REGIONAL

When voters in Old Saybrook and Westbrook hit the polls on Election Day, they will help decide who gets to be the next representative in the 23rd House District. The Harbor News reached out to Republican incumbent Devin Carney and Democratic challenger Jane Wisialowski to hear their thoughts on the race.

The 23rd House District includes the towns of Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Lyme, and Old Lyme. Since 2015, the district has been represented by Carney.

Most of the attention during the past several months has been focused on the race for President. However, local elections are also critically important and arguably have more of an impact on the day-to-day lives of residents in the state.

The Harbor News reached out to both candidates to ask about their qualifications and what they would like to work on if elected. Both candidates were given the same questions and a maximum word count of 500 words. Here are their answers.

What made you want to run for this position?

Wisialowski (D): I have lived, worked, volunteered and raised my family in this community for 25 years and believe the towns of the 23rd District should be represented by someone who will vote their values—that means voting to protect women’s reproductive rights, to protect our natural landscape from the ravages of climate change, to make life more affordable for seniors and working families, and to protect our children from gun violence.

Carney (R): Connecticut is facing budgetary challenges next year, and I want work through these changes by providing fiscally responsible leadership. I also want to continue to fight for local control and against unnecessary state mandates that negatively affect our quality of life. I love serving the 23rd District, and I firmly believe the district deserves experienced, competent, and open-minded representation, which I will continue to provide if re-elected.

What are your proudest accomplishments?

Carney (R): This past term, I reduced income taxes on pensions and IRAs for many taxpayers, and I improved affordable access to emergency contraception. I worked hard to stop the federal government from building high-speed rail directly through the district. I stopped an enormous school regionalization bill that would have drastically altered the future of our local education. In 2017, I was part of the Finance Committee that put in place our fiscal guardrails, which have paid down debt and allowed our state’s economy to get more in order. I am also very proud of my continued efforts around improving mental health and substance abuse issues within our state.

Wisialowski (D): As a conservator, I am able to provide meaningful, compassionate guidance to people facing health care and financial hardships. When I ran for Board of Ed in Old Saybrook last fall, I was the top vote-getter, a testament to my ability to work well with people from both parties, something essential to the work I will do in Hartford. During this race, I have received many critical endorsements. Reproductive Equity Now, Planned Parenthood, CT Against Gun Violence, and AFT (one of the largest teachers’ and health care unions) are just a few of the organizations that support my candidacy.

What issues would you like to tackle if elected?

Wisialowski (D): I would work to bring down the cost of housing with programs like “Work, Live, Ride,” which provides critical funds for qualifying towns. We can build more housing and still have it fit the charm of our shoreline communities. I believe we must act swiftly to update our Global Warming Solutions Act (2008) to bring Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emission targets in line with other states in the region. This critical legislation would create incentives for businesses and individuals who utilize environmentally friendly policies and would ensure the protection of our coastline. Reproductive freedom is the issue I hear most about on the doors, specifically the threat of a nationwide ban if [Donald] Trump is elected. As State Rep, I will always vote to protect women’s reproductive rights here in Connecticut.

Carney (R): I want to continue working to make Connecticut more affordable and a great state for small businesses, families, and retirees. I also want to focus on getting state residents and constituents—particularly recent high school and college graduates—into high-demand manufacturing jobs. I want to tackle Connecticut’s energy issues. With the huge increases in bills, the state must provide relief to ratepayers and work to provide more efficient and inexpensive energy. I also want to work on improving public safety—especially when it comes to the recruitment and retention of State Police officers and making our highways safer.

What relevant background do you have for this position?

Carney (R): I have been State Representative for 10 years. In that time, I have built strong relationships with people all across the political spectrum. I served as ranking member of the Transportation Committee for four years and currently serve as ranking member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee. I serve on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and have built strong institutional knowledge related to the state budget and the legislative process. I also serve in leadership within my caucus, so I have direct input into a lot of legislation.

Wisialowski (D): I had an extensive corporate career in business development and, about 15 years ago, moved into eldercare services. I have also been a trusted, hardworking volunteer in our local school system and in elected positions. I am a Parks & Recreation commissioner, a member of the Board of Education, and vice chair of the Old Saybrook Democratic Town Committee. I also serve on the board of directors of the Valley Shore YMCA. All of these roles require collaboration, compromise, and advocating for ideas and solutions that benefit the entire community—not just the special interests.

How would you tackle politics divisiveness ?

Wisialowski (D): When you’re representing thousands of people, nothing can be accomplished if the two parties aren’t willing to be professional and respectful of each other’s positions. I come to work ready to focus on what needs to get done, which requires a collaborative approach and a commitment to find common ground with people who don’t agree with you. However, when core principles are at stake, I’m always going to refer back to what I hear from voters. They have told me what really matters to them, and that will always be my first priority.

Carney (R): In my first term, I founded the “Young Legislators Caucus” with the sole purpose being to bring younger Democrats and Republicans together to share ideas and propose legislation. I continue to serve as the Republican chair of this caucus (now called the “Future Caucus”) and have received national honors for these efforts. I work incredibly well with all of my colleagues and believe that compromise can bring out the best legislation. My focus has always been about ideas and doing what’s right for my constituents—never about political party.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know ?

Carney (R): I was born and raised in Old Saybrook and have deep familial ties to Westbrook. I work in finance and serve on several local boards, including The Kate and Saybrook Senior Housing. I am also a member of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters can check their registration status and polling location at: //portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.