CT Patch Candidate Profile: Anabel Figueroa For 148th House District

STAMFORD, CT — A special election has been called for Feb. 28 in Stamford to fill a vacancy in the 148th House District, which was left by Dan Fox, a Democrat, who resigned last month before the legislative session began.

The 148th House District covers the area from Glenbrook down to the Cove.

Democrat Anabel Figueroa was endorsed by the Stamford Democratic City Committee in late January. Olga D. Anastos was endorsed by the Stamford Republican Town Committee.

More information on polling locations and hours can be found here.

Stamford Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and what they stand for.

Anabel Figueroa, a Stamford resident, is running for State Representative 148 House District

Campaign website

https://www.anabelfigueroa2023.com/

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Earned a degree in Elementary Education in my native Country, El Salvador. Therapeutic Recreation, Norwalk Community College.

Occupation

Unit Coordinator at Norwalk Hospital for the last 20 years.

Family

Yes, I am proudly married to a Puerto Rican man. we've been married for the last 37 years. I have two kids, born and raised in Stamford, who attended our public schools. We also have a dog named Lucky.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

61

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, elected to the Board of Representatives in 2001 in District 8.

Why are you seeking this office?

Stamford is the place that welcomed me after escaping a civil war in El Salvador, and I'd like to give back to this wonderful community that I call home.

As a homeowner and parent, I want to continue keeping this city a great place to raise a family.

Given my 20 plus years of experience on the Board of Representatives, I have deep knowledge of the issues affecting our city (cost of living, housing, education, etc.)

I will work hard and make sure your voice is heard.

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

While there are so many issues affecting my constituents, the most important is housing. I constantly get phone calls from constituents who are desperately in need of a place to live. While Stamford has been over developed there is not enough affordable housing.

There is an urgent need to pass housing reforms so that we can increase the percentage of affordable housing in new developments as well as establishing rental assistance that helps renters and landlords.

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

I have other 20 years of experience in local city government as an elected official. That hands-on experience will make me the more prepared person to handle the job of a state representative.

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

I intend to address education funding. Stamford has more students with greater needs than the surrounding communities. We have more low-income students and more English language learners than other communities. We need more financial support from Hartford to appropriately support all of our children.

We need to address issues in health care. We need to increase state support for those without medical benefits and those struggling to pay their monthly premiums. There is also an urgency when it comes to patient care. Doctors and nurses are spread too thin. We need to make sure that the health care system is focused on quality, personalized care so patients get what they need.

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

I have been a fierce advocate for my constituents in the 8th district and want to take this deep commitment to public service to Hartford, where I will tirelessly advocate for all residents of the 148th legislative district.

As a city representative, I worked closely with the administration to get Weed Avenue repaved.

I collaborated with colleagues in the 4th district in order to get improvements in seaside avenue such as lowering speed limit and planting trees on the side of the street.

I have worked for better care of our beaches and parks.

My passion and dedication for constituents' services should serve as the best evidence to be able to handle this position.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My grandmother always told me to treat everyone the same way as I wanted to be treated.

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

Dont stop seeking for my help.