Candidate Profile: Craig Fishbein, 90th District

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2020 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Craig Fishbein, a Wallingford resident, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 90th District, representing Cheshire and Wallingford.

Age: 55

Party affiliation: Republican Party
Independent

Occupation: Attorney (Civil Rights and Family Law)

Previous elected experience: State Representative (2016 to Present) - Town Councilor (2010 to Present)

Campaign website: www.Fishbein4CT.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Insurmountable debt. Cut spending, lower taxes to incentivize investment.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

My opponent has been endorsed by groups wanting to de-fund the police and take away our rights to protect ourselves. I have an actual record of supporting law enforcement, crime victims, and those wanting to be able to protect themselves.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have, and continue to handle this job.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?

Yes. I think that the members of PURA should not all be appointed by the Governor. I think that DEEP should be split back up into the Department of Energy and the Department of Environmental Protection. Those two concepts are in conflict and are not appropriate to be under one umbrella, so to speak.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

Cut taxes. Most economic model show that cutting taxes increases business expenditures and an increase in business expenditures leads to jobs.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I have always been a proponent of smaller government, lower taxes, and less interference in the day-today affairs of our law-abiding citizens.

See also: Candidate Profile: Jim Jinks, 90th District