Farmington Candidate Profile: Mike Demicco, 21st House District

FARMINGTON, CT — Mike Demicco, a Farmington resident, is running for the state House of Representatives in District 21.

Age: 61

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: Wife: Brenda. Daughters: Emily and Katie.

Occupation: Legislator, almost 8 years

Previous elected experience: Current: State Representative. Previous: Town Council member

Family members in government: Wife: Brenda, employed by State of Connecticut

Campaign website: www.reelectmikedemicco.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Our most pressing state issue is, of course, the Covid-19 pandemic, and our response to it. This has affected virtually all aspects of our lives. We face enormous challenges in the coming months and years, as we attempt to return to work and school, while protecting public health and providing for basic needs.

We must ensure that our businesses, industries, schools, restaurants, health providers, police, firefighters, courts, government agencies, etc., have the resources they need to operate safely and efficiently. At the same time, we must continue working to achieve social justice and the equal protection of every person's rights, as well as safe and accessible voting opportunities for all. Municipal budgets, and the state budget, will be strained, and will require all of us to be thoughtful and patient in our approach to these problems. I look forward to keeping our residents informed, connected, and protected.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Having served in town government for seven years, and in the legislature for almost eight, I believe I have acquired the experience and skills that are necessary to be an effective leader. I have always endeavored to represent Farmington and Unionville with compassion, fairness, and integrity. While listening to and learning from my constituents, I have worked with my colleagues in a bi-partisan manner to craft legislation that addresses many of Connecticut's most pressing problems.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? In my view, the sole reason for serving in public office is to make peoples' lives better. I believe my colleagues and I have done so over the past several years. We have maintained state aid to towns and schools, protected the environment and promoted renewable energy, increased access to behavioral health and addiction services, improved accessibility for those with disabilities, increased educational opportunities and workforce development, enhanced tax exemptions for seniors, expanded insurance coverage for women, and maintained the social service safety net-- all while balancing the state budget and building up the "rainy day" fund to record levels.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken? In the recently completed special session, the legislature took significant steps to increase oversight of electric utilities. We passed legislation emphasizing "performance-based rate-making." In essence, future rate increases (as well as executive compensation) will be based on how well electric companies perform on behalf of their customers (not their shareholders), in the areas of reliability, emergency response, affordability, and customer satisfaction. Customers will receive credit for outages lasting longer than four days, as well as compensation for spoiled food or medication. Minimum staffing requirements will be established, and the state will have greater representation on the governing boards of utility companies that service Connecticut customers.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses? We must continue our successful approach of carefully balancing economic activity with public health and safety. We must improve access to capital, in the form of low-interest loans, grants, tax credits, and other economic incentives. We must expand workforce development programs and job training programs, and continue to align the curricula of technical schools and colleges with the needs of business and industry. We must continue to invest in high-tech industries, improve our transportation infrastructure, modernize our energy grid, and protect our environment. We must adapt our tax structure and our regulatory framework to meet the new challenges of our changing economy.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: I will work to prepare health care workers, first responders, teachers, students, and government agencies for the ongoing impact of Covid-19. I will work to rebuild our economy by supporting local businesses and employees, as they strive to operate efficiently and safely. I will work to attain quality, affordable health care and insurance coverage for all. I will work to ensure that gender equity, affordable housing, quality childcare, affordable higher education, and retirement security are available to all.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I will continue to listen to, and learn from, the residents of Farmington and Unionville. It would be my honor to continue representing you in the state legislature.

Mike Demicco (Beth Kintner)