the Ansonia Library. We have two children, Max (18), who is a freshman at St. Bonaventure University & Reese (15), who is a sophomore at Ansonia High School, and Pepper the dog (10). Our favorite pastime is visiting with the rest of our family up at the Cape.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Age

51

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Elected three times as city alderman. Have served three terms as president of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen.

Why are you seeking this office?

My kids have lived every moment of their lives here in the Valley, and we have no plans of leaving. I will do anything and everything I can to ensure that my family, friends and neighbors can continue to make Connecticut our homes.

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

AFFORDABILITY. Connecticut is a beautiful state, with incredible quality of life. National and International policies are one thing. But we absolutely CAN control what happens on the state level. Many efficiencies can be found in the budget, and most residents need immediate tax relief.

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

Overall mindset and views on social and economic policies. However, despite any differences of opinion, I would like to think that everyone gets into this for the best of reasons.

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

Lack of communication with our local municipal leaders. I am not sure how you can truly represent your community when you don't actively and honestly communicate with the Mayors of the cities that you represent.

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

1. Public Safety - will vote for policies that support law enforcement, our volunteer firefighters, and our rescue/medical service. 2. Economic Development - to increase our tax base, create jobs, and lower unemployment. 3. Education - fiscally responsible, appropriately funded education throughout our district.

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

I have been elevated organically into leadership positions in practically ever endeavor I have engaged in (as director, chair, president, or other title). As such, I pride myself on being a good listener and communicator, and believe that the best teams work together and share the glory.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Don't operate heavy equipment and be prepared for the ride of a lifetime" -my dad

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

I will vote for what I genuinely think is the right thing, always.