Editor’s note: The Easton Courier asked candidates running for office representing Easton to submit a bio and platform statement. Rob Blanchard (D) is running for Connecticut’s 28th Senatorial District seat.
I grew up in a strong, hard-working middle-class family. My parents, both of whom worked in healthcare and were very involved in our town, instilled in me the importance of giving back to your community. I was always reminded to be grateful for what we have and to help those who may have less.
After graduating from Syracuse University during the Great Recession, I began a career in public service–looking to help others and solve problems. From working alongside former Attorney General George Jepsen to Governor Ned Lamont, I’ve helped address some of the key issues facing Connecticut such as the impact of the mortgage crisis and the pandemic. Now as Chief of Staff to Comptroller Sean Scanlon, we work to find ways to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
My elected service includes serving on a town planning and zoning board and city council, where I fought to keep neighborhood schools open and property taxes low. Currently I serve on Fairfield’s RTM, where I bring that same energy, commitment to community service, and creative ideas.
I owe so much to Connecticut. It’s where I met my wife, Samantha, who grew up in Fairfield. It’s where we chose to put down roots and raise our son Theo, alongside our two dogs Winslow and Penelope.
My number one priority, if elected, will be to grow our economy, address affordability for families, and fight for fiscal discipline in our budget. That includes lowering the cost of things like childcare and utilities while also exploring how we can expand tax cuts for the middle class and create a business climate where companies can grow and thrive here.
Candidate Statement
As a new father raising a family in Fairfield, I know that families are being squeezed financially, childcare is unaffordable, our taxes are high, healthcare is too expensive, and we need to make it easier for businesses to thrive here. For our state to move forward, we cannot continue to rely on the same playbook. It is time for a change in who represents us, and I’m ready to be that voice in Hartford.
We must address affordability and Connecticut’s high cost of living head on by easing the impact of inflation and combating the rising costs of utilities, healthcare, and prescriptions through smart, proactive legislation. I am committed to ensuring taxes remain stable and predictable for seniors and families, while fighting for increased municipal aid, so local leaders aren’t faced with raising property taxes or cutting education funding.
I’ll also work to defend and protect our fundamental rights – such as a woman’s right to reproductive freedoms and access to paid family and medical leave – regardless of who is in the White House. As your next State Senator, I will fund public safety, strengthen red flag gun laws that save lives, and pass gun safety laws.
At a time when critical industries are facing mass shortages, we must invest in a workforce that attracts and trains the next generation of teachers, healthcare and public safety professionals, mental health workers and manufacturers by working with public and private leaders to identify ways to address the talent gap. We need to ensure that workers who are trained here stay here.
It’s also imperative that we protect watershed towns from overdevelopment and environmental harm. Previous bill proposals have been unsuccessful in Hartford, but I will partner with legislative colleagues as well as First Selectman Dave Bindelglass and Selectman Nick D’Addario–both of whom have endorsed me–to help get legislation over the finish line. As the district continues to address challenges around development, we must also be thoughtful in how and where we build, so that our environment and watershed are not adversely impacted, while protecting open space.
Easton’s farms are one of our greatest assets and contribute to our state’s economy through food and tourism. If elected, I’d work to find innovative ways to keep our farms, like Silverman’s Farm and Maple Row Farm, strong for generations to come by attracting new customers, addressing labor shortage challenges and helping to diversify their offerings with grant funding.
This year alone, for many in Easton, the roads have felt unsafe and residents’ lives were taken too soon. As someone who almost lost their life to a drunk driver, protecting our roads from distracted driving, wrong-way drivers, speeding and other causes that lead to roadway fatalities is so important.
While these are just a few issues, my main focus is connecting with voters and showing them they don’t need to accept the status quo. They can ask for more of their representation and in turn, their elected leaders can do more to make their lives better.
