CT Patch Candidate Profile: Ensly Maizo For 148th State House District

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 3 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and city.

Ensly Maizo is running for the 148th State House District, which covers a portion of Stamford.

Candidate's Name:

Ensly Maizo

What office are you seeking?

State Representative 148

Age:

42

District:

148

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

Occupation:

Truck Driver/Waiter

Family:

I am married with my wife Paulina, and I have one son who attends public elementary school. I have my mother, siblings, and extended family who live in Venezuela.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

My wife's cousins work for the City of Stamford. I have worked as a seasonal truck driver before for the City of Stamford as well.

Previous public office:

N/a

Why are you seeking this office?

I came to the United States from Venezuela in search of opportunity and the chance to build the life I had always dreamed of. I have been blessed to start a family here, work hard, and experience firsthand the challenges and aspirations of working families. I am seeking this office because I want to give back to Stamford, the community that has given me so much, and ensure that the voices and interests of our neighborhoods are represented in Hartford. I want to help create the same opportunities for others that brought me to this country and improve the quality of life for families throughout our community. As someone who speaks English, Spanish, and French, I can connect with Stamford’s diverse communities, listen to their concerns, and make sure their voices are heard.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

I believe affordability is the number one issue facing Connecticut. Working families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, utilities, and everyday necessities. As someone who works everyday jobs to support my family, rather than coming from a corporate background, I understand these challenges firsthand. I know how difficult it can be to work hard, provide for your family, and still struggle to get ahead. I want to give Connecticut families some much-needed financial breathing room by supporting policies that lower the cost of living, reduce unnecessary taxes, and allow hardworking residents to keep more of their own money. I also believe we can provide meaningful financial relief without taking away the public benefits and essential services that vulnerable members of our community depend on. My priority is simple: make Connecticut more affordable for the working families who call it home.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

Connecticut families are paying far too much for electricity, and we need meaningful action to lower energy costs. I support eliminating the Public Benefits Charge from electric bills. I also support expanding our energy supply through reliable and affordable sources like nuclear power, while exploring temporary relief from state fuel and home heating oil taxes. My goal is to give working families financial breathing room by lowering energy costs without sacrificing reliable electricity or essential public assistance.

Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

As a working husband and father, I know how difficult it has become for families to keep up with the rising cost of living. My priority is to give Connecticut families some much-needed financial breathing room by helping them keep more of their hard-earned money. I would support eliminating the Public Benefits Charge on electric bills, cutting the car tax, and capping property tax growth, which could also help ease pressure on rents for families living in multifamily homes. I would also fight for Stamford to receive its fair share of state education funding, reducing the burden on local taxpayers while supporting our public schools. At the same time, I believe affordability measures should not come at the expense of essential public services or assistance programs that families depend on. Connecticut should be a place where working hard allows you to build a future, raise a family, and afford to stay in the community you call home.

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

One of my proudest accomplishments is coming to the United States from Venezuela, where I had no family or established support system, and building a life for myself and my family through hard work. That experience taught me the importance of never giving up when faced with challenges. I am also a people person. Anyone who knows me knows how outgoing I am and how much I enjoy meeting people, listening to their stories, and understanding their concerns. I believe being a good representative starts with being approachable, accessible, and willing to listen. I want to bring a different perspective to Hartford and be a new kind of representative for Stamford, someone who understands everyday working families because I am part of one. I hope to have the opportunity to serve Stamford and give back to the community that has given me so much.

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

Beyond my priorities, I want voters to know that I care deeply about the Stamford community and its residents. Coming to this country from Venezuela taught me the value of opportunity, hard work, and community. As a husband, father, and working member of this community, I understand many of the everyday challenges families face. I believe a state representative should be accessible, approachable, and willing to listen to everyone, regardless of their background or political beliefs. Speaking English, Spanish, and French allows me to communicate directly with many of the diverse communities that make Stamford special. I want to bring a fresh perspective to Hartford, stay connected to our neighborhoods, and ensure that the concerns of everyday residents are heard and taken seriously. Above all, I believe public service should be about serving people, not corporate interests.