What I'll Do

My advocacy for Westport and its residents will be foremost in my mind and in my actions. The title of the job says it all, Representative and I want to hear your thoughts. I will build upon what I have done at the local level and take the same energy and approach to the state.

These will be some, but not all of my priorities

Maintain Local Control • Increase Affordable Housing • Temper 8-30g

Consumer Advocacy • Environmental Protection • DOT Collaboration • Support our Economy • On My Radar

Maintain Local Control

“Local control” is often used as a catchphrase, but for Westport it is important. Our town should be able to shape its own future. Blanket mandates can overlook the unique needs, priorities, and identity of communities like ours.

We are a small New England town, and should continue to be such. For years, I have closely monitored state legislation and spoken out about proposals that could negatively affect Westport. In many cases, a bill may have good intentions but needs adjustments to better reflect the realities of our town.

Serving in Hartford would allow me to continue this work more effectively—helping ensure that Westport’s perspective is considered.

Local control extends beyond land use and planning. It also affects building codes, environmental policies, and infrastructure projects that directly impact our daily lives, including the Cribari Bridge.

Increase Affordable Housing

I will work to identify ways to increase funding and opportunity for this critical need. The State has made clear that it wants to see more affordable housing created, but the funding mechanisms to support those goals have not kept pace.

At times, the State also sends mixed signals by encouraging increases in overall housing numbers while many proposals lack a meaningful affordable component. That needs to change. Our focus should be on creating true affordability, not simply increasing the number of market-rate units.

In addition affordable housing should make it possible for the people who help sustain our community—teachers, first responders, young families, and seniors—to live and continue to live in and contribute to Westport.

Temper 8-30g

While well intentioned, 8-30g is a blunt instrument that aids developers and leaves towns with completely inappropriate projects in the name of affordability. Six story apartment buildings should not tower over historic small homes. The massing must be addressed as well as the timing of the deed restrictions. Instead of creating an annuity for developers 40 years down the road the restriction should never lapse. When these deeds expire, Towns will be left with an even greater need for something that had already been addressed. How moratoria points are given, calculated and applied needs to be revamped to ensure a fairer process for towns who have embraced addressing this affordability, but are still vulnerable to such projects.

Consumer Advocacy

Whether its online sales, utility bills, or insurance practices a watchful eye is needed to ensure a fair shake for consumers. Added fees, secondary markets, credit card interest rates and questionable denials for medical coverage are just some of things I would take an interest in and look to improve.

Environmental Protection

Sustainability and the use of alternative energy sources is imperative. While moving forward for years, there is backward-thinking pressure coming from Washington that must be addressed. Our wind farms must be able to come online. Plastics are still filling our waste stream and making it into our water supply. New ways of promoting cleaner energy and upgrading recycling are part of that equation.

DOT

Transportation is something we are totally dependent on. I plan to find a path that brings greater collaboration with our town and the State, and swifter initiation and completion of projects. When it comes to the Cribari Bridge, we must find an answer for keeping large trucks off our surrounding roads and a solution that works for the residents, Town and the State.

Economy

Connecticut’s economy is doing well, top 10 in GDP the last two quarters, but it of course can be better. Small businesses are our life blood, and I will put my Chamber of Commerce experience to good use to find ways to support their needs and success.

On My Radar

Things that I will always work for and support: Gun Control and Safety, Reproductive Rights, Anti-Semitism Education, Domestic Violence Prevention and Protections, Fairer Nurse Practitioner opportunities and more...

Let's talk and see what else you believe I should be addressing. Email me [email protected]