Candidate Profile: Jason W. Bartlett, 10th Senate District

WEST HAVEN, CT — The 2020 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 presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs.

All five of Connecticut's congressional seats 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 with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Jason W. Bartlett, a New Haven resident, is running as a Petitioning Candidate for Senate District 10 to represent New Haven and West Haven.

Age: 54

Party affiliation: Independent Democrat

Family: Sons' Samuel, Kie

Occupation: Self Employed 15 years Finance business and Restaurant, Former Youth Director New Haven 6 years

Previous elected experience: Former State Representative D-2, Former New Haven Youth Director and Liaison New Haven Board of Education

Campaign website: 2020Bartlett.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue is a slow weak economy in Connecticut because of Covid-19, years of reckless spending, and a lack of investment and resources to our Urban and smaller cities across the State of Connecticut.

I will put forward enabling legislation to create Tax Increment Authorities (TIFs) in order to spur economic development for "the Haven" project, Long Wharf and within Allingtown District. This will grow thousand of jobs, grow our grand list(s), and allow for sustainable growth for both West Haven and New Haven. A stronger economy will allow both municipalities to increase investment and innovation in education, as well as close the achievement gap for our young people.

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

The incumbent Senator has ignored the needs of West Haven taxpayers. He has never attended a MARB, (The Municipal Accountability Review Board) meeting. Nor has he spoken out against the MARB (State of CT), raising West Haven's taxes even though the municipality has improved its finances and balanced its' budget. I find the incumbent Senator's lack of advocacy for West Haven appalling. I am committed to advocating for West Haven's taxpayers, students and educators, seniors and small businesses. As a former legislator who previously represented 3 municipalities, I understand that you can't just represent the biggest City, but need to look out for the working person, and vulnerable residents of every community. This is my pledge to all voters.

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

As a legislator, I am responsible for passing landmark legislation, that raised the age young people could drop out of school, by changing it from 16 to 17 years old in order to increase the number of students that stayed in school. which helped reduce expulsions in New Haven from 200 a year to 14. As a Youth Director, I created Youth STat which serviced 800 at risk young people, and gave them wrap around services like jobs, mentors, and mental health services.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?

Yes, I believe that the incumbent legislator empowered the utilities to rip off consumers, and charge exorbitant rates while giving poor customer service. The general assembly passed legislation to allow the utilities to charge more, and force them to buy from Millstone II. The Legislature then feigned surprise when ratepayers were being fleeced and suffered poor customer service after tropical storm Isaias. I will support more rate controls on delivery charges and a break up of the utilities monopoly.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

We must stop usury fees on late fees for consumers and small businesses alike. We should create a small business pipeline and make access to capital more accessible. Restaurants and other food establishments should get tax breaks and other incentives to recover from the pandemic. More sidewalk and extensions into public property should be granted without charges or permits. If Covid strikes a second time, the State should supplement commercial leases through a grant program to help pay a percentage to allow small business to be able to afford rent, and also help landlords. A thorough review of regulations should be undertaken to stream line and make it easier for small businesses to survive in CT.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I believe a School Construction bond bill should be the first bill passed insuring every child in CT has a new chrome book and internet access so that they can receive an education. We must begin to plan for how to help our young people catch up with the lost schooling they have missed. There should be more resources and assistance to help our children be on grade level.

I also believe that social justice reforms should not be targeted at just police officers, but that the entire criminal justice system should be addressed. Judges terms should be changed from 8 years to 4 years with a legislative review/ vote. Prosecutors should face discipline for malfeasance and misconduct.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a petitioning candidate for State Senate, I will not be beholden to party bosses but will be free to vote for the interests of the people and the interests of West Haven and New Haven.