Candidate Profile: Jason Doucette, 13th House District
MANCHESTER, CT — Jason Doucette, a Manchester resident, is running for the state House of Representatives seat in District 13.
Age: 43
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family: Wife Heather, Children Edward (14) and Charles (12)
Occupation: Attorney (17 yrs experience)
Previous elected experience: State Rep District 13
Family members in government: No ... just me!
Campaign website: https://www.jasondoucettect.co...
The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Economic recovery from Covid-19. We need to put CT back to work in 2021!
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I put people before politics. I am focused on the needs my constituents and making Connecticut a prosperous, fair, affordable, healthy and safe place for all of our residents to live.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? It's been an honor to serve as your State Representative. In my first year, 2019, we accomplished a lot:
- We passed landmark legislation for working families, brought wind power to Connecticut, expanded health coverage for everyone, and enacted some common sense gun control measures.
- I stepped up to serve as the acting Chairman of the Banking Committee, something a Freshman has never done, and helped write and pass the bills to address crumbling foundations and student loan debt.
- And the first two pieces of legislation I proposed on day one - to provide tax relief to homeowners and to small businesses - were passed into law, something I am very proud of.
2020 of course has been consumed with Covid-19 response, and I have been dedicated to my constituents needs, working around the clock to help my constituents with a wide range of issues including with unemployment claims and helping small businesses find funding and navigate regulations.
Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken? Absolutely. I look forward to supporting the reforms outlined in the "Take Back Our Grid" Act which is proposed to be acted upon in a Special Session this year, or if not, it will be a top priority of mine for 2021. Eversource should be accountable to its ratepayers if they do a poor job. In the long term, we need to explore ways of encouraging small public utilities that are responsive to their customers, not just shareholders.
What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses? I am focused on helping our small businesses emerge from Covid-19. We need to streamline regulations, keep some of the Executive Orders that have allowed businesses to operate more efficiently throughout Covid, and provide financial support (in the form of tax credits, jobs programs, or loan programs) as much as possible.
List other issues that define your campaign platform: My primary focus has always been on growing Connecticut's economy, creating jobs and first-rate educational opportunities, and affordability and tax relief for middle and working class residents. I am also passionate about issues of the environment and promoting green energy, expanding healthcare options and affordability, protecting and expanding the right to vote, and common sense gun control.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I was born and raised Manchester and am a 3rd generation resident. I grew up in the Martin School district and currently reside on Stephanies Way with my wife Heather and his 14 year old son Edward ("Teddy"), a Freshman at MHS and 12 year old son Charlie, a 7th grader at Illing. I am a real estate attorney with the firm of Gagliardi Doucette. I currently serve as State Representative for District 13, as Vice Chair of the Banking Committee, and as a member of the Finance Revenue & Bonding Committee, Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, and the General Bonding Subcommittee.
I have a long record of civic involvement in Manchester, having served on the Board of Directors (Town Council), Workforce Development Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, School Modernization and Revitalization Committee (SMARTR 1), and Redevelopment Agency, among many others. I have also been a coach for Manchester Little League for many years, a volunteer with the Highland Park School PTA, a past President (and alumnus) of CAST Children's Theatre, and have been known to moonlight as a drummer or guitarist in local rock and blues bands.
Jason Doucette. (Nicole Alekson)
This article originally appeared on the Manchester Patch
