Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Jim Tedford, 56th House District

VERNON, 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.

Jim Tedford, a Vernon resident, is running for State Representative 56th House District

Campaign website

https://jimforthe56th.com/

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Attended CCSU

Occupation

Retired (Former 37 year Town of Vernon employee)

Family

Wife Sook Tedford, Son Andrew, and Daughters Michelle and Brianna

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

62

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Town Council since 2015

Why are you seeking this office?

Keeping Vernon a great place to live for all citizens is always my focus. I have volunteered countless hours to help make our community great. From coaching Little League baseball, volunteering in programs such as “Christmas in April” and the “Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic”, to being elected as a member of the Vernon Town Council, I have invested most of my adult life in community service.

Professionally, I spent 37 years working for the Vernon Department of Public Works both at and below street level giving me a unique perspective on our community and its needs. I know and understand first-hand the many sides of our diverse community by having the perspective of a working person and a Vernon resident.

I have lived here with my wife Sook Tedford to support and raise my children. Andrew, Michelle, and Brianna are proud graduates of Vernon’s public school system. I am seeking this office to bring my years of unique understanding of Vernon to Hartford so that my three adult children and your families can prosper. Serving all of my retired hours to the benefit of Vernon residents would be a privilege.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is affording the quality of life we were promised. My wife and I were able to raise our family of three modestly. With being a new retiree and having three young adult children who are working their best to find their place in today’s job market and housing crisis, affording a quality of life is paramount.

Look at the headlines: inflation has Connecticut residents paying more, CT is amongst the least affordable states to retire in 2022, and the new diesel fuel tax is set to rise sharply in CT with experts stating costs will hit consumers. By leveraging my knowledge of the town and the benefit of being a father, I want Vernon residents to continue to flourish.

If voted to State Rep, I will hold the line on spending, reducing taxes, and work to cut red tape. I will combat high prices by fighting to: cut the income tax for middle class families, repeal the new truck tax that will drive up cost of goods, attempt to reduce sales tax and eliminate the meals tax, and restore tax credits that encourage entrepreneurship for our small businesses.

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

I am a lifelong resident of Vernon. I was raised here and raised my family here. I’m running for State Representative because we need to change the tax and spend attitude in Hartford so our working families can keep more of their hard earned money.

Like you, I understand the value of a dollar and how to stretch a budget. I believe it is time Hartford did the same. With my years of continued familiarity with the town’s people, places, and politics I am confident I am your experienced voice for Vernon.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

No incumbent

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

My son worked at Rockville General Hospital for two years – he has been in CT health systems for 8. Maintaining quality healthcare is one of my top priorities and during COVID-19 Vernon led the state in its response and services.

One of my daughters is a kindergarten teacher and ensuring the proper funding for schools for future generations is a another priority.

As a senior and retiree, I want to ensure we are able to live off our retirements by keeping additional taxes at bay.

Additionally, public safety for our seniors, families, and children is paramount. As one of the few candidates endorsed by the CT State Police Union and the Fraternal Order of Police, I will help to create legislation that holds criminals accountable.

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

As a member of the Municipal Flood and Erosion Board, the team of volunteers assisted in conducting numerous infrastructure enhancements. Several areas of concern were advanced and addressed, including of Vernon's dams have resulted in the repair of the Valley Falls dam and the future repair of the dam at Walkers Reservoir. The Town of Vernon received money for replacement of bridges thanks to Mayor Champagne and former Senator Tony Guglielmo.

As a Town Council member since 2015, some other accomplishments that I am proud of are the fantastic budget work that still allowed Vernon t improve streets, replaced sidewalks, create a Dog Park, create a business friendly environment, and provide a new Senior Center.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“Knowledge shared is knowledge learned”. By allowing everybody room at the table, you can hear new perspectives and work as a team to benefit all.

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

Local politics means working together to solve issues as a team. Working across the aisle to better the lives of my neighbors and the rest of Connecticut is my priority. I am not driven by hard political edges, just a desire to help. It is clear Connecticut needs new leaders to make that happen. Serving Vernon as an employee and being elected to serve in the capacity as your next State rep will be an honor.