Election Coverage for 35th State Senate District
The Eastford Communicator sent a questionnaire to both candidates, with the same questions, with the same rules. These answers are edited due to space constraints — but every care was taken to preserve points made by the candidates, in the interest of fairness.
Jeff Gordon (R, Incumbent)
In your opinion, what are some of the most important issues facing the 35th Senate District, and Eastford specifically?
“The #1 issue that is on the minds of everyone I meet, talk, and work with is the high cost of living and taxation in Connecticut. Other issues of concern are public safety and public education. These are all issues that I have been working on as a State Senator.”
How do you hope to tackle these issues if re elected to the State Senate?
“I will continue my strong track record of working with and working for people. For example, I advocated for and helped pass historic income tax cuts, increases in the earned income tax credit, and expansion of tax exemptions for retirement accounts, pensions, and IRAs. I worked to stop $2.5 million in public education cuts to the Senate District and worked to increase state funding overall for public education. I stand strong in providing law enforcement with the resources they need, to empower them to do what they are trained to do to keep us safe and help us when we need help, and to hold criminals accountable for their crimes. I stand strong in defending all of our individual rights, parental rights, and medical freedoms, and have a track record of doing so. And, as A state senator and a doctor, I have worked successfully to keep needed health care services in our region and to help expand services, including maternal health, labor and delivery, and women’s health.”
Why did you decide to run for re election to the State Senate?
“I am running for re election to continue the work I do every day for the people of Eastford and of the 35th State Senate District. It is an honor to serve, including being someone who provides constituent services for people when they need help.”
Talk about your background. What makes you stand out as the best choice for State Senator?
“I have a strong track record of public service. I was the Chairman of Woodstock’s Planning & Zoning Commission for 15 years. I have been serving as State Senator for two years. My work ethic is to roll up my sleeves, delve into the work that needs to be done, learn the facts of what is going on, tell the truth, provide people opportunities to have their voices heard, and always use common sense. My track record is strong for working with people, working for people, and working together to get good things done. I often say that it is not just what a person does that matters, but also how they do it. On both accounts I have a proven, strong track record. I serve on the Public Health, Public Safety, Appropriation, and veterans & Military Affairs Committees, which provides me good vantage points to serve the 35th Senate District. I am also a Co Chair of the Rural Caucus to help our part of the state.”
Can you share a personal story or experience that highlights your commitment to public service?
"Two experiences come to mind about my public service at a personal level. First, when I was chairman of Woodstock’s Planning & Zoning Commission, there was young family that sought my help understanding how to use the land they bought to build a house and start a small business home occupation. They were confused by the town’s zoning regulations. I was able to help them. I was able to update the zoning regulations to make them easier to understand and better able to serve the people of the town.
Second, during my time as a State Senator, I have been approached by many veterans who need assistance learning about and accessing services they have earned through their service to our country. I have been proud as the Ranking Member on the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee to help them and their families."
What is the most important thing you would say to an undecided voter heading to the polls on Nov. 5?
“You want and deserve a State Senator who works hard every day, works for you, tells the truth, lets you know what is going on, seeks hearing from you, and is a strong voice for you to get things done with a track record of proven results. I am the state senator serving you that has that track record. Let’s continue to work together.”
Lightning Round
1. Describe yourself using only three words.
“Common sense, family oriented, and hard working.”
If you were trapped on a deserted island, and could have only one book, which book are you choosing?
“The Hobbit”
What’s your favorite movie?
“Star Wars … the original.”
What is your favorite hobby?
“Legos.”
What are your top three albums of all time?
“Phil Collins, Beatles, Taylor Swift.”
You have the opportunity to eat dinner with three people, dead or alive. Who are you inviting to dinner?
“Always my wife! Ted Williams (and get an autograph on a baseball), and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.”
What is your dream vacation?
“Going to Cape Cod with my family.”
What’s your favorite local place to visit?
“Any restaurant that serves pizza.”
What’s your favorite snack?
“Potato chips.”
A genie grants you one wish. What do you wish for (besides more wishes)?
“The opportunity to spend more time in my life with my family and friends.”
Merry Garrett (D, Challenger)
In your opinion, what are some of the most important issues facing the 35th Senate District, and Eastford specifically?
