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The following are the responses of Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives seat for District 133. She is facing Republican candidate Carol Way. The seat is currently held by Democrat Kim Fawcett, who is running for State Senate.
Name: Cristin McCarthy Vahey
Age: 44
Occupation: Public Official, Social Worker
Affiliations: Democrat, Working Families Party
Past offices: Representative Town Meeting, 2005-2011; Board of Selectmen, 2011-present
Current race: State Representative District 133
If elected, what would you do to improve roads and trains in Fairfield County?
Thousands of Fairfield families and employers rely on our transportation network. I have consistently supported and will continue to support adequate funding for road and rail safety. However, we must invest not only in maintenance of existing infrastructure, but also in improvements that will serve us well into the future. Planning for and investment in a multi-modal transportation system, including designated bicycle and pedestrian routes, will have long-term benefits.
If elected, what is your position on state spending and the state budget?
Building on the state’s partnership with employers to support job growth is a clear pathway to improving the economy and increasing revenue. We should assure the state’s collection of sales tax from online merchants to increase compliance and, as a result, revenues. We must continually look for efficiencies in order to streamline without sacrificing critical services.
We must carefully review tax laws to ensure they are equitable and sustainable. Tax incentives offered business must not be at the expense of the individual taxpayer, and must require a commitment to hire and employ citizens for the long term. Our capital investments in companies must be designed for long term results, not short term benefits. Budget challenges require difficult conversations. I will listen and examine a variety of solutions so that we can responsibly address these issues.
What is another top issue or priority in your town or district that you would address in office?
Public education is the cornerstone of our future. Continuing to expand early childhood education and affordable daycare for families prepares students to learn and provides parents the ability to work. We need education that is standards-based but not solely focused on test performance. Standards and progress metrics alone will not create the passion, creativity and curiosity necessary for the innovation and success that makes this country great.
Education is also a cornerstone of our economy. I support the Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (CAMI) which uses federal funding for community colleges to advance manufacturing training, and provides students the skills they need to work in today’s jobs. Investment in Bioscience Business Development programs, Regenerative Medicine Research and the Manufacturing Reinvestment Account will grow jobs in the scientific business sector. This type of investment in education assures Connecticut employers that they will have a trained workforce
Why should people vote for you?
I have been a strong advocate for education, both as a parent volunteer and a member of Board of Education advisory committees. I have championed Fairfield’s Bicycle and Pedestrian efforts, working with elected and appointed bodies, town departments and neighborhoods. I co-chair Fairfield Cares Community Coalition, which works to prevent youth substance abuse and suicide. I have voted for and advanced our Clean Energy Task Force’s initiatives. I have a history of service as a volunteer as well as an elected leader on the RTM for three terms and now as a Board of Selectman member. There are many challenges and I will continue to develop and advance initiatives to meet them.
My vision for Fairfield is one I have for our state: that we are a place where our graduates can find jobs, seniors can afford to stay in the neighborhoods they built, transportation is safe, accessible and reliable, education continues to improve for students everywhere and we continue to build a community based on respect and care for one another. This is the Fairfield I love and the community I will continue to support and serve.
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