Candidate Profile: Len Suzio, 13th Senate District

MERIDEN, 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.

Len Suzio, a Meriden resident, is running for election to the state Senate District 13 to represent parts of Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield and Middletown.

Age: 72

Party affiliation: Republican Party
Independent Party of CT

Family: Married to Kathryn, with 5 children, Katelyn, Krista, Rachel, Faith and Josh

Occupation: Bank regulatory compliance expert

Previous elected experience: I represented the area as state senator twice, 2011-2012 and 2017-2018

Campaign website: Suzio2020.com

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

The state's finances are a disaster with $7 billion of deficits forecasted for next biennium budget. The Democrats will attempt to balance the budget with record-breaking tax increases. We are going to have to balance the budget without more tax increases. I know spending that can be cut and I will focus on real spending cuts rather than adding more to the tax burden of Connecticut families.

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

Put simply, I am a conservative and my opponent is radically liberal on every issue. She's for tolls and I am against tolls. She voted for the "police accountability" bill and I think it is a disaster and a slap in the face of the many honorable men and women who put their lives on the line for our safety.

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

I successfully capped gas taxes, defeated tolls and the "mileage tax" and exposed Eversource overbilling on electricity bills in 2018 resulting in thousands of Connecticut families receiving refunds for their overpayments.

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

Absolutely, Eversource needs more regulatory oversight. However the "Take Back our Grid" legislation touted by my opponent does nothing to reduce the outrageous electricity prices we pay to Eversource (almost double what Wallingford residents pay to Wallingford Electric). Politicians like my opponent have mandated increasing purchases of expensive and highly unreliable electricity which is scheduled to cause more expensive electricity every year for the next 10 years! The Legislature must rescind some of these mandates that are unrealistic and unaffordable. Finally, PURA needs to be a watchdog and not a lap dog. The profit allowed Eversource is outrageous and must be reduced in light of the fact that it enjoys the benefits of a virtual monopoly with almost no risks (when was the last time a utility failed?). Eversource brags about its record-breaking profits to shareholders but cries poverty in front of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

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

Open for business as soon as possible. Relax restrictions on restaurants and other businesses but require a strict protocol as far as handling food and dishes, etc. Keep an eye on hospital admissions for Covid-19 infections. The original purpose of the lockdown was to "flatten the curve" so our healthcare system wouldn't be overwhelmed. As long as hospital admissions stay acceptable we should try to get back to normal as much as practical using prudent practices.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

The outrageous costs of electricity have to be reduced. Most people don't know it, but the politics in Hartford are the #1 reason why we have the highest electricity costs in the continental US. The politicians have mandated the purchase of ever increasing amounts expensive and unreliable energy so we end up paying Eversource almost double what the average cost is for electricity everywhere else. Even Wallingford Electric costs only 12.4 cents/kWh while Eversource charges 23.8 cents/kWh. The multimillion dollar compensation of Eversource bosses should be excluded from electric rates.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have never voted for a tax increase and I will not add to the taxpayer's outrageous burden. You can count on me to hold the line on spending and taxing and to fight the special interests and Eversource at the Capitol.

Suzio has been endorsed by The Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police and the National Federation of Independent Businesses Connecticut PAC.