Candidate Profile: Hector Arzeno For CT House District 151

GREENWICH, CT — The 2020 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Hector Arzeno, a Greenwich resident, is running for House of Representatives District 151.

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: I have four children Veronica, Alex, Isa and Christine, all of whom attended Greenwich Country Day School (GCDS) and Greenwich High School (GHS), where one is currently in her junior year. My wife, Paula Picco, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, working with The Family Centers in Greenwich and maintains a small private practice.

Occupation: Financial Executive - Over 40 years of experience

Previous elected experience: Representative Town Meeting - District 8 - Finance Committee and Alternate Claims Committee

Family members in government: No

Campaign website: www.electhector.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Economic development and growth, we must foster long-term in-migration by improving technological and transportation infrastructure via public-private partnerships, capitalize our state assets to reduce debt through long term leases and capital projects, keep our retirees in via , attracting young residents, and supporting key industries. Since COVID-19, over 25,000 new residents have moved into CT.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe my involvement and commitment to service in the community stands out. This campaign has given me the opportunity to re-connect with old friends and make new ones as I walk the District listening to concerns and priorities of residents. I value the opportunity to represent everyone.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

With over forty years of experience in international finance in Senior Management and as a Board of Director. In these roles, I actively participated in the formation of an Inter-American Financial Institution with the Inter American Investment Corporation (IIC). I acquired the skills I will utilize in my public service roles. These include conflict resolution, a disciplined work ethic and a tireless devotion to achieving goals.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?

I believe we are seeing these steps being taken today in Hartford with performance based ratemaking, increased accountability, and staffing requirements for utilities.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

Making small businesses easier to operate and form by reducing cumbersome filing fees, and using technology as a resource for business management, extending grant opportunities, navigating taxes, employment strategies, and liquidity and capital management.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Nothing has highlighted our need for equal access to healthcare more than the current pandemic, which is leaving many of our state residents with oppressive medical bills, concerns for crowding our hospitals, and many residents are now uninsured or unemployed. I fully support the governor's plan for a CT option via the Affordable Healthcare Act, which will allow non-profits, small businesses and individuals without employer-provided or subsidized insurance, including those with preexisting conditions, to buy into the state’s public healthcare plan.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

We must continue to court clean energy industries, and continue to institute state-wide policies to ensure minimal waste, clean air, and safe shorelines and water. We cannot afford to introduce or industries which compromise our environment now and for generations to come. Accordingly, I support creating tax incentives for clean energy industries and will avidly support legislation which protects our environment.

This article originally appeared on the Greenwich Patch