CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jonathan Steinberg For 136th District

WESTPORT, 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.

Jonathan Steinberg, a Westport resident, is running for State Representative, 136th District:

Campaign website

https://jonathansteinberg.org

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

B.A., Yale College; M.B.A., NYU Stern School of Business; Certified to teach History/Social Studies/Economics in CT schools through State's ARC Program

Occupation

Legislator

Family

Jonathan and Nancy are proud of their three daughters: Rachel, Margot, and Charlotte, all graduates of Westport's schools. Jonathan's mother, Sybil Steinberg, lives in Westport and is known for her biannual review of the year's best books.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

Age

66

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Elected four times to Westport's RTM, serving three times as Deputy Moderator; Elected six times to the State Legislature, currently serving third term as Chair of the Public Health Committee.

Why are you seeking this office?

Westporters have invested in me by electing me over and over again to the Legislature, and their investment is paying off. As Chair of the Public Health Committee, I was involved in the State's successful response to the COVID crisis, and I've spearheaded landmark legislation such as Tobacco 21 and the recent Children's Mental Health bills as well as several Energy bills. I've been a fiscal moderate, involved in the key decisions which have improved the state's budget situation, and protected Westport from one-size-fits-all Hartford "solutions." Westport benefits from having an experienced, seasoned legislator who has built critical relationships with colleagues, the Administration and the private sector. There's more to do to secure our state's future, and I'm dedicated to pursuing real solutions for our citizens.
Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

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

Experience and values. Experience in terms of understanding how Government works (and sometimes doesn't), established trust with key players across government and the private sector, and deep knowledge of policy from healthcare to the environment to the budget. Values matter because I will vigorously defend individual rights, including a woman's right to choose, and I'll support our excellent schools in their mission to prepare our children to prosper in a complicated world.

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

n/a

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

Protecting the fiscal controls which have restored the state's fiscal stability, instituted in 2017 but could be repealed next year. Assuring any changes to affordable housing laws are fair to communities like Westport. Pursuing additional reforms to reduce gun violence. Continuing to address our mental health and addiction crises.

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

Just a sampling: Removal of the Religious Exemption for Children's Vaccines, Tobacco 21 (limiting youth access to vaping products), the signature Children's Mental Health bills, expanding access to abortion services, the "Lead by Example" section of the landmark Energy legislation (obliging state buildings to pursue energy efficiency projects), the State's Water Plan, Chairing the Pension Sustainability Commission and the M.O.R.E. Commission, serving on the Spending Cap Commission, leading the House Moderates Caucus...

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Really listen to people and ask questions

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

I'd like to think that Westport and Connecticut are better places because of my dedication and determination to work with anyone and everyone to forge real solutions. I humbly ask that Westporters return me to the Legislature to continue to work on their behalf during these particularly challenging times.