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The following are the responses of Brenda Kupchick, Republican incumbent candidate for the State House of Representatives seat for District 132 (Fairfield). She is facing Democratic challenger Kevin Coyner.
Name: Brenda L. Kupchick
Age: 49
Married/single/family? Married to Peter, one son, two rescue Beagles
Affiliations: Republican-Independent endorsed appearing on both lines on callot
Occupation: Co-owner of Peter Kupchick Heating & Cooling Inc.
Education: Fairfield University, Norwalk Community College
Volunteer: Operation Hope, Center of Family Justice, Animal Rescue
Former Constituent Service Representative for former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays
Previous elected positions held:
Representative Town Meeting 1999-2003
Board of Education 2003-2009
Parks & Recreation Commission 2004-2009
State Representative 2011-present
If elected, what would you do to improve roads and trains in Fairfield County?
Fairfield and Southport have many commuting residents and they're fed up with constantly jammed highways, and a Metro-North system that is fundamentally flawed, frankly I am too!
The legislature's majority has raided the Special Transportation Fund of nearly 300 million in the last four years. This fund is set aside from gas tax dollars for transportation projects to maintain our rail system, repair bridges and roads. I supported legislation that would amend the state constitution to protect the Fund and to designate rail fare increases go specifically for rail improvements.
The state has not invested in improvements and has long underfunded basic maintenance. One of the best ways to promote job growth is to create a long range plan for transportation. The next governor MUST work with the legislature to create a LONG TERM plan to implement congestion strategies for I-95 and create a real plan to invest into our rail line.
If elected, what is your position on state spending and the state budget?
The number one issue I'm hearing as I walk our neighborhoods and talk to people while campaigning is the high cost of living and taxes in Connecticut. People are frustrated. The majority in the legislature expanded the role of government, put government operating costs and pork projects on the state’s credit card and refused to downsize the state workforce through attrition. The state must do what we do every day in our own homes: spend no more than you make and only borrow what you can afford to pay back. Reducing unfunded mandates on towns and school districts will help reduce Fairfield’s costs. The constant increase in state spending and excessive borrowing is not responsible or sustainable. People are tired of budget gimmicks. If we don’t get control of the spending and stop wasting taxpayer’s money, Connecticut’s residents will face more tax increases.
What is another top issue or priority in your town or district that you would address in office?
Jobs: As a local small business owner with my husband, I know firsthand what it’s like to operate within the state’s existing regulations and policies. During my first term I created a Business Advisory Council made up of local business owners that meets regularly to discuss the challenges we face and to identify legislative solutions.
Connecticut's oppressive tax and regulatory environment repels businesses that are looking to relocate or start up. Young people who attend college here can't stay here. I supported, "Learn Here, Live Here," legislation that allows students to save money tax free to put down on their first homes. The issue becomes the high cost of living in Connecticut. Without a diverse businesses climate young people can’t find good jobs. The policies of the last decade have jeopardized Connecticut's future. We must have a more balanced government that works together and compromises to turn the tide.
Why should people vote for you?
I first ran for local office because I was tired of local politicians ignoring the concerns of my friends and neighbors. After co-founding a group that successfully worked to have the public’s voice included in education decisions. I turned my attention to the CT General Assembly. Serving in the legislature has been a wonderful and challenging experience. I have made it a priority to communicate regularly with constituents through email, the Internet, town hall forums, and "legislator on your corner" meetings. As a result of this ongoing dialog, I've introduced legislative proposals that reflect our communities' concerns, while fighting against proposals our community opposes. I have a reputation for straight talk and working with all sides to find solutions. I have taken every opportunity to listen and learn from the people of our community, and I hope I’ve earned your trust for another term.
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