Candidate Profile: Mary M. Mushinsky, 85th House District

WALLINGFORD, 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.

Mary M. Mushinsky, 71, of Wallingford, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 85th District, representing Wallingford.

Campaign website

https://Mushinsky2022.com

Party affiliation

Democratic (also endorsed by Working Families)

Education

SCSU B.A. biology; Wesleyan U. M.A.L.S.; Alternate Route to teacher certification, biology & general science

Occupation

legislator (1981-present); watershed protection (1999-present)

Family

Married to Martin J. Waters; two adult children, Martin and Ed

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective

State Representative 85th District (1981-present); Deputy Speaker (2020-present)

Why are you seeking this office?

It has been an honor to serve my hometown of Wallingford for many years, fight for town aid, create a sustainable future, and help residents address problems. I enjoy working hard to fix problems, both immediate and long-term, searching to create more efficient state services and improving quality of life in Wallingford and CT.

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 inflation that is rising at a higher rate than income. Inflation is worldwide, but at the state level I have already helped by voting to use tax relief to assist my constituents. I passed $650 million in tax cuts, including removing taxes from senior retirement benefits (social security, pensions and annuities) up to $5,100 per couple, giving parents $250 per child tax credit, expanding property tax credit to all ages at $300, and, for drivers, removing the 25 cents/gallon gas tax. I also voted to fill the Rainy Day Fund and reduce pension debt, which will make it easier to fund services like education, healthcare, and public safety.

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

In contrast to my opponent, I offer years of experience and a proven track record of accomplishment on behalf of Wallingford residents. I have the experience to protect the town's funds (education, sewage treatment, healthcare) when other towns seek greater funding at Wallingford's expense, and have fought this battle often in Hartford. I have repeatedly helped fund hardworking Wallingford nonprofits including Gaylord Hospital and YMCA. I have worked hard locally to create and build the linear trail, fight substance abuse, and improve energy efficiency, saving money for town schools. Every day, I assist residents who need help with job, housing and other issues.

My opponent entered the race to oppose childhood vaccination requirements. Because we live in a community, I support requirements that protect the most vulnerable members of our community, including other children and adults.

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

I voted for several measures to combat auto-related theft, but it is clear we must go further. I already voted to pass bipartisan legislation to make it harder to resell stolen catalytic converters in our state. I also voted to toughen penalties for repeat youthful offenders and for car theft. However, with the arrest of five adults who stored and sold converters to customers in New York, we now know we need an interstate compact to shut off the market for stolen catalytic converters. We'll also need a broader federal response to back up local law enforcement, including VIN number etching. I support Wallingford joining a regional car theft task force and there is funding for this purpose.

Constituents continue to request action on new issues of concern to them, and I will assist as best I can. I also will work on creating a sustainable community and state, by continuing to invest in affordable housing, workforce training, energy efficiency and transportation.

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

I have served many years as a legislator and legislative leadership has appointed me to chair the Environment, Children's and bipartisan Program Review and Investigations Committees. Program Review improved job training programs, state parks, the State Veterans Home, group purchasing, online services and many other functions. I currently serve on the Environment, Energy and Technology, and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committees and also serve as Deputy Speaker.

For the last 12 years, I have worked to establish apprenticeship programs for higher wage careers. I have responded to the needs of my town, including providing the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, building the linear trail, obtaining a police station and vocational technical school, winning two increases in sewage treatment funds, reversing cuts to Wallingford schools, bringing commuter rail service, defeating attempted raids of the town’s Clean Water funds, and helping fund the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Wallingford Housing Authority, Gaylord Hospital and Lyman Hall running track, among other projects.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always keep learning.

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

I’m a Wallingford native, daughter of public servants and granddaughter of immigrants, who married and raised my family here, educating our sons in Wallingford’s public schools. I enjoy public service and fixing problems, and will do more if I can earn your support!

In my civilian job outside of the legislature, I use my biology training to protect local waterways, encourage citizen science, train interns and promote outdoor recreation. I’ve been endorsed by environmental groups, educators, Democratic and Working Families Parties, the trades, Uniformed Professional Firefighters, CT Against Gun Violence and social workers, among others. For more information, you can visit my website at Mushinsky2022.com.