Candidate Profile: Liz Linehan, 103rd 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.

Liz Linehan, a Cheshire resident, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives District 103 to represent parts of Cheshire, Southington and Wallingford.

Age: 46

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Occupation:Legislator
Prior occupation: Marketing Consultant

Previous elected experience:State Representative 2016-present
Cheshire Town Council 2013-2017

Campaign website: www.LizLinehan.com

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

The most pressing issue is Covid19, and it’s effects on all facets of our lives. This virus affects our health and well-being, our small businesses and global economies, the state budget, our schools, and even our relationships with friends and extended family. It’s imperative we work to control the virus so that we can ensure the safety and success of our entire community. I will be working closely with public health officials to lead by example and support common sense methods of personal responsibility to slow the spread, flatten any curve of subsequent waves, and help build consumer confidence within the local economy. I’ll provide supports to the residents of the state, including funding programs to keep small businesses open and residents employed; do what’s necessary to keep our kids in school as long as it’s safe to do so, and continue my work on social emotional learning to provide mental health supports to our kids for any prolonged closures. I’ll work toward permanent tele-health coverage, increase safety protocols to support longer visitations in nursing homes, and continue to provide personal attention to each constituent who needs help navigating the programs available around Covid and beyond. This is by no means an all-inclusive list, as there is much work to be done.

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

Experience is the most obvious difference. My opponent had never held public office, and in trying times like these, residents need a leader they know and can trust.

Beyond experience, my opponent does not have a plan for the state. Her entire campaign has revolved around my work as a cover for not having any ideas or plans of her own on how to navigate the current crisis. Additionally, she has been exposed for being untruthful throughout the entire campaign. My constituents deserve a representative who is open, engaged, honest, and transparent — and I’ve been that person for the past 4 years.

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

My successes as your State Representative speak for themselves. From successfully blocking policies from two governors which would negatively affect our towns — stopping the teacher pension cost shift which would have raised your property taxes exponentially, and blocking forced school regionalization — I’ve proven I won’t shy away from a fight on behalf of my constituents. I also introduced the law which eliminates the state income tax on social security, pensions, annuities for middle class families. I’ve written and passed numerous pieces of legislation for disabled and special needs individuals, children, veterans, and first responders. I was awarded an Elected Woman of Excellence from the National Foundation of Women Legislators for my body of work after only one full term, and I look forward to more successes on behalf of my constituents in Cheshire, Southington, and Wallingford.

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

I do. The Take Back Our Grid Act which we passed in September is a great first step, but more must be done. In 2019, I co-introduced legislation with Senator Mary Abrams to make it easier to develop municipal electric companies like we have in Wallingford, which would end the Eversource monopoly and drive rates down for all. We will continue to work on that as we enter the 2021 legislative session.

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

The creation of public-private partnerships for bridge loans and other programs is an important win/win for all. We must also continue to fund the CT Shared Work program, and work with our federal delegation to advocate for federal funding of unemployment, small businesses loans, state and municipal aid, procurement of PPE for businesses, and stimulus payments for our residents if needed.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

My platform is ever-growing because I’m responsive to the needs of my constituents and the district as a whole. Residents are encouraged to contact me anytime to let me know what you’d like me to fight for on your behalf. You can reach me at RepLizLinehan@gmail.com.

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

I’m here to help!

See also: Candidate Profile: Pam Salamone, 103rd District