Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Kenneth Trice, 53rd House District

TOLLAND/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.

Kenneth James Trice, a Tolland resident, is running for State Representative 53rd House District.

Campaign website

https://kenny4the53rd.yolasite...

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

B.S. Communication Arts

Occupation

Banking

Family

Teresa is my wonderful wife. Daughters are Danielle, Karrington, and Alexis. All attended Tolland Schools and all have graduated from colleges.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

60 plus.

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No

Why are you seeking this office?

To help people and to make us better. There are many challenges like inflation, security, housing, education, health care. rollbacks of rights, forces stoking fear, anger and divisiveness. But the main reason I am running is because despite all this turmoil we are encountering, I believe We are better than this. So let’s be!
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The changes in the economy has hit our families and those on a fixed income very hard. I pledge to protect your wallet, to work with other legislators to craft viable solutions to help reduce this financial stress being encountered.

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

This is not about me but about we-what we as a community, as a team working together can accomplish. We build consensus, we work together. My vision is we work together for our communities no matter the party.

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

My focus will be to build relationships with all. Listening as oppose to hearing. Valuing disagreements for they provide an different perspective to help address issues. It’s about we and not I. It’s about the Team.

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

Addressing the issues surrounding health, education, taxes, housing and safety. To tamp down on the anger and divisiveness within our community and to get everyone to work as a team. We need healthy conversations to craft solutions. We have a societal contract that says we agree to certain civil norms. We need to get back to that! It will be hard work, but we can start right here.

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

As part of a team, that created the passage of the Check 21 Act in 2004. It has allowed the use of payments like mobile banking, image of checks on phones to name a few.

4 decades of management and leadership in banking encompassing operations, financials, technology, treasury sales and project management. In addition I have decades of experience in coaching and mentoring our youth. People skills are critical to bridge differences and craft resolutions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

From my greatest mentor, Cuyler R. Watson, Jr.
“Ken a little knowledge is worse than no knowledge at all. And it times it can be the most dangerous thing in the world”.

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

My greatest accomplishments are marrying Teresa and my daughters Danielle, Karrington and Alexis.