Candidate Profile: Juan David Ospina 145th District
STAMFORD, 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.
Juan David "JD" Ospina, a Stamford resident, is running for state representative for the 145th district.
Age: 32
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family: Ximena Rodriguez is my wife
Occupation: Healthcare Professional at Community Health Center, Inc
Previous elected experience: N/A
Family members in government: No
Campaign website: jdforct.com
The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
It is really about our local economy and the fiscal debt that Connecticut is facing. I plan to reduce wasteful spending and take a closer look at our budget as I evaluate new legislation.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The other candidate has not addressed our fiscal issues at all.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a member of the Social Services Commission for the City of Stamford, and a graduate of NYU with a degree in Public Administration, I have a unique perspective to handle the growing debt crises that Connecticut is in while keeping in mind the needs of our community. I understand complex municipal finance in a way that I can look at our state budget and target areas where we can find cost-savings and additional revenue.
Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?
Yes, we need to look at how rates are being evaluated.
What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
We should look to re-open our businesses while taking necessary precautions.
List other issues that define your campaign platform:
Education and healthcare reform. I am also a strong opponent of tolls since I believe there are other ways of fixing our budget.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Few people to have served both in the Peace Corps in Ecuador and in the United States Army as a combat medic.
This article originally appeared on the Stamford Patch
