Candidate Profile: Rob Sampson, 16th State Senate District

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Rob Sampson, a Wolcott resident, is running for the state Senate in District 16.

Age: 51

Party affiliation: Republican Party

Family:

Occupation: Realtor, Insurance Agent over 20 years experience

Previous elected experience: State Representative (2011-2018) State Senator (2019-2020)

Family members in government: No.

Campaign website: www.sampsonforct.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Affordability. Connecticut will continue to decline until our state government begins making policy designed to make our state more attractive and affordable for everyone - citizens, businesses, new graduates, and retirees. We need people to choose to stay and come here so we can grow our economy and prosperity. This is the only way to pay off our long term obligations and make a brighter future.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am experienced, honest, and principled. I am committed to making policy to improve the quality of life for CT residents, defend their civil rights, and make sure their voices are heard. I have a long and proven record of leadership, introducing and co-sponsoring over 130 bills that have become law. I tell the truth and keep my promises. My opponent avoids taking positions whenever possible and has been inconsistent when he does. He also insists on negative campaigning and misrepresenting my record. I have and never will do that.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have served in both state house and senate with distinction and integrity. I am known as a principled lawmaker that keeps his word. I have worked with my colleagues in both parties to successfully pass a tremendous amount of beneficial legislation affecting jobs and the economy, public health, transportation, public safety, insurance, energy, and the environment. I have also prevented many bad policies from becoming law including new taxes on real estate transactions, the individual mandate on health insurance, and highway tolls.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken? Yes, I have a perfect record in opposition to several laws passed over the last ten years that have led to the exorbitant electric rates we all pay. I have written extensively on this issue and have made a commitment never to vote for any legislation that is harmful to the environment or consumers. We need to transition to more renewable and cleaner sources of energy but this needs to happen on a scale that is achievable and affordable. The legislature continues to get ahead of itself and technology by voting into law bills that are founded in virtue signaling and politics and not good policy. I promise to remain thoughtful and pragmatic in my approach to energy policy.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses? As I mentioned above, the only solution to our fiscal mess is less government spending, taxes, and regulation. We need a return to the American principles of freedom and opportunity. We also need to compete with surrounding states (and countries) and realize how far out of touch our state has positioned itself - and work to reverse it. I have been leading the way to do so from the minority for ten years and I am not quitting now.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: I am the most well known defender of our constitutional rights and civil liberties in the state government. I love my country and believe strongly that its founding principles of freedom, equal opportunity for all, and limited government are the formula for success and the quality of life we enjoy. I work to maintain and defend these ideas every day. I am also adamantly opposed to identity politics and dirty campaigning.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I take my job as a representative of the people seriously. I work hard to remind my neighbors every day how our system is supposed to work and that their elected officials work for them, and not the other way around.

Rob Sampson. (Joseph Lemieux)