Candidate Profile: Patrick Callahan For House District 108

CONNECTICUT — 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.

Patrick Callahan, a New Fairfield resident, is running for House of Representatives District 108.

Age: 54

Party affiliation: Republican Party

Family: I have been married to my wife, Andrea, a New Fairfield native and school teacher, for 26 years. I have three children, Tommy — 21, Clare — 19, and Liam — 16. All of my children attended New Fairfield Schools. I was born and raised in CT, and have lived in New Fairfield for 25 years.

Occupation: Chief adult probation officer, CT Judicial Branch

Previous elected experience: I was previously appointed to the Candlewood Lake Authority, and served 13 years on the committee and chairman for 10 years. I have also served on the New Fairfield Ethics Committee. I am currently an elected member of the New Fairfield Planning Commission.

Family members in government: No one in my family works in politics and only I work for the State of CT.

Campaign website: callahanforrep.com

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

The single most pressing issue in CT is the faltering economy, high taxes and utility rates. We need to stop taxing our residents and businesses out of the state and work with PURA to bring utility rates down. We need to reduce regulations and taxes on businesses in CT to incentivize them to stay in CT.

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

I am a lifelong Connecticut resident and 25-year resident of the 108th District, (Danbury, New Fairfield, Sherman and New Milford). I have worked in this area for the court for almost 30 years. I have volunteered my time in the community for over 25 years on various boards and commissions and coaching youth sports. I understand the issues facing our community and our natural resources here as I have been on the front line working with addiction issues, mental health challenges, and working to protect Candlewood Lake. I believe my opponent is a newcomer to Connecticut and to our district and as such, has had minimal opportunity to get to know the people and issues facing those that live here.

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

As stated above, I have served on various boards and commissions and have experience working with local, state and federal officials and agencies to solve problems. When serving as the chairman of the Candlewood Lake Authority, I regularly met with area legislators and have experience testifying before legislative committees to advocate for our district and Candlewood Lake. I have excelled in my career in the Judicial Branch as a chief probation officer. I received the Liberty Bell Award from the Danbury Bar Association in 2018 for outstanding service to the Connecticut courts and for exemplary service to the community.

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

As mentioned above, CT residents pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation. I have been communicating with PURA regarding this issue and will continue to pursue this when elected.

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

Connecticut businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and the restrictions imposed by Gov. Lamont. Businesses should be allowed to open with the owners taking all safety precautions necessary to keep their patrons safe. Business owners have to have a seat at the table to let our lawmakers know how all these regulations are hurting their businesses and listen to their ideas to move forward and fully open safely. Our legislature should focus in the next session on how to make it easier for CT businesses to operate. We should focus on reducing fees, taxes and some regulations to make improvements to the business climate here.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

- I support our local and state police
- I will continue to work to make sure our natural resources are protected
- I support our teachers and make sure their pensions are not raided by the state.
- We need to stop raising taxes on CT's families and stop government waste.

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

I come from a large family and grew up in Norwalk. I have seven successful siblings and 22 nieces and nephews. My father was the former chief justice of the CT Supreme Court and my mother was a saint for raising eight children. I love hiking and exercising, snow and water skiing, playing tennis (and pickleball these days). When elected, I would retire from my current position and work full-time on legislative issues for the people of my district.