Election Questionnaire for Pat Boyd, House District 50
In your opinion, what are some of the most important issues facing the 50th District, and Eastford specifically?
“Education funding and municipal support top that list. The funding debate in Hartford often centers on urban centers versus wealthy suburbs or Fairfield County. Rural Connecticut and small towns like Eastford, with limited tax bases, often fall through the cracks. Much of my time is spent educating my colleagues about rural Connecticut, including that Windham County is the poorest county in the state, that our schools and municipal budgets are lean and efficient, and that towns like Eastford should not be lumped in with other communities. Additionally, the cost of energy remains something the next Legislature must address, specifically by expanding our energy sources, as rates will never go down if we can’t source energy at a much lower rate, likely requiring a multi-state coalition. In my role as House Chairman of the Public Safety & Security Committee, I continue to work to give towns options to support volunteer fire departments, quality EMS response, and to grow the ranks of the Connecticut State Police, who are strained in the Troop D region.”
How do you hope to tackle these issues if elected to the House of Representatives?
“Tackling these issues requires building upon the foundation we have established in past legislative sessions while maintaining a firm commitment to fiscal responsibility. Over the last nine years, I have held the line on taxes and continued to pay down our state’s legacy debt (we have paid down $11 billion since 2018). At the same time, we must direct investment where it is needed most. I will work to expand the Special Education Fund established last year, ensure the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant is fully funded, and advocate for an updated ECS formula that incorporates a dedicated “Rural Multiplier.” This structural adjustment will ensure that small, rural communities like Eastford receive their fair share of state resources to offset geographic, high school tuition, and transportation challenges without shifting costs onto local property taxpayers. Part of my job is ensuring our communities can access essential state programs, including Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants, LoCIP, and Town Aid Road funds. I take a hands-on approach to local priorities, such as spearheading the effort to secure state funding for the Eastford Independent Fire Company to repair extensive exterior structural damage, fix rotted studs, and install energy-efficient windows. Moving forward, I will continue securing targeted investments for our volunteer first responders and local infrastructure.”
Why did you decide to run for election to the House of Representatives?
“In 2016, the incumbent state representative for the 50th District announced his retirement, and I have always felt that serving your community is important. At the time, I served as President of the Pomfret Volunteer Fire Company and Deputy Emergency Manager for the town. I had never sought elected office before, but I recognized and appreciated that public service matters, and the Connecticut Legislature requires citizen-legislators to serve on behalf of their communities. I never wanted to be a ‘full-time politician,’ so I stood up and felt that I could serve my neighbors by being a voice for my home and rural Connecticut. It has been a rewarding but extremely challenging role, as the political climate makes collaboration difficult and conscience-driven decisions are required. In short, it has been the honor of my life to serve in the Connecticut House of Representatives, and not a day goes by that I take the responsibility that you have given me for granted.”
Talk about your background. What makes you stand out as the best choice for State Representative?
“I have a unique background. I grew up in the Quiet Corner and have lived and worked here my entire life. After graduating from Plainfield High School, I attended Eastern Connecticut State University, earning a B.A., then graduated from Sacred Heart University, where I earned an M.A. I am a career educator and school administrator, having worked in Sterling before moving to the private sector, first at The Rectory School and, for the last 20 years, at Pomfret School, where I am currently the Associate Dean of Students, history teacher, and coach. For the last 21 seasons, I have served as Camp Director at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation in Ashford, the largest Scout Camp in Connecticut, with more than 2,000 campers a season, 95 staff members, and a large budget. I continue to volunteer as a firefighter in Pomfret and am involved in the town’s Emergency Management efforts. In my nine years in the Legislature, I have held leadership positions on the Committee on Children, Veterans and Military Affairs, and for the last four years I have served as the House Chairman of the Public Safety & Security Committee. This background managing a large non-profit business, education administration, and emergency management puts me in a unique position to understand the work needed to address the unique challenges facing Eastford and our region.”
Can you share a personal story or experience that highlights your commitment to public service?
“After joining the Volunteer Fire Service in 2008, I realized how fragile the system is, from dispatch to mutual aid volunteer response, ambulance availability, and the growing need for training. We have dedicated volunteers, but they need support to sustain the service. I have dedicated a significant portion of my service in the State House to developing solutions to recruit and retain firefighters, EMS responders, and law enforcement officers. I’ve been on calls in the middle of the night when an immediate response is delayed, and I’ve seen amazing, hero-like work happen every day without the public noticing. My commitment to these issues is directly shaped by my own experience on the ground.”
What is the most important thing you would say to an undecided voter heading to the polls on Nov. 3?
“The year 2026 is a highly politically polarized environment. We all watch Washington with curiosity. Connecticut is different. It’s all about the effort that you put into the work. I pride myself on having built a reputation as a legislator who builds coalitions, does not toss partisan mud, and, as a result, I chair one of the most bipartisan committees in the State House. This isn’t because of the committee content — it’s because I treat my counterparts with respect and give the opposition a seat at the table in all decision-making. Being in the majority means you have a responsibility to govern, and I have a seat at the table as the House, Senate, and the governor make major decisions. Although I don’t get everything I want despite my advocacy, I have been able to influence major policies like our fiscal guardrails, agriculture focus, workforce development, local funding, and healthcare availability, and I am directly involved in the UConn Health/Day Kimball partnership. Without someone like me in the room, decisions will be made by those who represent cities, suburbs, and the Gold Coast, which I fear will adversely affect rural communities like Eastford.”
THE LIGHTNING ROUND
1. Coffee or tea? Coffee (Black)
2. Early bird or night owl? Night owl
3. What’s your favorite restaurant in the 50th District? Grill 37 in Pomfret
4. What song do you always turn up when it comes on? “Island in the Sun,” by Weezer
5. What was your favorite subject in school? History
6. What’s one TV show you could watch over and over? The West Wing
7. If you suddenly had a completely free Saturday, how would you spend it? Volunteering to boil sap at the Maple Sugar House during the winter.
8. What’s one thing you’re surprisingly good at? Any hidden talents? One of the Eagle Scout skills that stuck with me over the years is knot tying — sheepshank, anyone?
9. What’s your favorite local place to visit? James L. Godwin State Forest
10. Finish this sentence: “People might be surprised to learn that I…” Grew up on a farm, and you learn a lot from feeding and watering cows when it’s 5 degrees outside early on a Sunday morning