SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Republican Eliott Hughes is running for Connecticut's 3rd Senate District seat in the Nov. 3 election.
Hughes faces Democratic incumbent state Sen. Saud Anwar, according to the official South Windsor sample ballots. The district includes East Hartford, East Windsor, South Windsor and part of Ellington.
Hughes, who works in healthcare operational excellence and has not previously held public office, says state leaders need to listen more closely to residents. His questionnaire responses call for a review of electric bill charges, greater scrutiny of state spending and changes to education funding.
Editor's note: Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues facing the state. The responses below were submitted by the candidate and reflect the candidate's views. Responses are presented as submitted, with formatting added for readability. Claims in the responses are the candidate's own.
Here are the candidate's responses to Patch's questionnaire:
Candidate's Name:
Eliott Hughes
What office are you seeking?
State Senator
Age:
49
District:
Senate District 3
Party:
Republican
Campaign website:
https://eliotthughesforsenate.com
Occupation:
Healthcare Operational Excellence
Family:
Wife Keilani and 3 children ages 10 to 16
Does anyone in your family work in government?
No
Previous public office:
I have not previously served in public office
Why are you seeking this office?
Connecticut is facing a decision-making crisis by our current set of leaders that have demonstrated the inability to listen to and truly consider the voice of the constituents they represent in those decisions. This is a violation of trust that has led to record costs making the state one of the least affordable places to live in the country. It has also led to erosion in local control, governmental overreach into our personal lives, and an education system that is not preparing our youth for the future.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
While most Connecticut residents would say that affordability is the number 1 issue they face, it is actually a symptom and consequence of the decision-making crisis we face. The state legislature has been under single-party control for the majority of the past several decades. I have first-hand experienced the impacts of this environment where there is little incentive to consider the voice of residents in the district or address the true root causes of the challenges we face. My decisions will be guided by the insights and needs of the specific communities I would be trusted to serve - I plan to truly listen before I legislate.
READ MORE:
Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?
Connecticut has some highest energy costs in the nation, even compared to surrounding states. The state generates enough power to meet significant percentage of total energy demand, yet the current framework keeps only a small percentage in the state while the majority is sent to the regional grid and repurchased at wholesale rates. This is coupled with a production mix that relies heavily on natural gas subjecting Connecticut to wide prices swings in winter months due to supply and renewable energy projects that are more costly than the wholesale rates - Connecticut residents bear the burden. As state senator, I would pursue a full review of the components of the public benefits charge and either terminate or move them into the budget. I would pursue expansion of additional safe energy sources including laying the foundation for future plasma-based nuclear power generation in the state. Lastly, there needs to be a reassessment of our regulatory environment including the role of and oversight of PURA.
Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?
The decision-making crisis we have within the state driven by the current leaders has led to a cycle of taxing and spending as well as the generation of unfunded mandates that are passed down to the municipalities, and ultimately to residents as increased property taxes. Guardrails are in-place to prevent over-spending, however, decisions have been made to move billions of dollars outside of that process to avoid the spending caps. Transparency and accountability in how our tax dollars are spent and what programs are prioritized is needed and should align with the needs and priorities of the citizens of the district. Additionally, pursing revisions to our Educational funding model should reduce the burden on local budgets and shift them to the state budget at the expense of wasteful or lower priority programs.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am an Engineer by training and have worked a diverse career spanning electronics manufacturing, defense, and healthcare - most of that as an internal consultant problem-solver leading teams to address large-scale and high-priority improvement initiatives. That requires me to truly listen to my customers and stakeholders, understand the challenges and gain insights, determine the root causes of those issues, and identify and implement solutions. This is in fact, the exact job description we should have for our representatives in Connecticut, and I am honored for the chance to serve ALL!
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am an average concerned citizen that is attempting to bring a servant approach back to Hartford - not serving my own agenda, interests, or aspirations, but to truly serve the needs and desires of the nearly 100k lives in Senate District 3. I would also like to help demystify the legislative process so that all can be engaged and possibly be encouraged to serve as well. I will listen before I legislate and work hard every day to earn the Trust you place in me!
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
South Windsor Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.