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State Representative Candidate Profile: Laura Devlin

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Daily Voice sent out a questionnaire to all candidates seeking office in this year's election.

Laura Devlin, the Republican candidate for the State House of Representatives seat for District 134 (Fairfield and Trumbull)

Laura Devlin, the Republican candidate for the State House of Representatives seat for District 134 (Fairfield and Trumbull)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Laura Devlin

The following are the responses of Laura Devlin, Republican candidate for the State House of Representatives seat for District 134 (Fairfield and Trumbull). She is facing Democratic candidate Tara Cook-Littman.

Name: Laura Devlin

Age: 54

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Affiliations: Member of Fairfield Representative Town Meeting, District 3; Fairfield Representative Town Meeting Finance Committee; Fairfield Chamber of Commerce; Greenfield Hill Village Improvement Society; Greenfield Hill Grange

Past offices: Fairfield Board of Assessment Appeals, Secretary (2011 – 2013)

Current race: State Representative 134th District

If elected, what would you do to improve roads and trains in Fairfield County? 

1) Immediately put the lock box in place on the transportation fund so that monies can no longer be raided to balance the budget or go toward non-transportation or special interest projects. We pay one of the highest gas tax rates in the nation because those funds are supposed to support our transportation infrastructure. 

2) Prioritize projects and invest in Fairfield County. We contribute almost half of the total tax revenue to the state, yet we get so little back. The Metro-North New Haven Line is the busiest commuter line in the nation and our roads are incredibly congested. Instead of projects like the $500 billion, 9-mile high-speed bus lane between New Britain and Hartford, we need to invest here to ensure a safe, reliable and consistent rail and road transportation infrastructure that will also encourage economic development.

3) Develop a long-term plan that considers innovative ways to address our transportation challenges beyond just our roads and rail lines, such as exploring opportunities to use our waterways.

If elected, what is your position on state spending and the state budget? 

My position in state spending and the budget is quite simple. We must stop spending money we don’t have and start living within our means. State spending is at record levels, and despite a $1.8 billion tax increase, that was retroactive on income tax and increased and expanded our state sales tax, we still have growing deficits. As a result, 76 percent of Connecticut residents say their taxes are too high and nearly half of the state’s residents would leave if they could. It’s time we return to common sense budgeting and spending in Hartford, like we do at home. Spend no more than you make and borrow only what you can afford to pay back. Special projects like Governor Malloy’s offer to Bridgeport for a $300 million second train station, that was a surprise to those in his own administration, have got to stop.

What is another top issue or priority in your town or district that you would address in office?

As I talk to voters the biggest issue I hear is concern about taxes and affordability. There is also an underlying theme about our ailing economy and the lack of jobs. Forbes magazine ranks Connecticut the fifth worst state in which to make a living and we’re ranked as one of the worst in which to do business. I am endorsed by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and as a small business owner, I understand the challenges businesses face. I will support work to lower the cost of doing business and help companies choose Connecticut. This includes reducing or eliminating job killing business taxes and removing unnecessary regulations. I believe that when we encourage companies to come, stay and grow in Connecticut – they’ll create jobs, contribute revenue, and ultimately help turn our economy around.

Why should people vote for you?

I am the best choice for the voters because I am an action-oriented problem solver, not an activist. I am running for election, endorsed by current Representative Tony Hwang, because I care about our community and our state. As a successful businesswoman, former commuter and a long time Fairfield resident, I have a track record of giving back to our community as both volunteer and elected official. I know how important it is to consider not just the loudest voices, but all of the voices in making important decisions that balance the needs of affordability and desirability in our community. That’s what I plan to do at the state level. Connecticut is a wonderful place to live, but the tax and spend policy in Hartford does not work and is crippling our state’s economy. I know we can do better that’s why I want to work for the people in the 134th  District and address the issues of Taxes and Affordability, Jobs and the Economy and Transportation to help Connecticut once again be the great state it once was.

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