Candidate Profile: Rick Lopes, State Senate District 6.
FARMINGTON, CT — Rick Lopes, a New Britain resident, is running for the state Senate in District 6.
Age: 49
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family: Teresa Sapieha-Yanchak - wife. Kids Tim Yanchak, Will Yanchak, Lily Lopes
Occupation: Self-employed property manager
Previous elected experience: State Representative, 24th, 2012 to current
Family members in government: No
Campaign website: lopesforct.com
The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: pandemic response. We need to continue our successful efforts to minimize the effect of the pandemic and plan for the financial damage we will face in 2021
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am a small business owner with a progressive democratic voting record. I have a long record of making pragmatic and thoughtful decisions for this state. My opponent is rated the second most conservative politician in the senate. He is a supporter of President Trump
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I was a leader in the fight for the $15/hour minimum wage and paid family sick leave. I never missed one vote in my first 7 years as a legislator and use my background as a social worker to aid constituents with a strong constituent service focus.
Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken? I serve on the Energy Committee and am part of the group demanding utility oversight changes after the last storm and rate hikes
What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses? There will need to be strategic aid available to businesses in the fall and probably in the spring to make sure businesses do not fail and increase unemployment. Government must make funds and resources available to aid businesses.
List other issues that define your campaign platform: I am emphasizing the need for rational and civil decision making. This out of control partisanship needs to stop and we need to make decisions that will help all residents of the state. Especially those who are facing hard times.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
This article originally appeared on the Farmington Patch
