Balance: I believe in moderate, common-sense policies. I am running because I am tired of extreme and toxic politics. No party has the monopoly on good ideas. Nonpartisanship: I ran a bipartisan non-profit which advocated for women and girls’ rights in CT. I forged relationships statewide on both sides of the aisle, in government, non-profits and in business. I believe that I can be effective Day 1 in Hartford. Legal and financial expertise: I practiced corporate law and investment banking for over 2 decades. This has given me a substantial background to read, analyze and write legislation. It has also provided me the financial tools to understand the state’s complicated fiscal issues. Fiscal Responsibility. I ran two non-profits and was responsible for deploying donors’ money for a common vision. Legislators also deploy other people’s money – our tax dollars. I will take this awesome responsibility very seriously. Work ethic: I care deeply about the state and will work hard in this role. Empathy: I am the daughter of Greek immigrants and mother of 4 children. I believe growing up with two cultures and raising a family has given me empathy and perspective.
Taxes: CT has the second highest state/local tax burden in the US, largely due to out-of-control government spending. To lower taxes, I would defend CT’s fiscal’s guardrails (spending, revenue and volatility caps which keep the budget balanced). My opponent voted to overspend in 2024, but I would have defended the guardrails. I would also oppose efforts for a statewide property tax. Electric rates: (See answer below) Public Safety: Car thefts were up 33% in 2023 statewide, largely due to policies which prevent the police from doing their jobs. I would restore the consent search (key police tool to keep guns off the street) and tighten driving while smoking cannabis laws. My opponent took votes against restoring these policies. I would also revisit qualified immunity laws. I have received the endorsement of the Stamford Police Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and Police Organization of CT. Housing and Housing Density: (See answer below). Education: Stamford schools are strong compared to the national averages, but they could be improved. I would recommend high standards of excellence and behavior, implement what is working at Stamford’s best schools, (e.g., Stamford Charter School for Excellence), require attendance, lengthen the school day, and provide greater feedback for students and teachers so that each child can reach his/her potential.
Affordable housing is an important goal and lack of affordability is a problem in CT. I believe the decisions about how and where housing is built are best made by local government, where decision makers have the most information, accountability, and the most at stake. The state can play a role, however. We should improve the portability of Federally provided housing vouchers. Such vouchers issued by one municipality should be usable through the state, to support families who are currently subjected to lengthy waiting lists and compromised housing situations. I also agree that state government restricts growth and innovation. Red tape, extra taxes, and over regulation have made CT a difficult place to do business. For example, a home entertainment installer is required to have 900 hours of work experience before beginning his/her trade in CT. State government should remove these barriers to enterprising persons and instead attract businesses through tax credits and other incentives.
CT has the 2nd highest electric rates in the US. In the short term, I recommend moving the Public Benefits portion of our electric bill (which funds 41 government programs) under legislative review so that it can be vetted. The fact that these charges appear on ratepayers’ electric bills without any oversight is unacceptable. This summer, I would have agreed to convene a Special Session in the legislature to re-allocate Covid relief money to pay the $200 million in charges that were added to ratepayers’ bills in the aggregate. My opponent did not agree to convene a Special Session. I would also support capping the rates the utility companies can pay for supply. In the long term, CT needs an energy plan which is less expensive, cleaner and greener. This should include nuclear power, solar power and wind power. We need to diversity our sources of energy and reduce our reliance on natural gas.