Justin Anderson Is Running For Congress 2020 In Connecticut

This Patch article is sponsored by Justin Anderson for Congress.

Justin Anderson is running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District of Connecticut. Learn more about Anderson's campaign, career and priorities in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: What attracted you to politics, and how did you get started?

Anderson: I first began following politics around the age of 10. Ronald Reagan was elected president, and his speeches and humor pulled me in. I began following his policies and liked his "power through strength" message. His messages were always insightful and patriotic.

There was a time when our two parties knew how to negotiate and solve problems. Not anymore. Politicians have been dividing people for too long — and for political gain. We need leadership that inherently brings people together if we are to survive as a nation. I am ready to take on that challenge. I decided I can no longer wait for someone to step up and represent who I am — who we are. I am here to be the voice of the people around me — the people who echo my sentiments yet always seem to be ignored. Those who know me can attest that I am mission-focused, results-oriented and dedicated to whatever I set out to do.

Patch: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your campaign.

Anderson: I grew up fairly poor but with the idea that if I worked hard enough, I could get ahead in life. During high school, I worked two part-time jobs: one as a dishwasher and the other as a short-order cook at Friendly’s Ice Cream. In the summer, I picked up an additional job, working another 40 hours a week doing landscaping for a condominium association. After high school, I was interested in law enforcement. I began attending the University of New Haven for criminal justice. I had to work full time to attend school full time. At this point, my job was at Home Depot. After three years at UNH and one year at Central State College, I joined the Department of Corrections in the hopes of making enough money to finish my degree. They put me on third shift, where I worked 16 hours a day, every single scheduled day, for five years. That was my introduction to the workforce. After my first year of college, I also joined the Connecticut Army National Guard as an infantryman. Being in the military was yet another goal of mine.

I have a grassroots campaign, and today I am using every tool available to get my name and message out during the COVID-19 era. The response at the local level has been incredible. I feel my views and messaging resonate well with the people in eastern Connecticut. Those who know me over the years are staunch supporters regardless of party affiliation.

Patch: How long have you lived in Connecticut?

Anderson: I have lived in Connecticut for over 40 years. I grew up in Middletown and graduated from Middletown High School. At one point, Middletown was part of the 2nd Congressional District. The lines have since been redrawn. About four years ago, my wife and family moved to East Haddam, where we currently reside.

Patch: Tell us about your career.

Anderson: I am a lieutenant colonel who has served in the military for over 30 years. I deployed four times after 9/11, with two combat tours in Afghanistan. I also worked over 20 years in a maximum-security prison. After retiring from the Department of Corrections, I worked full time for the military. My most recent job was funded by the federal government as the state senior intelligence officer. One cannot be a federal employee and run for political office, so I resigned from this position in order to campaign for Congress. I was, however, able to stay in the Connecticut State National Guard. I am the operations officer at the Regional Training Institute located at Camp Nett at Niantic. I currently serve on the East Haddam Planning and Zoning Commission.

Patch: What are some ways you give back to the community?

Anderson: I have served as the Connecticut state planner and leader of the Homeland Response Force. This is an anti-terrorism response team to combat chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear or high-explosive attacks throughout the New England region.

During the pandemic, I was called back to duty as the military liaison officer to the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Region 1 Office), ensuring commercial and federal stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) were distributed through the emergency regions to the local municipalities, police, fire, EMS and all first responders. Our quick military response and efforts to support the Connecticut state government allowed our state to be one of just two states in the entire nation where COVID-19 was considered contained.

Patch: If you were to be elected, what would some of your top priorities/policies/changes be?

Anderson: Physical and economic security is a must. We need to support our law enforcement and hold them to the highest standard. We must also overcome the detrimental effects of COVID-19. Safely reopening businesses and the economy are a priority. There are good protocols that allow for children to re-enter a safe school environment. Every business must be treated separately with different safety concerns. Allowing them to return to a point of making a profit is necessary. Zero-percent loans should be considered for restaurants, bars and food service in order to allow expansion for the previous maximum capacity, while providing for social distancing. I support COVID-19 assistance packages that are directed at protecting the economy and are focused on the lower-income families. I do not support a free-for-all money grab for every conceivable project. Fiscal responsibility must be applied in all government spending.

Patch: What distinguishes you from other candidates?

Anderson: I am a leader, not a politician. I will not vote down the party line, and I will always do what is best for “We the People.”

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced during this election?

Anderson: Getting out to visit the people during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2nd District, which covers 64 towns. Campaigning has been a challenge with social distancing in such a large district. I would have rather conducted far more face-to-face interactions.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part about running in this election?

Anderson: Meeting the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District and the support I receive from the community. I am honored by the positive response I have received while campaigning. There is also a growing team of supporters who have gone above and beyond. They have volunteered endless hours to help my efforts. I really would not have been able to accomplish everything I have without them. I am humbled by their dedication.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your campaign?

Anderson: They can learn more on my website and Facebook Page.