“The cost of living in the district, [including] incredibly high Eversource rate hikes. Property tax increases, coupled with lack of funding for education, laying off teachers and support staff. Slow or no modernization of infrastructure. Our senior citizens, young adults, and middle class families need affordable, attainable, inclusive housing options to allow them to stay, downsize, or move back to [their hometowns]. Our regional hospitals need to re establish maternity care and other services.”
How do you hope to tackle these issues if elected to the State Senate?
“We need to investigate price gouging. As companies make record breaking profits, we continue to pay the price. The Eversource situation should have been addressed before we received increases. … I will fight price gouging at every opportunity. We must start getting our fair share of funding from the state. Receiving a grant here or there is not enough. Our general funds require more to allow us to increase funding for education, seniors, and property tax stabilization. We need to make adjustments to outdated planning and zoning that stymies opportunity for middle class citizens by adjusting building codes, turning empty commercial properties into home, land use, and other uses.
It is time regional hospitals became part of the state hospital system. We do not want our health to become a commodity owned by private equity firms. I will fight for our district’s hospitals. … Every person in our district deserves available and quality health.”
Why did you decide to run for election to the State Senate?
“I have been asked to run for this seat several times over the years. Senior citizens and middle income families are struggling when they should be prospering and saving. Young people want to come back to the district, but cannot afford to. Teachers are being laid off or are leaving the district. Environmental issues, health care, and other issues have seen no progress. As I have lived in eastern Connecticut my entire life, I will always stand up for what is right and do what is best for our district without compromise.”
Talk about your background. What makes you stand out as the best choice for State Senator?
“I bring a fresh, new perspective and an extensive, highly successful business background as a director of Regulatory Insurance Technology and small business owner. I have been civically involved with many committees and non profit organizations over the years. My family is union strong, works in law enforcement (State Police) and the Stamford Superior Court, and in the military, from brigadier general to staff sergeant. As someone that started their career in the tobacco fields at 13, and has lived/worked in Connecticut my entire life, I understand people from every walk of life.”
Can you share a personal story or experience that highlights your commitment to public service?
“I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout. I was always civically involved, from the American Red Cross to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, to Habitat for Humanity, to Tolland Together with the Hartford Foundation for Giving, etc. Many times, years later, someone tells me about how they paid it forward due to something I did to help them. It’s always humbling.
For example, when called upon by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership to help create a mentoring program to include corporations and local schools, I created safety protocols to protect children. Working with the GPP was life changing. It was many years later when a former student recognized me [and] told me about her decision to become a registered nurse. She told me the mentoring program was the first time someone really took an interest in her … and she never forgot that. It was a heartwarming conversation and wonderful that she was paying it forward.”
What is the most important thing you would say to an undecided voter heading to the polls on Nov. 5?
“I am here to represent all people in the district, regardless of affiliations. I’ve been endorsed by the Independent Party and the Working Families Party. My family is involved in law enforcement and the military, as well as union members. Results matter. … I will fight to ensure we are no longer an afterthought. I will do the work, as I have done my entire stellar career, to ensure success.
Lightning Round
Describe yourself using only three words.
“Accomplished. Straightforward. Resilient.”
If you were trapped on a deserted island, and could have only one book, which book are you choosing?
“The largest hardcover English dictionary ever created, with tiny print and bonus illustrations."
What’s your favorite movie?
"Shawshank Redemption.”
What is your favorite hobby?
“Creating mixed media art.”
What are your top three albums of all time?
“Purple Rain by Prince; Traveler by Chis Stapleton; and Simply the Best by Tina Turner.”
You have the opportunity to eat dinner with three people, dead or alive. Who are you inviting to dinner?
“My maternal grandmother, my maternal grandfather, and Leonardo de Vinci.”
What is your dream vacation?
“Anywhere with my family and friends.”
What’s your favorite local place to visit?
“Any hiking trails in the district!”
What’s your favorite snack?
“Popcorn.”
A genie grants you one wish. What do you wish for (besides more wishes)?
“One of the following: 1. Peace on earth; 2. To protect all children from any harm or illness; 3. To give a wish to someone deserving that needs it more than I do.”