Candidate Profile: Chip Stephens, 136th District

CONNECTICUT — 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 and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Chip Stephens, a Westport resident is running for House of Representatives District 136.

<b>Party affiliation:</b> Republican Party
<b>Family:</b>Five children Charlie, Bryn and Dean Stephens, Sal Recco and Ashley Baum Edwards.
<b>Occupation:</b>Medical Diagnostics Business, 35 yrs
<b>Previous elected experience:</b>3 Terms Elected Westport P and Z Comission as Chairman, Secretary
<b>Family members in government:</b>No
Campaign website: www.facebook.com/ChipforWestport

<b>The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>
The threat to Local autonomy. I will work to protect local government and towns from intrusive and damaging state proposed legislation to infringe on town land, education and local protection autonomy.

<b>What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>
I work for my constituents and not the party or any other entity.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>
Saved local open and green space, supported local respectful affordable housing I speak my beliefs and vote the same. I work cooperatively and with respect with all engaged parties.

<b>Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?</b>
Yes but all utilities. Not too long ago CT utilities were CT companies and much power was generated by CT based plants. We need to work to fix the unintended consequences created by allowing out of state entities grab our generation and distribution.

<b>What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?</b>
We need to budget frugally and plan smartly. Programs to entice business both large and local, create opportunity to grow and thrive with business create a tax base and attract new wage earners.

<b>List other issues that define your campaign platform:</b>
Protect Local autonomy from State Intrusion, Support First Responders (Police), and push back on regionalization efforts, work to improve the state financial mess.

<b>What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>
I have worked and volunteered for years for the betterment of the town of Westport. I want to educate the state and others what a giving and sharing community Westport is, and how Westport can lead the way by example in finding solutions to the issues that face us in 2020.