Election Questionnaire for Ethan Werstler, CT State Senate District 35

In your opinion, what are some of the most important issues facing the 35^th Senate District, and Eastford specifically?

“In conversations with residents, I hear many issues of great importance. Among them are rising property taxes levied to cover the growing cost of education and special education. Connecticut has relied too heavily, and for too long, on property taxes to cover most of the costs of educating the next generation. This reliance pits our seniors on fixed incomes against our parents. It pits our working families against our students. We need to dramatically reform our education cost sharing (ECS) formula to better serve small towns like Eastford and others in my district. Small towns are getting crushed under the current system. The path forward is to tie the ECS formula to inflation and dramatically update its per-pupil amount. Big city politicians far away aren’t listening to our elected officials, and I am concerned the governor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission won’t properly consider the interests of small towns.”

How do you hope to tackle these issues if elected to the State Senate?

“For the past 30 years, there have been only fleeting moments where Eastford and the 35th Senate District have been represented by the majority party in the State Senate. Being relegated to the (“Super”) Minority party has kept Eastford and this district from the table of decision-makers in Hartford. I would join Democrats like State Rep. Pat Boyd and other rural legislators, and work within the majority party to deliver on important issues. Despite being nominated by the majority party, I would be dedicated to working on a bipartisan basis to deliver for my community.”

Why did you decide to run for election to the State Senate?

“Growing up in this district, a proud son of Woodstock, I got to live the American Dream. To live down the road from my grandparents, in a community we could afford, was a blessing. But that same opportunity has become increasingly out of reach for seniors and young families in our district. Knocking on thousands of doors across our community, I hear a shared concern: ‘Does my family’s Eastern Connecticut story end with me?’ We need something more. And soon. As a young person pursuing public service, I see so many of my peers turn away, believing this work is not meant for them. I believe anyone possessing the means and will to serve, regardless of age, must answer that call. I accepted this great challenge with open eyes and a full heart. The opportunity to serve my community would be the greatest honor of my life.”

Talk about your background. What makes you stand out as the best choice for State Senator?

“As an alum of Woodstock Academy and UConn, I am a proud product of Eastern Connecticut’s public schools. During my time at UConn, I served on the university’s Board of Trustees, representing tens of thousands of undergraduate students, and upheld my fiduciary responsibility to the state’s flagship university. I also fought for food-insecure students by creating a food assistance program called “Husky Market.” After graduating, I spent four legislative sessions working in government relations in Hartford. Last year, I started a small business, coaching high school and college students about public speaking, negotiations, and leadership. I have mentored thousands of high schoolers and plan to continue doing so when elected. What do I hope stands out? I don’t have tons of money. I don’t have a big mansion. I am just a young man, navigating young adulthood, hoping to dedicate myself to your best interests.”

Can you share a personal story or experience that highlights your commitment to public service?

“My grandparents were in their early 20’s when they moved to Woodstock. By that time, they had two young kids and had bought a house they could afford in Woodstock Valley. Decades later, those two kids — my dad and my aunt — moved out and right down the street into Woodstock homes of their own. The greatest joy of my life was growing up with my family nearby. But when my grandparents talk about the future, they are looking for a place better suited for senior living. There are practically no accessible senior housing options in this part of the state. My cousins, and so many of my friends, have moved away because they feel that there is no place for them in Eastern Connecticut. My commitment to public service extends not just to my family, but to every person who has made the difficult but worthwhile choice to stay here.”

What is the most important thing you would say to an undecided voter heading to the polls on Nov. 3?

“I would ask them the same thing I ask any person I meet on the campaign trail: “What do you expect from your state government?” Now, more than ever, we need a senator who can work within the supermajority. We need someone who can influence the decisions being made and one who will not be perpetually relegated to the minority. For too long, this district has been denied a seat at the table in Hartford. I ask undecided voters to expect more, to look elsewhere in our state, and to see how other areas are better served with different representation. Real tax dollars and state investment flow from your pockets to Hartford, and then to other places in this state. I’d ask the undecided, perhaps unaffiliated voter, to finally expect more, for a change.”

THE LIGHTNING ROUND

1. Coffee or tea? Coffee

2. Early bird or night owl? Night owl

3. What’s your favorite restaurant in the 35^th District? Sweet Evelina’s in Woodstock, before it closed.

4. What song do you always turn up when it comes on? Blowin’ in the Wind

5. What was your favorite subject in school? History and International Relations

6. What’s one TV show you could watch over and over? The Office

7. If you suddenly had a completely free Saturday, how would you spend it? With my lovely girlfriend, of course!

8. What’s one thing you’re surprisingly good at? Any hidden talents? I fancy myself a creative writer, and I am working on a collection of short fantasy stories I hope to read to my own children one day.

9. What’s your favorite local place to visit? Roseland Park in Woodstock.

10. Finish this sentence: “People might be surprised to learn that I…” Grew up playing old-school Dungeons & Dragons — and love the hobby to this day.