Brenda Kupchick and Chris DeSanctis are vying for the Republican nomination in the race for the 132nd District seat in the state House. Registered GOP voters in the district will make their choice when they go to the caucus on Tuesday (May 18) from 4-8 p.m. Some questions for Kupchick:
When and why did you choose to live in Fairfield? Im a third-generation Fairfield resident. I never considered living anywhere else.
Is our community a better place now than when you arrived? I have fond memories of growing up in Fairfield. I come from a large family and they were always around the town. I feel like I know every corner of Fairfield, but its definitely changed a lot since I was young. The County Cinema, Fairfield Department Store, Miro Farms, Kuhns hot dog stand are gone. We still have Lupes Drugs, Dairy Queen, Rawleys and the Community Theater. So Fairfield has changed in many ways, but the true essence of Fairfield hasnt changed.
When and why did you decide to enter public service? It was a call to service more than a conscious decision, but basically it was because I was tired of politicians ignoring the voices of my friends and neighbors. My neighborhood was dealing with a decision to redistrict students from my sons elementary school. Though my son had moved on to middle school, a neighbor called to share with me the details of the issue and the unfairness of it and asked, Are you going to just let this happen? I clearly remember saying, What can I do? Famous last words. That was back in 1996. I started attending Board of Education, Board of Finance and RTM meetings and didnt like what I saw. I started a grassroots group called One Voice that was made up of parents and seniors who felt disenfranchised by the town bodies disregard of pubic opinion. The biggest lesson was that one person really can make a difference and if you have the courage of your convictions, you can have a profound effect.
Your favorite book? I have many favorites, but if I had to choose one, Id say To Kill a Mockingbird.
Your favorite movie? Patton and Gone with the Wind are on my top ten list.
Your favorite television show? I started watching 60 Minutes with my parents when I was young and still watch it today. My husband and I also like Survivor and 24, and, of course, baseball and football.
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as state representative? Connecticut residents pay the second highest taxes in the nation. I want to work to get us out of the top 10 before more of our jobs and young people flee for other states. I have a lot of knowledge from my work on the RTM and Board of Education and from working in a congressional office. That background means Ill be ready to start getting things done on day one. Im also a long-time business owner so I know first hand the hurdles we face. I will work hard to bring down the debt, reduce the massive spending and support legislation that is business friendly so the people of Connecticut can get back to work.
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