Candidate Profile: Derek Slap, State Senate, 5th District

WEST HARTFORD/FARMINGTON, CT — Derek Slap, a West Hartford resident, is running for the state Senate in District 5.

Age: 46

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: Married to Alex and have three children: Maggie, Zoe and Charlie

Occupation:VP of Advancement at The Village (1)

Previous elected experience:1 term as state rep and one term as state senator

Family members in government: no

Campaign website: slapforsenate.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Rebuilding and strengthening our economy in the aftermath of the pandemic in way that encourages growth, stable budgets and opportunity for all. Every member of the General Assembly has a role to play. As Chair of the Aging Committee, I introduced a bill to combat age discrimination in the hiring process - and considering that we have the 7th oldest workforce in the nation - this is critically important. I brought labor and business, Republicans and Democrats together to pass the bill unanimously out of committee and if not for the pandemic shutting down session it would have become law this year. This is the kind of work we must do - helping people recover, working across party lines whenever possible and listening to constituents. We should apply the same principles to issues like transportation, racial inequality and budgeting.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I've been in the General Assembly for four years and I've gotten results for constituents. From writing and passing a landmark pay equity bill to co-sponsoring a bill to cap the cost of insulin, I've listened and led. I've also personally helped hundreds of people get assistance during the pandemic, helping them cut through red tape and get the benefits they need. I will continue to work tirelessly for every person in the 5th district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I'm gratified that I've been able to help pass important legislation on pay equity, gun safety, capping insulin and helping small businesses. My work has resulted in endorsements from groups like our public school teachers, the Sierra Club, NARAL, Planned Parenthood, Moms Demand Action against gun violence, and the League of Conservation Voters. Above all, the most meaningful thing is knowing that I've been able to help people in these uncertain times. Every time I receive an email or call from someone letting me know they got the help they need, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken? Yes. Currently electric utilities are overseen by PURA and it's clear that reforms are needed. In recent years utilities have allowed the number of in-state crew dwindle while executive pay and stock prices have soared. Shareholders, hedge funds and the top executives are doing great but rate payers are left in the dark. We need to put the 'public' back in public utilities by regulations requiring tougher standards for rate increases, increased public involvement, performance based metrics, minimum staffing levels, credits for rate payers when power goes out, and better communication between the utilities and the towns.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses? We need to be governed by science and when we act in the best interest of public health we are ultimately helping the economy as well. Many businesses need additional state/federal assistance. In addition, they need rapid response from state government, better transportation infrastructure, improved workforce training programs and more affordable utility and health care costs. These are things we can do and must do to strengthen our economy.

List other issues that define your campaign platform: I'm committed to working hard to address health care costs, invest in public education, address racial inequality, reduce gun violence, and protect our environment.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Email me anytime to share your priorities with me. My email is derekmslap@gmail.com.

Derek Slap (Cara Paiuk)