Democrat Poulos Hopes To Win Southington's 81st House

SOUTHINGTON, 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 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 over Republicans in the House, 97-54, and in the Senate, 24-12.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Christopher Poulos, a Southington resident, is running for the House of Representatives in the 81st District, representing most of Southington.

It is an open seat, as state Rep. John Fusco, R-Southington, is not seeking a new term.

Age: 47

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Teacher, Joel Barlow High School in Redding (23 years)

Education: Educational Leadership (6th Year), University of Connecticut; Spanish Education (MA), Teachers College - Columbia University; Leadership Studies (BA), University of Richmond; Southington High School (Class of 1993)

Previous elected experience: Southington Town Council (two terms, 2017-2021); Southington Library Board (2021-present)

Family: Helen (wife, 47, professor Wesleyan University); Molly (daughter, 15, 10th-grade); Andrew (son, 11, sixth-grade)

Campaign website: https://www.PoulosForSouthingt...

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I got involved in town government because I wanted to make a difference by bringing people together to do what’s best for the town of Southington.

Over two terms on the Southington Town Council, I worked with both my party and across party lines to do just that.

As one might imagine, at times I had to make tough votes on budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility, public safety efforts to reduce crime and on decisions to ensure quality public education.

Throughout my tenure as an elected official, I never compromised my values… and as a result I accomplished a lot in the town council… whether it was securing open space, advocating for firefighters, veterans, seniors, and the disabled or supporting small business and my community during the tough days of the pandemic.

Because of my approach and record, many residents, business owners, neighbors and folks I have met around town — Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters — called upon me to further leverage my skillset at the state level. And it was with this encouragement and support that I have decided to run for state representative for Connecticut’s 81st District.

I choose to take on this challenge, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard… I’ve been a lifelong resident of Southington, have chosen to raise a family here, and I understand that the state of our state in not perfect. In many ways we are divided, which has created barriers for lawmakers to do what’s right and what’s best.

I want to change that, and this will be my commitment to my district as a state rep. I’ve worked hard to earn trust and respect from the residents of Southington, and as I continue to serve my town, I will not waiver in my advocacy for the residents, businesses, and our future.

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

I am a moderate Democrat. My opponent is an ultra conservative Republican.

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

• Collaborate with Independents, Republicans and Democrats to ensure that the uptick in crime results in severe and swift consequences for those who break the law in our communities.

• Work to provide substantial tax relief for Connecticut residents and businesses that are dealing with the impact of inflation and the pandemic.

• Make sure Southington gets its fair share in state education funding to help invest in our students, while holding the line on our local taxes.

• Advocate for local control of our zoning regulations with a continued focus on the preservation of open space.

• Provide meaningful support to seniors to allow them to stay in their homes

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

I currently teach Spanish and serve as Instructional Leader for the Humanities at Joel Barlow High School in Redding. I am a National Board Certified Teacher, Connecticut’s 2007 State Teacher of the Year, and a 2022 Inductee of the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

I previously worked for two years in a hybrid role, splitting my time between teaching in my district and working alongside policymakers as a Teacher-Leader in Residence at the Connecticut State Department of Education.

I have been a member of numerous education fellowships including the inaugural Teacher-Leader Fellowship hosted by the Aspen Institute. I have served on a number of non-profit boards of directors in the education sector, on which he was responsible for scaling organizational capacity and outcomes, fundraising, and cultivating partnerships with government, philanthropic and corporate organizations.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I challenge elected officials to be brave. To have the courage to put aside pressures from special interest groups, political parties and the self interested... to endeavor to do what's best for the people they represent. Because if elected officials can do that, they will be at peace with the job they have done.

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

No.