Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Tom Delnicki, 14th House District

SOUTH WINDSOR, 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.

Tom Delnicki, a South Windsor resident, is seeking re-election as State Representative for the 14th District.

Party Affiliation: Republican

Education: Graduated from South Windsor High School and attended the University of Connecticut

Occupation: Retired from The Metropolitan District where I worked for 32 years as the Facilities/Maintenance Supervisor, I am currently serving as the State Representative

Family: I am a lifelong resident of South Windsor, married to Audrey Bryda who also grew up in town and Eggs, our tuxedo cat

Previous public office, appointed or elected: Inland Wetlands/ Conservation Commission Member – 3 years; Board of Education –1 term; Town Council – 9 1/2 terms; Deputy Mayor – 1 term; Mayor – 2 terms. Served on the first Strategic Planning Committee. As Mayor, served on the CRCOG Crumbling Foundation Working Group. Currently in my third term as State Representative. Ranking member of the Banking Committee, member of the Planning and Development Committee, member of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, co-chair of the Crumbling Foundation Caucus, member of the Fire/EMS Caucus, member of the I/DD Caucus.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for re-election to continue my work on behalf of the people of South Windsor. We have made great progress on the Crumbling Foundation issue but there is more to be done. Affordability and public safety are areas that continue to need to be addressed. Likewise I have been an independent voice for our community bucking party leadership and I intend to work to form a “Moderate/Problem Solver Caucus” that can work across the aisle to get things done. Lastly experience matters and I bring a tremendous amount of experience, expertise and knowledge to the table.

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

There are a number of things that we can do…such as reducing the state income tax rate from 5% to 4% for single filers making less than $75k and joint filers making less than $175K. Everything we purchase comes by truck and every tax and fee we add to trucks is paid for by us the end purchaser, with that in mind extend the gas tax holiday to diesel fuel and stop the highway use tax implementation. Reduce the Sales and Use tax and eliminate the prepared food tax. Restore the property tax credit to $300 and restore the original eligibility just to name a few ideas.

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

My experience as a leader in the community having been the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

My experience as Mayor working on the crumbling foundation issue on the Capitol Region Council of Government Crumbling Foundation working Group

My experience in the Legislature. Building alliances with Democrats and Republicans to solve difficult issues and getting results..

Having talked to numerous people in town, I already have a number of bills to draft.

In short I will continue as I have in the past, hitting the ground running. As a retiree I will be fully committed to working for South Windsor both during the Session and after the Session ends .

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

I look forward to the coming Session in January.

Here are a few issues…

Address the crime/safety issue plaguing the State and South Windsor

Revisit the Police Accountability bill

Insure South Windsor gets its fair share of Educational Cost Sharing money

Amend the MDC Charter to grant South Windsor a vote on water rates

Insure all students learn Financial Literacy

Improve the Low Interest Loan Program for Crumbling Foundations

Pass the First Time Home Buyers Savings Program

Protect local control of zoning Issues

Just to name a few…

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

As a member of South Windsor’s first Strategic Planning Committee, the development of the Town’s first Plan.

As Mayor working with the Capitol Region Council of Government to develop a plan to address the Crumbling Foundation Issue

As Legislator getting legislation passed to create a “Captive Insurance Company” to rebuild crumbling foundations and serving on the organizational Committee that created the Captive.

Co-Chair of the Crumbling Foundation Caucus.

Serving as Ranking House Member of the Banking Committee

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you want to get things done in life make friends and relationships with as many people as you can, you never know when you might need their help or when you can help them. Also, never say something in haste that you might regret, It’s better to have not said it then to have to apologize for it later

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

Being retired gives me the time to read all the bills and handle constituent services myself. During Covid, I solved problems for hundreds of people. During the recent M&T merger with Peoples United I helped numerous people . If you have a problem I’ve got your back.