Matt Pugliese has spent his career working in the non-profit theater industry beginning at the Ivoryton Playhouse before serving as executive director at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theatre in Middletown, and now as managing director and executive producer at Connecticut Repertory Theatre.

He became involved in local government in 2015 with Old Saybrook’s Economic Development Commission and was recently elected chair. Pugliese is now running for state representative in Assembly District 23, serving Old Saybrook, part of Westbrook, Lyme, and Old Lyme.

“I care about our community. My wife and I have loved growing up in Connecticut and we are excited to raise our daughters here,” said Pugliese. “We need leaders who are going to stand up for good, effective management of our state’s resources, with a long-term strategic vision for Connecticut. We need to protect our environment for future generations; work to reduce income inequality; create a vibrant, strong economy; and ensure access to high-quality healthcare. We need leaders with empathy. We need leaders that understand the difference between short-term wins and long-term success.”

Over the years, he has served as co-chair of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County’s Live Local Give Local 365 initiative and on the Board of Directors for the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce for two years.

Pugliese, who has a master’s degree in public administration, looks to draw on his experience running non-profit theater organizations, which he said ranges from growing a community to running a playhouse through a recession. He has been recognized for that work as he was named to Hartford Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list in 2012 and awarded the UConn School of Fine Arts Public Engagement Award in 2017.

“I understand how difficult it is to deliver service to the community while facing decreasing revenues. I have had to make difficult decisions, I have had to work hard to keep a staff employed,” said Pugliese. “We need collaborative leaders who understand communication doesn’t mean talking, it means listening. We need non-partisan leaders that will build relationships, communicate, and collaborate to serve our community.”

If elected, Pugliese’s top priorities include working for a timely and balanced state budget, instituting an earned paid family leave program to support workers and small business, and ensuring residents have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare.

“I want to help Connecticut grow and continue to be a great place to live and work and raise a family,” said Pugliese.

Matt Pugliese’s stance on:

Tolls: “We have been debating tolls in Connecticut for years and losing a significant source of revenue as our neighboring states collect tolls, while Connecticut offers the free use of our roads and bridges. The benefits of tolling far outweigh the potential costs. Electronic tolling technology will allow us to have in-state discounts versus out-of-state driver rates. Tolling brings Connecticut in line with our region and improved transportation will help keep our state economically competitive.”

The State’s Economy: “We need to focus on making Connecticut a competitive place to do business, to keep existing businesses and encourage new ones to grow. We need to make it easier to run a business here in Connecticut to encourage job growth and creation. We can support workforce development, employee retention, and small business growth by prioritizing education, healthcare, and paid family leave. I support expanding training programs in our community colleges and trade schools that create a highly skilled and education workforce. I support loan-forgiveness initiatives for college graduates that stay in Connecticut. This is about making Connecticut competitive as an environment to start your business and put down your roots as a citizen. We need to get Connecticut’s spending under control

School Funding: “We need to fully fund our public education system and work to reduce unfunded mandates from the state that burden our school district’s abilities and budgets. Early-childhood education has been clearly linked to being the most important factor in a student’s future success. A strong public education system helps our district continue to be an attractive community to live and locate your business. We have great public schools and we need to work to keep them that way.”

Health Insurance: “Providing high-quality, affordable health care is the most volatile cost for a small business. It is also one of the most important benefits that workers are seeking in employment. I believe in expanding access to the state’s Medicaid program and moving to a single-payer system in Connecticut. This can create stability for both businesses and individuals.”

Wesbite: mattpugliesect.com

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Twitter: @mattpugliesect