Candidate Profile: Joe Gresko For Stratford House District 121

CONNECTICUT — 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.

Joe Gresko, a Stratford resident, is running for House of Representatives District 121.

Age: 56

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Occupation: Green Initiatives Coordinator, 2016-2020

Previous elected experience: Stratford Town Councilperson, Stratford Inland Wetlands Commissioner

Family members in government: Negative

Campaign website: None

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

Improving our financial future. Continue working on issues such as phasing out state income tax on Social Security and pensions, paying down unfunded liabilities such as state employee pensions while maintaining our rainy day fund as we navigate our way through COVID-19.

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

Experience doing the job, success in passing laws helpful to the state and Stratford and accessibility.

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

Securing additional education funding for Stratford, getting several DOT projects going in town and providing absentee voting options for voters in November.

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

I approved the performance-based rate bill passed in the legislature, allowing customers the ability to get a refund if their power isn't restored within 96 hours.

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

Streamlining the DOL website to improve the application process, continue to provide state grants for small businesses' recovery, have sufficient PPE supplies on hand for small business.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Experience, leadership, integrity

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

Stratford born and raised.

This article originally appeared on the Stratford Patch